The Western Rodeo Cowboys Association (WRCA) Rodeo has been a staple of Amarillo’s annual events for nearly three decades, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and contributing millions of dollars to the city’s economy. But as the event continues to grow, concerns over the limitations of the Amarillo Civic Center have raised questions about the rodeo’s future in the city.
The current venue, while historically adequate, is increasingly seen as insufficient to accommodate the expanding needs of the rodeo. "We sold out our Saturday performance in under two hours, and the Friday performance in less than 48 hours," said John Wall, WRCA spokesperson. "Capacity is an ongoing concern. We need more arena space, and certain limitations, like the height of the facility, prevent some shows from being held here. These aren’t just WRCA issues; they’re challenges for other events, too."
The WRCA's current contract with the Civic Center expires after the 2024 rodeo season, and discussions about potential upgrades or relocation are already underway. For now, the WRCA is pursuing a year-to-year agreement with the city, allowing for flexibility while negotiations continue.
“We’re doing everything we can to stay here,” said Randy Whipple, WRCA treasurer. “So we're working on a one-year contract extension for 2025, but at the same time, we have to remain open to the possibility of moving the event to a larger venue if the infrastructure here cannot keep up with our growth.”
The WRCA Rodeo, now in its 29th year in Amarillo, is a critical event for the city. It draws between 40,000 and 45,000 visitors annually and generates an estimated $7 to $8 million in direct economic impact. With crowds continuing to grow each year, local leaders and WRCA representatives are exploring ways to increase seating capacity and improve the facility’s amenities to support both the rodeo and other major events.
"The WRCA was born in Amarillo, and it should stay in Amarillo," Wall emphasized. "But we have to ensure that the facility can keep up with the event’s growth, and that’s a conversation we’ll be having in the coming months."
Expanding the Civic Center or Moving Elsewhere?
As the rodeo’s popularity soars, the limitations of the Amarillo Civic Center Complex are becoming more apparent. The WRCA has identified several areas where improvements are needed to accommodate the increasing size of the event. "Our wish list starts with another arena, with more seating and modern amenities," Whipple said. "We would also need more exhibition space, which is critical for our participants and sponsors."
The Amarillo Civic Center, while offering the convenience of an all-under-one-roof experience, struggles to meet the demands of larger crowds and modern event production. The height of the arena, for example, restricts the ability to host certain events, and the overall size of the venue limits growth potential. This is not just a WRCA-specific problem but an issue that could affect other large events in Amarillo.
The city of Amarillo has been in ongoing discussions with WRCA representatives about potential improvements to the Civic Center. "Amarillo is home to the WRCA, and they are our largest event," said Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley. "We recognize the importance of the rodeo to our economy and community, and we’re committed to finding solutions that will allow the event to continue here."
However, Mayor Stanley also acknowledged that growth will be a key issue moving forward. “As Amarillo continues to grow, we will have multiple good options moving forward of what we can afford and what we need,” he said. “At some point, the city will have to make a decision—either we expand the current Civic Center, or the WRCA may need to find a larger venue.”
A Year-to-Year Approach
For now, the WRCA and the city are taking a cautious, year-to-year approach to the rodeo’s future. The WRCA’s decision to sign a one-year contract extension with the Civic Center provides both parties with the flexibility to adapt to changing needs. "We love Amarillo, and the cowboy culture here is something we really value," said Whipple. "But we’ve reached a point where we need to make some decisions about the future of the rodeo and where it can best continue to grow."
Whipple and other WRCA representatives are clear that the event’s mission has always been about more than just entertainment; it’s about supporting the WRCA’s foundation, which provides grants and educational opportunities for working ranch cowboys. The rodeo’s success is deeply tied to Amarillo’s identity, but the WRCA acknowledges that space limitations may eventually force them to look elsewhere.
“The WRCA is about more than just a rodeo; it’s about keeping that cowboy culture alive,” said Mayor Stanley. “There’s a lot of business done with a handshake in this industry, and we’re committed to working with the WRCA to make sure we have a solution in place. But growth is very important to us, and we want to make sure the city can support the event’s future.”
Looking Ahead
While no final decision has been made, both sides agree that finding a solution will be crucial in maintaining the WRCA Rodeo’s long-term presence in Amarillo. Whether through expanding the current Civic Center or exploring new venues, the WRCA is determined to keep the event in its hometown if possible.
"For the rodeo to continue thriving here, adjustments may be necessary," Wall said. "We want to stay in Amarillo. This is where we started, and this is where we want to remain. But we have to ensure the facility can support our growth."
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