Community Impact
The San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association's benefits to the local economy exceed $24.7 million annually and attracts over 100,000 people to the city. This vital part of the local economy began as the "San Angelo Fat Stock Show Association" in 1931 because civic leaders correctly believed the fair would cement San Angelo as the center of the livestock industry in West Texas.
The first show was held in the spring of 1932 at the polo grounds north of town. Organizers added a rodeo and moved the event to fairgrounds on the city's north side in 1934. After a tornado devastated the Lake View community and the fairgrounds in May 1953, Association members spearheaded the effort to build an indoor arena for the rodeo and other events. In March 1959, the first rodeo performances were held in the San Angelo Coliseum, home to the rodeo ever since.
Originally, the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association was part of the Board of City Development (forerunner of today's Chamber of Commerce). As both organizations grew, directors decided in 1983 to create a separate, non-profit organization dedicated solely to the stock show, rodeo and related activities. In 1988, the Association moved into its own office building adjacent to the Coliseum and fairgrounds where it is located today.