Rodeo Houston Canceled by Coronavirus Scare

HOUSTON, TX – Officials with Rodeo Houston have confirmed during a noon press conference that the show has been canceled because of the spread of the Coronavirus in Harris County.

Rodeo Houston officials confirmed at the live news conference that the largest rodeo in the world will close at 4 p.m. today after the City of Houston and the Houston Health Department ordered the rodeo to close.

Rodeo Houston in 2019 had a $227 million economic impact on Harris County.

Here is the news release:

"In the interest of public health, the City of Houston and the Houston Health Department have ordered the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ to close. The Rodeo will respectfully and dutifully comply with the City’s order.

The Rodeo is deeply saddened; however, the safety and well-being of our guests and our community is our top priority. Out of precaution, the City has decided that this is the best course of action for our community.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has been a fabric of this community since 1932. Having to close early is extremely difficult as guests, volunteers, exhibitors, rodeo athletes and entertainers look forward to the 20 days of the Rodeo each year.

We look forward to the 2021 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to continue to promote agriculture, education, entertainment and Western heritage. We will provide additional information as it becomes available. Updates will be posted at rodeohouston.com/2020."

This is a developing story.