Metro Park reports lower rodeo turnout, previews fall concerts and holiday events

At the Oct. 17 Board of County Commissioners meeting, Metro Park representatives Stoney and Cody updated commissioners on recent events at the park, saying the Nile rodeo had lower attendance this weekend and previewing several upcoming concerts and seasonal events.

The park’s representative Stoney said attendance at this year’s Nile rodeo was down, attributing part of the shortfall to scheduling and the timing of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association season. "I personally, I think that they were a little low in some spots," Stoney said, adding that organizers scheduled a Sunday show instead of their typical date and that many athletes were resting after the PRCA season concluded Sept. 30.

Cody provided ticket-sales figures for the weekend, reporting, "For Friday's rodeo, we had 1,428 tickets sold," with 2,437 sold on Saturday and 776 on Sunday; he noted some additional tickets are sold on consignment by the Nile and final settlement numbers could adjust those totals. He also listed several upcoming events, including a ranch rodeo (1,015 tickets out), concerts by Skillet and Theory of a Dead Man (1,743 tickets reported), Journey (just over 6,500 tickets), and presale availability for Parker McCollum.

Park representatives said construction in the front parking lot has affected parking patterns and that organizers adapted by using portions of other areas for parking during high-traffic events. Stoney described the production and athlete performance at the rodeo as good, while noting turnout was affected by the new-season scheduling.

The update provided commissioners with operational and attendance context ahead of the winter and spring concert calendar. The board thanked Metro Park staff for the report; no board action was requested or taken on the items presented.