The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has broken ground on The Farm, a $300 million agricultural complex that will serve as its second campus.
The new development will provide additional space for livestock exhibitions, horse shows, youth competitions and year-round educational programs.
Known as The Farm, the campus will be built on approximately 350 acres of Rodeo-owned property along Highway 288 near Reed Road. Plans include more than 1 million square feet of facilities.
The Houston Rodeo expects The Farm agricultural complex to open in time for the 2029 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The Farm Expands Rodeo Operations
The Farm stands for Furthering Our Agriculture and Ranching Mission. Rodeo volunteers submitted possible names during a multiphase selection process that concluded with a community vote.
The new campus will not replace the Rodeo’s primary operations at NRG Park. Concerts, the carnival and other traditional attractions will remain at the park. Many agricultural, livestock and equine activities will move to The Farm.
The expansion will replace an aging arena at NRG Park and provide more room for agricultural programming throughout the year. Rodeo officials also expect the second campus to reduce congestion and crowding during the annual event.
Attendance at the 2026 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo reached 2,621,765 over 24 days. Plans call for stronger shuttle services between the two campuses, allowing visitors to attend activities at both locations.
Agricultural and Equine Facilities Planned
The Farm is expected to include approximately 900,000 square feet of air-conditioned space. More than 800,000 square feet will be dedicated to indoor agricultural and equine facilities.
Plans also include more than 1,100 livestock pens, over 800 horse stalls, approximately 60 wash bays and updated animal-care infrastructure.
A 2,000-seat multipurpose pavilion and more than 200 recreational vehicle hookups are planned. The campus will also offer expanded spaces for education, competitions and gatherings.
Design plans focus on shortening travel distances and reducing waiting times for exhibitors moving animals and equipment into and out of the facilities. Additional amenities and overnight accommodations will support exhibitors and their families.
Youth Competitions and Year-Round Programs
During Rodeo season, The Farm is expected to host horse show competitions, small livestock shows and agricultural mechanics contests. Commercial auctions and educational competitions involving FFA, 4-H and collegiate programs are also planned.
Throughout the remainder of the year, the property will host educational programs, fundraisers, galas, auctions, community events and volunteer meetings. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will fund the project without public money. The organization has owned the property since 1991.
Investment in Texas Youth and Education
The expansion represents a major investment in the Rodeo’s agricultural mission and its work with young exhibitors. The 2026 Livestock Show recorded 33,513 entries, including 21,596 junior show entries. The Horse Show attracted an additional 5,087 entries.
Preliminary, unaudited junior auction sales reached a record $35.2 million in 2026. The organization also committed more than $32 million to education during the year. It was the largest annual commitment in the Rodeo’s 94-year history. That investment included nearly $17.9 million in scholarships, more than $11.2 million for junior show exhibitors and more than $3.4 million in educational program grants.
Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has committed more than $660 million to Texas youth and education.
The Farm is scheduled to open in 2029, three years before the organization celebrates its centennial in 2032. The 2027 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled for March 2-21 at NRG Park.
