Houston Rodeo Sets an All-Time Attendance Record with Go Tejano Day
Written by Coog Radio on March 17, 2015
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo reached an all-time new record when they welcomed 75,357 attendees to its annual Go Tejano Day at NRG Stadium. Founded in 1931, Rodeo Houston has evolved for the better, and nearly eighty-four years later, the Rodeo has much to celebrate. Fans stood up and clapped as the commentator announced that on Sunday, during Go Tejano Day, a new record of attendance had been reached. The packed stadium received three musical acts with a wide reception: La Arrolladora Banda El Limón, La Maquinaria Norteña, and a Mariachi competition that left many in tears of awe.
The roar of the crowd was restless during the night as every band seemed to bring something unique and special to the Rodeo. From their colorful outfits and traditional musical instruments, both bands played their hearts off on stage. La Maquinaria Norteña kicked off the night with a red, white and blue uniform that paid respect to the great state of Texas. After the show, the band hosted a press conference where they revealed that the costumes were specifically tailored for this unforgettable night that will “forever remain in [their] hearts.” Rodeo attendees demanded more from the band when they concluded their presentation to allow for the Mariachi groups to compete.
The final round of Go Tejano’s 24th Annual Mariachi Invitational was hosted on a separate smaller stage on the northern side of the dirt field. The two final Mariachi groups faced-off as they each attempted to captivate the attention of the seventy-five thousand plus attendees by singing traditional Mariachi songs that exposed their musical talent. The Mariachi competition concluded and Mariachi Azteca de America, from San Antonio, Texas, won the competition and took home a trophy along with the admirable respect of the people they touched with their exceptional performance. They walked off and, before you knew it, La Arrolladora Banda El Limón surprised the audience when they began to play immediately following the Mariachi competition. The attention the Mariachi groups generated indulged everyone into the art of music, allowing for the band to jump on to the center stage before anyone could notice them. The roaring continued as La Arrolladora Banda El Limón began playing their songs and immediately, all eyes were on them.
La Arrolladora Banda El Limón returned to the NRG center stage again since their first-ever Rodeo appearance in 2011 proved to be a good one. They played traditional regional Mexican music. Founded in the 1960’s, the band has developed a strong music-related reputation that has allowed them to record over ten studio albums and, in 2011, scored a Latin Grammy for Best Banda Album. Due to the multiple musical acts, the band was forced to perform a shorter set list that left many wanting more. Fans screamed “One more! One more!” as the band left the stage and colorful fireworks were displayed. This was the bands second time performing on the Houston Rodeo’s stage and will probably not be the last. They’re willing and hoping to perform again at the Houston Rodeo in the following years, they mentioned during a press conference after.
Go Tejano Day proved to be a memorable night for many. When the concert concluded, thousands of attendees proceeded to the outsides of NRG Stadium to celebrate and enjoy the carnival attractions, special events, and traditional Rodeo food. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues their festivities as they prepare for seven more days of live performances, auctions and many more activities fit for the entire family.
By Sebastian Troitino
