San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Transforms Venue With Over 2,000 Tons of Dirt

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Before the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo could begin, the Frost Bank Center had to be transformed into a rodeo arena by adding more than 2,000 tons of dirt. Dozens of volunteers spent around 7 hours removing seating, lining the arena floor, and loading in the dirt to create a 10-12 inch deep dirt surface for the livestock and contestants.

Why it matters

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is a long-standing annual event that draws large crowds. Preparing the venue with the right dirt mixture is crucial to providing a safe and high-quality experience for the rodeo competitors and spectators.

The details

The rodeo has been recycling the same dirt since 1988, saving $25,000-$30,000 annually that can go towards the event's scholarship fund. New sand and other materials are added each year to maintain the perfect balance of dirt, clay, and sand for grip and softness. During the event, staff will regularly rake and monitor the moisture content of the dirt to ensure it's in optimal condition.

• The dirt was loaded in over 7 hours before the rodeo festivities began on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
• After the event ends on March 1, 2026, workers will spend 5 hours loading the dirt back up and storing it in a large mound behind the stadium.

What’s next

After the rodeo ends on March 1, 2026, the staff will begin the process of removing the dirt from the arena floor and storing it for use in future years.