HOUSTON RODEO
Case Study: When you need to go Texas big, you drop in rocking
Texas scale.
The Houston Rodeo (The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo or HLSR) is renowned for its vibrant blend of thrilling rodeo events and world-class musical performances. Held at NRG Stadium, the rodeo sought to redefine entertainment for its audience by creating a seamless transition between the rodeo events and the post-event concert. With over ~70,000 attendees each night, the challenge was to keep the energy alive and the crowd engaged without a lull.
To reinvent the experience in a way that celebrated the excitement levels to date would be difficult, but with Smartstage's decades of experience in large and exciting custom projects, we were able to amp up the crowd experience to new levels... literally. Enter the all-aluminum 40-foot turntable stage, equipped with built-in motors, lights, and smoke effects, designed and executed to perfection. This stage, lowered while spinning and shooting smoke and pyrotechnics as the band played on it, gently landed into and on the already massive 60' x 40' rectangular stage in the round below.
Challenge.
The Houston Rodeo’s organizers were looking for innovative ways to keep the audience captivated after the last bull left the ring. They wanted a show-stopping spectacle that would instantly grab attention and maintain the party atmosphere, create a flawless transition from rodeo to music without losing audience energy, utilize an in-the-round design for 360-degree visibility, and incorporate advanced stage technology for dynamic visual and audio effects.
Solution.
Smartstage developed a modular staging solution designed specifically for large-scale, high-traffic events. The system provided a stable, durable platform capable of supporting presenters, performers, and production equipment throughout the rodeo’s extensive schedule.
ADA-compliant access components ensured safe movement on and off the stage, while the modular design allowed the staging footprint to be adjusted as event needs evolved. Built for durability and repeat use, the Smartstage system delivered consistent performance in a demanding, multi-day environment.
Delivery.
Smartstage’s solution enabled the Houston Rodeo to operate smoothly from start to finish, supporting continuous programming without interruption. The staging system handled sustained crowd interaction, frequent transitions, and heavy usage while maintaining safety and structural integrity.
By combining strength, flexibility, and efficient deployment, Smartstage provided the foundation needed to support one of the country’s most iconic live events... helping to bring to life a seamless experience for organizers, performers, and attendees alike.
SMARTSTAGE DELIVERS
Time and again, we've taken on complex and rewarding challenges on behalf of our clients and expanding family of event producers, activators, and brand management teams. No matter the challenge, with our team... you're in good company.
