San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
There’s only one way to break up the winter blues, and that’s with an RV trip to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in San Antonio, Texas.
Event information
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is an annual event that spans for around 18 days in February. It is one of the largest events in the city, bringing in over two million visitors annually, and is one of the top PRCA rodeos in the United States.
For multiple years running, The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo received the Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year award and continues to be a drawcard for the best bucking stock and rodeo athletes in the world.
Even those who attend the show for the rodeo action will be impressed by what else this event has to offer. There’s also a livestock show, carnival, horse show, educational activities, award-winning musicians, things to do for the kids, and world-class entertainment. If it’s not happening at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, it’s not worth seeing!
This mid-winter event and its centralized location make it ideal for RV camping nearby. If you need something exciting to break up the dreary winter monotony, then the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo at 723 AT&T Center Parkway, San Antonio, TX is the answer. Pile the kids into the RV and hit the road.
Tickets
Tickets for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo are normally available months in advance, which can offer unparalleled peace of mind for the organizer of the family. In past years, tickets have started at $20 and include admission to the rodeo event, fairgrounds, and concerts. There may be additional costs for parking and other events onsite, so check the organizer’s website to learn more.
Explore San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
San Antonio is 75 miles southwest of Austin, Texas, and just under 200 miles from Houston. It’s central to many Texas cities and is one of the largest and most populous. Driving in winter to San Antonio may surprise you. The area boasts rolling terrain broken only by forested land, cacti, and oak trees. The roads are wide, flat, and well sign-posted as you navigate the highways into the city with the help of a traffic app such as Waze.
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is at the AT&T Center and Freeman Coliseum Grounds. These event sites are next to each other and are easy to find no matter from which direction you come. You can also make use of the event’s app, which offers a map of the venue for effortless navigation.
Parking areas
Public transportation is encouraged for all visitors to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, especially given that two million people attend yearly. If you want to bring your own set of wheels, it’s a good idea to drive your pilot vehicle only. Otherwise, check in advance if there is any room in the public parking lots for oversized vehicles. These lots are on a first-in, first-served basis, or with payment for the reserved lots.
Public Transportation
Options are almost endless for transportation to and from the rodeo. If you want to leave your RV at your campsite, then you are by no means stranded. There are rodeo shuttles that run expansive loops around San Antonio, and park and ride services, too. These can be purchased in advance or on the day you wish to use them. Alternatively, there is a taxi and limo pick-up and drop-off area at the southeast VIP entrance, and rideshare services near the main gate visible by the rideshare flags.
Where to stay
Onsite
With so much to see, do, and experience, it would make sense for camping opportunities onsite to exist. However, because the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is held at an event center, that’s not a possibility. Instead, RV-goers are encouraged to find appropriate camping facilities nearby. Fortunately, there are many to choose from in the vicinity.
Nearby
You only have to set your sights to within 10 miles of the AT&T Event Center to find some top-rated RV accommodation. Whether you’re looking for off-the-grid RV camping in Texas or something a little more refined, San Antonio delivers. There are even facilities within a short walking or driving distance. These campgrounds and facilities will book up quickly, so don’t delay in securing your spot.
Getting around
Much of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is effortless to navigate on foot, but it’s nice to have options. You can hire wheelchairs, scooters, strollers, and wagons for this event, but you can’t bring your own. If you need to rest your weary feet while meandering the two event sites next to each other, there are plenty of seating areas available.
What to pack
Clothing
Even though it’s winter, you may not need to be in too much of a hurry to pack loads of snow mittens and scarves. Temperatures can be somewhat mild during winter in San Antonio, Texas. While shorts and t-shirts may be a little ambitious for the cooler temperatures, you may only need a light, jacket paired with your favorite pair of cowboy boots. Don’t forget to pack a rain jacket just in case the skies become drippy.
Gear
Aside from your best cowboy or cowgirl gear, you are going to want to have a few convenience items to make daily trips to the rodeo a bit easier. You’ll need your wallet with cash and a credit card, or you can use the many onsite ATMs. It’s also helpful to have your admission tickets readily available when you approach the gate. Remember, the less you bring with you, the faster you can clear security and the more comfortable you’ll be.
Health & Safety
While the winter weather conditions mean there won’t be much need for sunscreen or sunglasses, there are still a few health and safety things to consider. Don’t forget to bring any of your prescription medication and supplies you might need. Pop a first aid kit in your RV as well.
If you’re a smoker, including E-cigarettes, you must use these in the designated smoking area only. For those on the hunt for a restroom, there are plenty within proximity to the action, as well as a nursing lounge in the northwest section.
Where to eat
Cooking
If there’s one thing you’re not going to want to forget on your journey, it’s your cookware. You’ll be able to make use of your RV kitchen appliances, and maybe even a charcoal grill or campfire depending on your site rules.
Whether you’re making traditional campfire hot dogs, tacos in a bag, or no-mess omelets in a bag, you can pick up all the supplies you need from the convenience store on the PanAm Expressway near the rodeo venue.
Restaurants
Not only does AT&T Center boast a delicious array of food offerings, but so too does San Antonio. A quick trip into the city center, or even along the expressway, will put you in proximity to some fine eating establishments. From sports bars and sushi through to BBQ and burgers, this city has it all. There’ll be no hungry tummies on your RV trip to Texas.
Vendors
Both the vendor quality and quantity are bound to impress on your trip to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The food court is in the Family Fair area and offers frozen lemonade, corn dogs, French fries, and healthy options too. Those with a more refined palate will enjoy the wine and craft beer, and there are also food booths dotted throughout the entire venue. The acceptance of cash and credit or debit is at the vendor’s discretion, so bring both payment options just in case.
Safety
Security
Rodeo officials strongly encourage all visitors to pack light. The more items you leave in your motorhome, the faster you can get through the screening process. Weapons, selfie sticks and professional-style cameras, outside food and beverages, and personal strollers are a few of the many prohibited items. Consider bringing a small bag with a few essentials and storing everything else away safely in your motorhome for use after the rodeo.
Weather
It might be snowing in many other parts of the United States, but winter in San Antonio, Texas, is a great time to travel and enjoy the outdoors. Temperatures average around 62 to 72 degrees daily, with nighttime temperatures in San Antonio at around 40 to 50 degrees. An average of three nights per year in winter dip to freezing, so bring a few extra blankets and coolant for the RV just in case.
Medical
In the event of a minor injury or severe medical event, you’re in the right place. There are several first aid stations on the grounds, including within the rodeo facility. In the event of an emergency, locate a staff member or security personnel for assistance. They will be able to notify emergency services or provide on-site care. For those who are unfamiliar with San Antonio, Texas, you will find the nearest medical center within a five-mile drive of the rodeo action.
