Imagine a major event for which planning starts six months in advance—and that will take 3,000 or more food and facilities team members working daily for weeks to execute operations seamlessly so that guests can have the experience of their lives.
Now add tens of thousands of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and other animals, as well as the thousands of ranchers, farmers, handlers, and guests that will attend the event.
That is just a glimpse of what goes into the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world.
Managing something of this magnitude takes an expert in logistics and event management.
For more than two decades, Aramark has been delivering an unparalleled experience at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo hosted at NRG Park in Houston, TX. And, this year, Aramark Sports + Entertainment once again brought creativity and innovation to the forefront with a lineup of kicking new eats and drinks for fans to enjoy, along with the latest in self-service ordering technology throughout NRG Stadium. In addition to food service, Aramark’s Facilities team works around the clock to deliver a clean and safe environment for guests during the event which runs from Feb. 28 until March 18.
“We are thrilled to welcome fans back to NRG Park for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2023 and show them all of the preparation and hard work we’ve put into making this the best year yet,” said Chris Devore, District Manager for Aramark Sports + Entertainment at NRG Park. “The show is a huge collaborative effort between thousands of Aramark Sports + Entertainment staff and Facilities team members as we come together to create one of the most unique events in our portfolio. The rodeo is equivalent to two football seasons worth of events at NRG Stadium, so it is a huge undertaking, and something we’re very proud of.”
Below is a brief by-the-numbers overview of Aramark’s operations at the 19th annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
By the Numbers
- 2: New specialty food concepts in the East and West Club Levels at NRG Stadium – The Texas 2 Step and Ho-Down Tater.
- 3: New premium draft cocktails mixes powered by Craft Standard, including TX Mint made with Bacardi, Bull-Rita made with Jose Cuervo, and Whisky Mule made with Jack Daniel’s.
- 6/400: Plan and execution for the event begins nearly six (6) months before the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo begins. The two weeks leading up to Feb. 28 are day-and-night operations to prepare NRG Stadium with support from 400 Aramark food & beverage and facilities team members.
- 10: The addition of the Opening Day Parade at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo elevated the guest experience for 2023 and drove advanced-purchase ticket sales to close to 10% more than 2022.
- 11: Aramark will provide 11 new self-service technology offerings, including three (3) Zippin-powered checkout-free stores, seven (7) Mashgin touchless checkout locations, and one (1) kiosk self-checkout concession stand (in addition to 3 previously existing stands).
- 20: Total number of event days – equivalent to two football seasons worth of events – at NRG Stadium.
- 200: Aramark’s facilities team will bring in close to 200 personnel daily to clean the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo venues within NRG Park.
- 3,000: Number of Aramark food & beverage and facilities employees needed to run daily operations during the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $575 million to the youth of Texas and education.
