Rodeo organizers hope Mother Nature will be kind opening weekend

Rodeo organizers hope Mother Nature will be kind opening weekend
by Andrea Lucia/ 11 News
Posted on February 21, 2010 at 6:39 PM******
HOUSTON—Ominous clouds hanging over the Reliant Center are about the only thing worrying organizers at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this year.
After a $4 million drop in income last year, they believe the 2010 rodeo could be their biggest moneymaker yet.
”We are extremely confident we’re going to beat last year,” said Larry Shafer, the rodeo’s COO.
As workers rush to prepare for opening day, organizers say ticket sales are up four percent, with several shows already sold out.
Advance ticket sales for the carnival and livestock show are also up, as much as 12 percent.
Commercial sales are seeing an increase, too.
Organizers now say it all depends on Mother Nature.
"We’re watching the weather with bated breath,” said Shafer.
The rodeo can sell as many as 40,000 tickets the day of a big weekend show, but only if there are pleasant skies to greet the crowds.
"If it’s raining, they’re not gonna’ come out,” said Shafer.
But, rain or shine, there’s work to be done – and the show will go on.