Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo improve ADA compliance in response to federal investigation

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which opens Tuesday at NRG Park, will be more accessible to visitors this year.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced last week that the rodeo and its venue cleared Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations ahead of this year’s rodeo, which runs Tuesday through March 19. launched an investigation last year after receiving community complaints about the lack of accessible facilities, routes, parking, and seating at the rodeo.

“(During) the investigation found significant barriers to access,” prosecutors wrote in a press release. “However, HLSR and NRG Park cooperated fully with the investigation. Once the obstacles were brought to their attention, officials worked diligently and expeditiously to correct all major violations before the start of the 2023 rodeo.”

Parking areas and many restrooms at the NRG complex are now ADA-compliant, as are temporary ramps and handrails, as well as several permanent countertops at NRG Park, according to the prosecutor’s office. Rodeo officials have also increased the number of available portable toilets and available dining and seating areas, as well as reviewing their elevator policy and adding a new stair lift at NRG Arena, among other changes.

Chris Boulman, president and chief executive officer of the rodeo, said in a statement that rodeo officials are “thrilled” over the matter.

“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are a proud part of the community and we have made meeting the needs of our guests with disabilities a top priority,” Boulman said. “Over the past year, we have made several changes and improvements to many of the accessibility areas at NRG Park, including parking, walkways and walkways, security controls, restrooms, food and drink areas, and seating. We constantly strive to ensure that all events and programs are accessible to people with disabilities.”