Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials announced changes to the 2013 Show schedule today, with a surprising twist. The upcoming Show will be one day longer, running for 21 days — Monday, Feb. 25th, through Sunday, March 17th — with a special concert-only performance on the final day by George Strait.

The performance, held in Reliant Stadium at 7 p.m. (tentative), will be a full-length concert, with opening performances by the Randy Rogers Band and Martina McBride. The carnival, shopping areas, livestock and horse show, food booths, and other exhibits throughout the grounds will be open on this day.

“George has had a lot of special moments in the 30 years since he first appeared at the Show,” said Leroy Shafer, chief operating officer of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “I remember the day we flew him in as a replacement act an hour before his performance. He took the stage and quickly stole the hearts of our Rodeo fans. And, George has been here for all of the Show’s major milestones since that first performance in 1983. We are extremely excited that he is going to close our 2013 Show with this special concert,” he added.

In 1983, when scheduled Rodeo entertainer Eddie Rabbitt became ill, a newcomer to the music scene named George Strait filled in for him at the last minute, debuting to a crowd of 34,599 Rodeo fans. Since that first performance 30 years ago, Strait has become a household name among Houston country music fans. He has played to more than 1 million RodeoHouston fans and was inducted into the Show’s Star Trail of Fame in 1996.

On March 3, 2002, Strait closed the Show with the last Rodeo concert in Reliant Astrodome, with a record attendance of 68,266 in the Astrodome, a record that will never be broken. In 2003, he opened the Show as the first performer in Reliant Stadium.

This performance at the 2013 Show will mark Strait’s 21st appearance at RodeoHouston.

Individual tickets for this special concert and the other 20 RodeoHouston performances will go on sale in January. With no Rodeo performance on the final day of the Show, stadium floor seating will be an option for this concert. Season Ticket holders will have the option of retaining their seats and adding this concert as the 21st performance.

Ticket prices for Sunday, March 17, are:

· Stadium Floor: $150

· Club Level: $135, $145

· Field and Action Seats: $125

· Loge Level: $50

· Upper Level: $25

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed approximately $283 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit www.rodeohouston.com.

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