In its first increase since 2011, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced it will raise ticket prices next season for all but the lowest tiers of seats.

The sharpest increase is in the “Chute Level” in the lower tier/field level of NRG Stadium, where prices jump from $200 to $300 for Rows 2, 3 and 4, and $300 to $350 for Row 1. Other hikes include the “Action Seats” in the stadium's Club Level, which go from $86 to $100; Club Level II – South End Sideline ($33 to $40); Club I – North End Sideline ($36 to $40); Club Level III – End Zones ($30 to $35); Field End ($24 to $30); Field Side ($25 to $30); and the Loge Level ($21 to $25).

Not affected are Standing-Room ($16) and Upper Level ($18) tickets. Upper Level Value Wednesdays will remain $10.

According to the rodeo's press materials, the price increases are meant to offset a number of expenses, including improvements to the entertainer stage, stadium lighting and sound systems; bigger video boards; and increased exhibits, scholarship programs and other education-related commitments.

The price increase still compares favorably with the local and national average cost of attending concerts and sporting events, rodeo officials noted.

"Even with these price increases, RodeoHouston tickets are still the best entertainment value in Houston,” says Joel Cowley, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo president/CEO. “Although small, the cumulative effect of these increases will allow us to continue to improve the guest experience and further our support of youth and education."

Wondering where else all that money goes? Wednesday night, the rodeo held its latest scholarship banquet, where it awarded approximately $7.5 million from seven different scholarship programs to more than 400 high-school seniors in the Houston area.

Next year's rodeo is scheduled for March 7-26, 2017, a later than usual date because of Super Bowl LI, which will be held in NRG Stadium on February 5.