Suppose a superfan dropped hundreds of dollars on RodeoHouston concert tickets, a new outfit and a parking pass. Could she really be turned away at the gate because her Daisy Dukes are too short?
That’s entirely possible, with less than a week remaining of live music and competitive rodeo events at NRG Stadium, according to an updated code of conduct released by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this week.
RodeoHouston has always had a code of conduct but recent online chatter got a little loud, with some people saying the atmosphere at the rodeo was more reminiscent of a nightclub than a family-friendly place for kids to show off their steers and artwork.
The updated policy states, “HLSR reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other guests. Clothing that is not appropriate for the HLSR show grounds includes, but is not limited to, clothing with objectionable material (including obscene language or graphics), excessively torn cloth, visible undergarments, and/or clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment.”
The rules also prohibit clothing and visible tattoos with obscene language or indicators of gang affiliation. Clothing items that obscure people’s faces are prohibited unless they are worn for specific medical, cultural or religious reasons.
HLSR Director of Strategic Communications Danielle Grossman told the Houston Press that organizers hope the updated dress code will guide guests as they choose their outfits before they leave the house. It’s not intended to cause problems at the gate, she said, noting that volunteers and ticket-takers won’t be tasked with making decisions on what’s appropriate. “Only leadership will be making those decisions,” she said.
“If a guest is wearing something that does not meet the dress code, security is going to be contacted and the guest will be informed of the policy and then they’re given the opportunity to cover up, change their clothing, or they can leave,” Grossman said. “They can also return to their car and re-enter once they’re appropriately dressed.”
“This is honestly reiterating what our expectation is, and we’re hoping that people respect that expectation,” she added. “We hope this isn’t a problem because now we have it in writing. With enforcement, if it truly is bad, then leadership will get involved. It has to go through a few channels before that happens. The goal is really just educating people.”
The dress code update comes on the heels of planned upgrades in security after several fights started on March 14, prompting organizers to close the carnival early.
The dress code was announced Tuesday morning and met with a positive response from those who were complaining about it on social media a few days prior. Grossman, who spoke to the Press from the rodeo grounds on Tuesday afternoon, said people were adhering to the dress code and there hadn’t been any problems. Of course, she acknowledged, it was cold outside, which might have prompted some to cover up.
The rodeo ends Sunday, with Texas country music performer Cody Johnson taking the stage. The rodeo grounds, including the carnival, will be open all day.