CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — It's almost time to rodeo!
Buc Days is just around the corner and there's lots to be done.
Preparations are underway at the American Bank Center where Rodeo Corpus Christi will be held.
Tuesday crews spent hours moving in all the dirt needed for the big event.
It's big business with millions of dollars that comes back into our community.
There's Buc Days itself but a big part of that is the partnership with Rodeo Corpus Christi. That is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors, not to mention all the competitors and workers from around the world.
Outside the American Bank Center, carnival rides are being assembled while inside, truckloads of dirt rolled in and unloaded.
Transforming the arena for Rodeo Corpus Christi and concert series is no easy feat. It'll take hours and between 80-90 trips for those dump trucks! Once all is said and done, the dirt will be a foot deep.
Bill Lathrop calls it a labor of love.
"We couldn't do it without all the volunteers that we've had and a lot of them have been with us since the beginning 32-33 years," he said.
Lathrop is one of the founders of the rodeo, and has seen the event grow from its humble beginnings into what it is today.
"At the Memorial Coliseum we had less than 3,000 seats," he said. "I can remember when we were down there and we had a sell out the first time, the guys on the committee, Fred Dots came up to me and said they're scalping tickets outside. We had a smile on our face."
Now, in association with Buc Days, Rodeo Corpus Christi fills seats at the American Bank Center with thousands of fans and the who's who of competitors from all over the world.
"The cowboys and cowgirls always love coming to Corpus, Lathrop said. "The contestants they bring their families, this is a vacation for them and just how much the city enjoys the rodeo."
Johnny Philipello is the President/CEO of the Buccaneer Commission. He said it's a tradition that keeps bringing folks back year after year, but it's also an event that benefits local businesses filling restaurants and hotels.
"We kick off May 2 at 4 p.m., so come early, stay late and have a good time," he said. "It's significant, the last time we did a study it was over $10 million to the local economy."
Competitors also have a chance to walk away with big bucks.
"We'll have over $600,000 in prize money for the rodeo, PBR will award another $150,000," Philipello said.
Thursday is the big day when gates open for the carnival, it'll be dollar night for entry and one dollar rides!
The shops at Treasure Island opens as well, there's also pig races and the dunking of the mayor!
For the full schedule click here!