National Western Stock Show returns with 2 new buildings
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PBR Bull Riding at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Photo: Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images
The National Western Stock Show will mark its 120th anniversary by debuting its swanky new headquarters at the former stockyard site just north of downtown Denver — right where it all started.
The big picture: The Stock Show starts Saturday, with the organization's new headquarters at the new Legacy building and new CoBank Arena anchoring the sprawling National Western Campus in northeast Denver.
Why it matters: The Stock Show reconnects Denver to its cowtown roots while celebrating the economic and cultural changes the city has undergone over more than a century since the first show.
State of play: The four-story Legacy building includes event spaces, lounging areas, terraces, a saloon-style Western bar, a permanent art collection and a museum chronicling the 120-year history of the Stock Show.
- Ticketed guests will have access to the first two floors, including The Katherine and J. Robert Wilson Art Gallery, which will make the National Western Permanent Collection available year-round.
Context: The 16-day show will boast rodeos, exhibitions, vendors, competitions and performances, including the Colorado Fiddle Championship on Saturday.
A few other highlights include:
- Professional Bull Riders finals at the Denver Coliseum (Jan. 14)
- Top Hogs of the Wild West (Jan. 16)
- MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo (Jan. 19)
- Draft Horse, Mule and Donkey Show (Jan. 22)
- Alpaca Show (Jan. 24)
The intrigue: The Legacy Saloon, a turn-of-the-century bar that feels like walking into a Western movie, is available on the Legacy building's first floor.
Between the lines: Grounds admission is free on Jan. 13.
- John Wilhelm, marketing and brand development vice president at the Stock Show, says this year's event will include the world's largest petting farm.
What's next: The Legacy will host a grand opening ceremony on Saturday at 9am. The Stock Show runs through Jan. 25.