Serious Stuff

After an editorial appeared in the Houston Chronicle that painted the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) in an unfavorable light over their opposition to the current plan for redeveloping the Astrodome, HLSR officials sent a list of talking points about the issue to all committee volunteers. Most notable is the fact that HLSR will provide $15.6 million in scholarship money to the youth of Texas in 2008. Line that up next to Astrodome Redevelopment Corp. plans that anticipate 750,000 HLSR visitors entering the Dome during the rodeo and spending money inside. HLSR research shows that the average rodeo attendee spends $22.11 on food, beverage, merchandise, and amusements on each visit. That's $16 million that will go somewhere other than to support youth and education. If I were an HLSR official instead of just a lowly (but proud) volunteer, I would oppose those plans, too.