The Coliseum

Constructed in 1907-08 as a permanent exhibition hall for the Annual Fort Worth Fat Stock Show after the event had been held in various locations, The Coliseum was financed by the Swift and Armour Packing Companies and the Fort Worth Stock Yards Company, which owned the property. The stock show was held there annually for 34 years. The site lay within three separate cities over time: North Fort Worth until 1909, Niles City from 1911 to 1923, and Fort Worth since 1923. It became the birthplace of the indoor rodeo, and in 1923 WBAP Radio transmitted the first live radio broadcast of a rodeo there. The building also hosted cultural, educational, religious, social, and civic events. Former President Theodore Roosevelt spoke there in 1911, Enrico Caruso performed there in 1920, and numerous Texas governors, performing artists, grand operas, entertainers, and evangelists appeared there. In 1936, the Stock Yards Company sold the coliseum to the City of Fort Worth. It has been an important part of the city and the livestock industry.

Fort Worth, Texas · United States