Will Rogers Memorial Center

This isn’t a review for the venue as much as it is for the parking. As someone whose family shows horses at the stock show every year, and every year at the horse o rama, and at the summer and fall world show, I am absolutely sick of the parking. This especially applies for parking at the stock show, which is hell. We are exhibitors, and are already paying for stall fees, class fees, and regularly purchasing food from the concession stands. But now we also have to pay ten bucks to park in the farthest lot away AND pay for a pass per person? Are you flipping kidding me? Our friend pulled our horse down here for us, and we followed behind in our car with our tack. We were snippily asked why our tack was not simply in the trailer, which isn’t possible because it is a stock trailer with no room for anything else but a horse. Then we are told to park in the lots that were built for the new coliseum that is going to be built. Which means we had to CARRY OUR SADDLES AND BRIDLES AND BAGS literally 2 miles to get to our stalls, and we could’ve been parked in the underground part of lot 6 that wasn’t full, but for whatever reason they would not let us despite the fact that we’ve already paid hundred of dollars AND WE ARE PART OF THE SHOW. Pure idiocy. This is why not as many people show horses at the stock show anymore. If you’re a visitor, this isn’t really a problem because you do not have fifty pounds of horse/​cow/​tack to carry.

Saw the Nutcracker here. Venue is pretty cool, includes a large floor section and an equally large balcony. So, plenty of seating for various events. We used a Groupon to see a discounted matinée performance of a local Nutcracker. It was my first ballet. I did it for my 3-​year old daughter, and she adored the performance. The lobby offered some basic refreshments, the seats were comfortable enough (not too crowded together either), and there really was not a bad seat in the house.
I wouldn’t seek out shows just to visit the WRMC again, but I also wouldn’t avoid this place. I didn’t like the «open seating» setup– it was a little messy. You had folks reserving an entire center row with a hat and scarf– getting plenty of other patrons riled up. It took an extra 15 minutes beyond the scheduled start time to get the ballet going because folks were still trying to find seats together. We got lucky, getting there 30 minutes early and finding pretty decent seats stage left.
Although old, the WRMC is clean and well maintained. The property is large and there are several gates that house ticket booths. There’s also a smaller ticket booth inside the lobby, maybe for will call tickets. There’s free parking options all around the venue, you just have to drive around a bit. Word to the wise– plan for plenty of time just getting there and finding parking. The WRMC is surrounded by other popular attractions (museums, rodeo arenas, etc.) so the place is pretty consistently crowded on the weekends.

Alpaca spectacular! is an alpaca show that occurs in Fort Worth every year. The show was held in the Moncrief building and was the perfect location to present and house the cold-​loving alpacas. The layout of this center is a little confusing and very spread out. Luckily for me and my sister, there were nice security guards scattered everywhere to point us to the right direction. You do have to pay for parking but I suggest once you do, you should lace up your walking shoes and check out the history and science museum across the street.
This historical site is ok, If they have had more signage to direct patrons — I think I would like it more.

I was born in Texas and have lived here all my life. This makes me as true a Texan as any. Just because you’ve lived here, doesn’t mean you’re a Texan, I don’t care how thick your accent is. If you weren’t born here, you’re not a Texan!
That being said, I have just recently gone to my first real Rodeo. That’s right, it took me 36 years to finally attend one. I think my biggest problem is finding people from the heart of Dallas, to go to a Rodeo. Almost everyone I know doesn’t have a Texas accent. Most don’t even have cowboy boots, so finding companions that wanted to go to a Rodeo as much as I did (which wasn’t *that* much) was a rather large barrier to entry. Well, my in-​laws moved to Texas and they thought going to the rodeo would be fun and that’s why I’m writing this review.
First off, we parked at Farrington Field. This is across the street from WRMC and it was $ 8 to park. Then you wait around for a tractor that’s towing a trailer that will take you about 500 yards to the building. Walk, people. It’s literally faster and definitely better for you.
Once we got to the ticket booth, we were waiting for my in-​laws, who had gotten there hours before us, to bring us our tickets. They didn’t come to the entrance we were at, so I talked to the ticket guy and said, «Hey, my in-​laws are inside with our tickets, how would they know which entrance this is?»
Him: «Hey, just go in. I believe you. Where are your in-​laws?»
Me: «I don’t know, but we’re here for the rodeo.»
Him: «Okay, here’s where you are, here’s where the rodeo is. Just go down until you see the tower and turn right and you’ll be there. Have fun!»
So off we walk into the complex unimpeded!
It’s getting dark because it’s past 7pm. We walk past some big farm machinery, a treaded bobcat with a 6″ auger attachment, etc. I don’t need one but I want one!
There are some sheds and even a small log cabin that are on display, I’m sure for purchase if you want one. We walk by the cattle stalls but don’t have time to stop and look since we’re trying to get to the Rodeo on time.
Watch out for horse land mines.
Walk on the correct side of the ramps (one side is for horses, one for people).
A foot long corny dog will put you back $ 6.
The rodeo is about 2 hours long and the best part is Calf Scramble or Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey. Chuck wagon races runs a close second.
I wish we had hung out on the grounds more, there was a fair going on with amusement rides and cars on exhibit. Make a day of it if you do.

good for craft and gun shows.

We went for a music festival. Other than it being a long hike to the portacans, it was good. Nice stage, good show. Paid parking.

First of all, let’s state the obvious: this center’s sprawling. Unless you know what you’re headed over here for specifically, it’s easy to get lost around here, and, unless you’re here for say the rodeo, it’s also not unlikely that there may be several events going down at once here at any given point. It’s deceptively big… from the outside, I wouldn’t have fathomed the space within.
There’s a decent chance if you’re here during January, you’ll rub elbows with 900,000 some odd folks who make their way into the center, but if not, they host events here year round, from other livestock related events to craft festivals and more. Parking can get a little on the spendy side, but the access is good, and I’ve haven’t typically run into long wait times. It may take some planning, but more often than not, I’d wager the Will Rogers Center works just fine.

You have to pay for parking but then you have to pay most places in fort worth so not really a big deal. I’ve only been there for graduations so I don’t know how a concert or at would be

Wonderful place to be.

We’ve been to so many events at this Fort Worth landmark over the years. Anything from rodeos, concerts, circuses, the stockshow, flea markets, graduations, car shows, trade shows, and so many more things. This complex is one of the important places around for equestrian events too with the quarter horse association meeting here annually as well as so many other events in the John Justin Arena.