Written by: Jana Gauthier, VP Product FanReach
Let’s just say I’ve been fortunate in my career. I’ve worked and attended six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. For the longest time, I assumed the Super Bowl was the pinnacle— the biggest, most impressive stage in live events.
That is, until I attended the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
A Mind-Blowing Event at an Unmatched Scale
I had no idea the Houston Rodeo attracts millions of visitors each year, stretching across three weeks of non-stop action. It’s not just a rodeo; it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon.
Since its founding in 1932, the event has evolved into a massive economic force, generating millions in scholarships and educational programs for young Texans.
Beyond the Rodeo Competitions and Star-studded Concerts, the event also features:
✔ A massive Carnival with rides, games, and fair food
✔ An entire Convention Center packed with shopping and food vendors
✔ Educational Agricultural Exhibits showcasing the future of farming
✔ Livestock Auctions and Competitions where top breeders compete
✔ Horse Shows that highlight the best in Western heritage
In 2024, according to Fox 26 Houston, the Rodeo drew 2.6 million visitors over 23 days— averaging 112,000 visitors per day. On March 13, 2024, a staggering 169,000 visitors packed into the event in a single day.
Mind. Blown.
At This Scale, Mobile Matters
An event of this magnitude demands a top-tier mobile experience— one that guides fans seamlessly from Parking to Events, Food to Entertainment, and everything in between.
That’s where FanReach and its incredible partners come in— delivering one of the best user experiences in live events today.
As Head of Product at FanReach, I wanted to experience the Houston Rodeo firsthand— not just as an attendee, but as a product leader evaluating:
- What are we doing well?
- Where can we improve?
- How can we innovate even further?
“Know Before You Rodeo”— A Seamless Fan Experience
From the moment you open the Houston Rodeo mobile app, you land on “Plan Your Visit”— a must-have feature for an event of this scale.
You’re welcomed with a personalized “Howdy [NAME]” (a great touch) and up-to-date highlights of entertainment options for the day.
Within one tap, you can:
✔ Access your Rodeo or Carnival tickets instantly
✔ Find Parking & Rideshare drop-offs without hassle
✔ View a detailed Daily Schedule (crucial for my experience— I didn’t want to miss anything!)
✔ Navigate the massive grounds with an Interactive Map
✔ Chat with AI for instant answers—no need to search or wait in line
✔ Learn about Rodeo Athletes, Event Details, and Livestock Care
✔ And so much more
For a first-time Rodeo attendee, this app was game-changing. Without it, I wouldn’t have fully appreciated the experience—or even been able to orient myself fast enough to take it all in.
The Digital Power Behind the Rodeo Experience
A world-class event like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo doesn’t just happen— it’s powered by a strong digital strategy that ensures every visitor, volunteer, and staff member has seamless access to critical event resources.
I want to give a huge shoutout to two rock stars leading the charge in digital and mobile app strategy for the Houston Rodeo: Aynav Leibowitz, Director of Digital Media & Amanda Caffey, Digital Media Manager.
Thank you both for your incredible hospitality on opening day and for your vision in shaping this digital experience.
In their first year with the Rodeo, Aynav and Amanda set out to redefine the digital experience by launching a brand-new website and mobile app. Their goal was to better serve the Rodeo’s volunteers, scholars, guests, and staff with a more intuitive, powerful, and engaging platform.
With key strategic partners, including FanReach, Rover, and LionRidge, they delivered an award-winning experience— earning two 2024 AMA Crystal Awards for: Best App and Best Non-Profit Website.
That’s no small feat.
This achievement is a direct reflection of their dedication, attention to detail, and determination to create a best-in-class mobile experience— one that enhances the event for the entire Rodeo community.
As you can tell from my excitement here, they continue to knock it out of the park.
Beyond impressed.
The Best Event Companion App Yet— But We’re Not Stopping Here
I’ve been in the pro sports, venue, and live entertainment industry for two decades, and I can confidently say that the Houston Rodeo mobile app is the best companion utility app I’ve experienced yet.
But what’s next?
- How do we push the boundaries of real-time fan engagement even further?
- How do we unlock new ways for fans to personalize their experience— on their terms?
- How do we empower event organizers with deeper insights to drive revenue, retention, and next-level engagement?
At FanReach, these are the challenges we thrive on. We’ve been shaping the future of fan engagement for decades— and we’re nowhere near done.
We’re driving the next wave of innovation, ensuring brands, teams, event organizers, venues, and live events stay ahead of the game.
If you’re looking to redefine your fan experience, increase engagement, connect with customers 1:1, and maximize revenue opportunities, let’s connect.
Let’s build something incredible together.
