Rodeo moves into AT&T Center

2 tons of soil spread throughout arena

SAN ANTONIO – The AT&T Center on Monday underwent the annual transition of being the home of the San Antonio Spurs to the home of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

The process started with 2,160 tons of soil trucked into the area that is then spread and leveled for pens.

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The soil is maintained at a depth between 10 and 12 inches throughout the arena.

From time to time, volunteers chisel the soil where needed and drag a roterra over it to keep the surface uniform before every performance. Water is added as needed to maintain the proper moisture content. 

Sand and other materials are blended in to provide an ideal atmosphere for rodeo athletes.

The soil was purchased in 1988 and gets screened every year. The dirt is covered when needed to control moisture content.

When the rodeo ends, it takes about five hours to remove and restack the soil.


About the Author:

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.