In looking back at the history of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, there are many landmark dates and highlights crucial to the overall success and growth of the Show. But none will ever be larger than October 6, 1999, when the National Football League awarded Houston a new franchise and made the possibility of a new stadium a reality.

As citizens of the Houston area, we express our congratulations and appreciation to Bob McNair and his staff for their efforts to bring the NFL back to the city of Houston. There were many times during this arduous process that even the strongest person would have given up the fight and moved on. Always a gentleman, Bob McNair, however, was not to be denied. His optimism, tenacity and financial resources, combined with a comprehensive, first-class plan, pushed Houston to the top. Even those with the most serious doubts were inspired and impressed with his presentation.

There are still many details of the stadium plan which must be resolved, but we thank the Harris County officials and the Harris County ­ Houston Sports Authority for considering the interests of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We have had major input on the financing and design of the stadium since day one. I personally want to thank our staff leaders for the effort they put forth in making sure the Show was well represented.

More than just being a tenant, the Show will be an equal partner with the football team and Harris County, sharing revenues from naming rights and advertising rights. We will have exclusive use of the stadium for a 40-day Show period each year, along with an additional 18 consecutive dates mid-summer to early fall. This "co-tenant" relationship between the Show and Houston NFL Holdings will benefit both entities as we pool our resources and work together.

The Show will benefit from the additional seating which will be approximately 12,000 more seats than the Astrodome. The design of the stadium will allow fans better sightlines and will bring them much closer to the rodeo action and concert entertainers. This will allow us to meet the ticket demands of many individuals and corporations that we have been unable to accommodate in the past.

With the enhanced visibility and seating capacity, combined with the sharing of advertising and naming rights, the Show will benefit from new sources of revenue. This is paramount to the continuity of our scholarship and educational programs.

The new 1.3-million square foot exhibition facility to be built north of the Astrodome will replace the Astrohall, and is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2003 Show. With these and other planned improvements, the Astrodomain complex will be one of the finest entertainment and convention facilities in the world.

We have enjoyed 35 years in the "Eighth Wonder of the World," and now we are assured of at least 35 years in the greatest rodeo/football facility ever built!

Photo by Kaye Marvins Photography

P. Michael Wells President