Long-term partnership yields a new experience that gamifies Western Heritage
An exciting new activation, the Virtual Chuck Wagon, is coming to the 2025 The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™. In partnership with Verizon, this innovative experience will be available to all Rodeo guests free of charge and will be located in Hall C inside NRG Center.
The Virtual Chuck Wagon is an interactive technology experience blending Western Heritage and friendly competition into a unique, real-life game simulation for a chance to win fun prizes. Participants will saddle up, hold onto the horse’s reins, and be transported onto the Rodeo dirt to compete in a two-lap virtual whirlwind race. Just like the RODEOHOUSTON® Chuck Wagon Races inside NRG Stadium, sponsored wagons will be represented in the virtual experience. Riders can track the day’s winning teams on a leaderboard displayed alongside the game.
“This thrilling new experience is one that the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is excited to build from the ground up with Verizon,” said Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “The Chuck Wagon races are one of the most crowd-pleasing events each night of RODEOHOUSTON, and to bring this immersive game adds a new level of fun and excitement to our Rodeo. We have always been grateful to work with an outstanding company like Verizon and know that this new era of partnership will be nothing short of successful.”
“Verizon has proudly partnered with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since 2001. To continue this journey in such a unique and innovative way is a testament of our shared commitment to creating memorable experiences” said Verizon Senior Vice President Michelle Miller. “I look forward to seeing attendees get in the game and I hope the Virtual Chuck Wagon celebrates Western Heritage for years to come.”
The experience is open to all Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo guests. There will be a weight limit displayed at the entrance of the booth and participants will be required to complete a waiver. Verizon will be onsite during the Rodeo to show off the latest tech for visitors to try out and host giveaways. More information will be shared closer to the event.
About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $630 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2025 Rodeo is scheduled for March 4 – March 23. The 2025 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 1. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and follow @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.
About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.0 billion in 2023. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.