City Council Considers Expanding Coliseum

While most City Council Agenda Notices are somewhat routine, this week’s agenda will be of significant interest to everyone.

At its next meeting Tuesday February 4, 2025 at 8:30 a.m., at the McNease Convention Center, the City Council will consider calling a bond election to fund long overdue improvements to the San Angelo Coliseum. What the actual proposal will include has not yet been made public. Sources close to the project have informed The Concho Democrat that it includes more than doubling the seating capacity of the Coliseum along with other much needed improvements such as greater disability access and more toilet facilities, especially for women. The projected cost of the bond is $40 Million.

As anyone who has tried to buy tickets to the rodeo can attest, there are not enough seats to accommodate all the people who want to attend. Every night’s performance is sold out with capacity crowds in attendance. It is number 6 in the top 10 rodeos in the U.S., and the only one not in a city with over one million in population. With expanded and upgraded facilities it could go even higher. Improvements are also needed in order to attract more concerts and other popular events.

The San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo is the largest tourist draw in San Angelo and has a huge positive impact on the economy. The most recent economic impact study from the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce Economic Development team estimates the Stock Show and Rodeo brings around $80 Million per year in outside dollars into the San Angelo economy.

Other items on the agenda include:

• Approving agreement with Southern Drag Boat Association for San Angelo Drag Boat Races 2025
• Passing resolutions in support of affordable housing development projects.
• Authorizing the May 3, 2025 General Election.
• Amending the budget for health insurance claims and payment to the IRS for arbitrage.
• Approving appointment of City board and commission members.