Crowds flock for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo opening

HOUSTON – Opening day of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo arrived Tuesday, and the crowds came prepared to have a good time.

The OXY Agventure exhibits inside NRG Center are always a big draw for kids, and dozens of school groups arrived Tuesday afternoon to tour exhibitions of nearly every species of livestock.

"It's just exciting to see it open and to see young people walking in and school tours,” said Joel Cowley, president of Houston Rodeo.

The birthing center proved to be a popular corner of the exhibit hall, with baby pigs, sheep, and calves, some of which were only hours old.

"We've got 12 ewes in that have babies, and it was just kind of an avalanche,” said Richie Knevel, the manager of the birthing center. “They started about yesterday afternoon, and we've had six of them in the last 20 hours."

Visiting students were also able to learn about honey bees and were able to interact with a variety of farm and exotic animals at the petting zoo.

Opening day at rodeo also marks the opening of the carnival, featuring dozens of rides and booths with food and drinks.

The Band Perry is scheduled to perform Tuesday evening on the rotating stage inside NRG stadium.

Concert tickets are available here.