Houston Rodeo cancelled over coronavirus concerns

With the World Health Organization declaring the novel coronavirus a pandemic, a host of shows and concerts, including the famous Houston Rodeo, were called off across the US on Wednesday, where COVID-19 has claimed 31 lives and the number of cases has surged past 1,000.

The Houston Rodeo, which is the world's largest indoor livestock exhibition, is being shut early amid the growing concerns over coronavirus, according to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Earlier, music festival SXSW in Austin and CERAWEEK, NACE in Houston were also cancelled. Each of these drew numerous patrons from around the world.

Mayor Turner has declared a seven-day health emergency in Houston, which impacts the rodeo, among other events.

Other city-sponsored events, like the Tour De Houston, will also be cancelled.

"This decision has not come easily, but the health and safety of the people in our region is paramount," Turner said.

Rodeo officials are expected to announce the closure of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at news conference at noon, sources said.

The annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which usually draws more than 100,000 visitors to NRG Park on weekends, began on March 3 and was slated to run through March 22.

"Having to close early is extremely difficult as guests, volunteers, exhibitors, rodeo athletes and entertainers look forward to the 20 days of the Rodeo each year," according to a statement from rodeo officials.

"We look forward to the 2021 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to continue to promote agriculture, education, entertainment and western heritage."