How to get discounts at Rodeo Houston

HOUSTON Between food, parking, rodeo tickets and carnival rides, it can add up. However, taking advantage of certain days and times will help you stick to a budget.

There's nothing quite like rodeo time in Houston. The largest rodeo and live stock show in the world kickoffs this week. From great performers, to barbeque, petting zoos and bull riding, it's great fun for the entire family.

HLSR COO Leroy Shafer says you can have fun without blowing your budget.

"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a value each and every day. Our average ticket price is only $24.95 and most of the tickets in that stadium range from $21 to $16," said Shafer.

He says the best way to save big this season is by attending the rodeo on a Value Day.

"Remember Wednesday, we have three of those," Shafer said.

Every Wednesday will be designated as Value Day - that's March 3, 10 and 17t. Concert tickets are $10 and that includes Reliant Park admission.

"You stop to think about that you get to see on that first day, Dierks Bentley. On the second day, Rascal Flatts. And Gary Allen on that last Wednesday," said Shafer.

On top of cheap tickets, there are values on the ground - $5 off a $25 purchase at any official HLSR merchandise booth. Also on Wednesdays from 11am to 4pm, the Kids Country Carnival has $1 rides, $1 games, and $1 food bites. Other vendors will have special deals.

"Aramark is working with us inside the stadium so there are various meal packages for as little as $5 and that includes drink and food," said Shafer.

On top of that, other businesses are offering discounts on merchandise not available on any other day but Wednesday.

"When you come out here, look for our sign at our exhibit. Whether you look at merchandise or looking at food and when you see value days they are going to have a deal for you so go up and talk to them," said Shafer.

If the carnival is a big hit with your family, you may want to think about Carnival Value Packs. A $10 carnival pack normally valued at $28 will get you one fun card with 22 tickets, two refreshment coupons, two free game coupons plus $5 off any rodeo merchandise.

A $50 carnival pack normally valued at $114 will get you two fun cards with a total of 150 tickets, nine beverage coupons, two free game coupons, and a couple of other coupons.

Your chance to buy cheap carnival tickets ends this Friday at midnight, so get them now if you need to.

Also, don't forget about a couple of free events: Tuesday is Rodeo Roundup at City Hall from 11am to 1pm where there will be free tamales. Then of course the Rodeo Parade is this Saturday morning. You can watch it live on ABC13.

As for parking, on Wednesday there is free parking at Reed Road at Highway 288. Once you park, you'll take a shuttle to Reliant. This free service is available until 3pm.

For more details on the discounts, click on the links below:

Value Days at the Rodeo

Discounted Carnival Tickets

Rodeo Parade