PECOS, Texas – The gateway to rodeo’s history is getting a facelift.
Reeves County has made upgrades to the new entrance to Buck Jackson Arena, home of the West of the Pecos Rodeo, which will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 25-Saturday, June 28.
The changes are two-fold: The picturesque entryway will provide a pleasant visual experience to everyone passing by the historic complex, the longtime residence of the “World’s First Rodeo.” It will also enhance the experience for rodeo-goers to provide a respite from the hottest days of summer in west Texas.
“The county will have the new entrance and ticket booths for the arena ready to go for the rodeo,” said Jake McKinney, a key member of the volunteer committee that produces the annual rodeo. “There will be no more waiting in the hot sun to enter the arena.”
That’s quite an invitation for folks that want to be part of the rodeo’s legacy. It’s also a signal to the progress Reeves County and rodeo officials are making with the facility, which has hosted the world-class event since 1936.
In an April 11 news release issued by Reeves County, electrical and HVAC systems were being installed. Landscaping is complete, including an update around the monument. The enhanced entry experience is just another step in the upgrades being made to the arena.
As this year’s rodeo nears, there are other projects that should begin as soon as the final bull bucks. According to Reeves County, a new grandstands will be built, which the county promises will provide an unmatched viewing experience. There will be other updates made to the facility.
“We’re being told the new VIP grandstands and a new press box will be done in time for our 2026 rodeo,” said Clay Ryon McKinney, Jake’s brother and chairman of the volunteer committee. “Those plans also include new bucking chutes, as well as a new center out-gate.”
The enhancements are part of an experience officials want to give the fans who have flocked the rodeo for decades. It comes at a time when the community has already stepped up in a big way, and the rodeo committee has increased local dollars in the payout by nearly double to $20,000 per event. That’s a telling statement and one that will help draw even more contestants to town.
In fact, more than 700 cowboys and cowgirls have put their names in the hat in order to compete over the four days in Pecos. Among them are the elite contestants in the sport, which is why making the upgrades to Buck Jackson Arena is such an important step for the region.
“We want to put on the best event we can for this community, which has supported this rodeo for a long time,” Clay Ryon McKinney said. “We want it to be a great experience, and we’re excited about all the upgrades to the arena that have come and those that should continue to come in the future. It’s an exciting time in Pecos.”