Mesquite Championship Rodeo Sees Surge in International Visitors During FIFA World Cup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Mesquite Championship Rodeo Sees Surge in International Visitors During FIFA World Cup

Mesquite, Texas – June 23, 2026** – The Mesquite Championship Rodeo experienced a significant increase in attendance from international and out-of-state visitors as FIFA World Cup fans seek an authentic Texas experience during their stay in North Texas.

Attendance during the first month of the 2026 Mesquite Championship Rodeo season has increased by more than 10 percent compared to the same period last year. More than 50 percent of visitors traveled from over 50 miles away, signaling a strong influx of tourism tied to the FIFA World Cup being hosted throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Visit Mesquite has operated a mobile Visitor Center at the rodeo each weekend, welcoming guests from around the world and helping connect visitors with local restaurants, attractions, and businesses. Staff have spoken with visitors from Argentina, Sweden, Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Croatia, and 27 different U.S. states.

“Mesquite is the Rodeo Capital of Texas, but during the FIFA World Cup, we’re the Rodeo Capital of the World,” said Javan Gonzalez, Visit Mesquite Manager. “Many of the World Cup fans traveling to Dallas are looking for an authentic Texas experience, and in Mesquite, we’re as authentic as it gets.”

The increase in international visitation follows Visit Mesquite’s **"Kickin' It In Mesquite"** marketing campaign, launched earlier this year to attract FIFA fans traveling to North Texas. The campaign promoted Mesquite in key international markets including England, the Netherlands, Japan, and Argentina, positioning the city as a budget-friendly destination where visitors can experience genuine Texas culture beyond the stadiums.

The international interest also attracted the attention of FIFA's official broadcast team, which visited the Mesquite Championship Rodeo in June to film a feature highlighting the sport of rodeo and its significance to Texas culture. The production includes footage of rodeo competition and interviews with contestants and is available online https://itl.ink/MesquiteFIFA ahead of the FIFA World Cup Semi-Final match in Dallas on Tuesday, July 15, introducing millions of soccer fans worldwide to one of Texas' most iconic traditions.

The results have been visible throughout the rodeo arena, where international soccer jerseys and newly purchased cowboy hats have become a common sight among attendees.

Local businesses have joined the effort through the “Mesquite Welcomes the World” initiative, displaying welcome decals and hosting visitor information stations throughout the community. Visit Mesquite staff have distributed more than 750 visitor guides at the rodeo and had more than 1,200 digital guide downloads, encouraging guests to explore local restaurants, attractions, and shopping destinations during their stay.

The Mesquite Championship Rodeo has been a Texas tradition since 1957, showcasing world-class rodeo athletes and western entertainment for generations. In 1993, the Texas Legislature officially designated Mesquite as the **"Rodeo Capital of Texas,"** recognizing the city's long-standing leadership in the sport. Rodeo is the official state sport of Texas and remains one of the state's most iconic cultural traditions.

The Mesquite Championship Rodeo takes place every Saturday night through August at the **Mesquite Gomez Western Wear Arena**, with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $10.