Will Rogers Memorial Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Will Rogers Memorial Center
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Pioneer Tower and Will Rogers Auditorium in 1993
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 Will Rogers Memorial Center
Location in Texas
Will Rogers Memorial Center
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, Texas United States |
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| Area | 120 acres (49 ha) |
| Built | 1936 |
| Architect | Wyatt C. Hedrick, Herman Koeppe, Elmer G. Withers |
| Architectural style | Modern Movement, Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 16000122 |
| Added to NRHP | March 22, 2016 |
The Will Rogers Memorial Center (WRMC) is a huge public space in Fort Worth, Texas. It covers about 120 acres, which is like 90 football fields! This center is a popular spot for entertainment, sports, and animal shows. It's named after a famous American humorist and writer named Will Rogers.
Many exciting events happen here every year. It's especially known for its horse and livestock shows. For example, the annual Fort Worth Stock Show used to be held here. Other big events include the World Championship Paint Horse Show and major competitions for cutting horses. Over two million people visit the center each year!
Contents
What You Can Find at the Center
The Will Rogers Memorial Center has several important buildings and arenas. These places host all the different events.
- Will Rogers Coliseum (with 5,652 seats)
- Will Rogers Auditorium (with 2,856 seats)
- Will Rogers Equestrian Center
- Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall
- James L. & Eunice West Arena
- John Justin Arena
- W. R. Watt Arena
A Look at the Center's History
The Will Rogers Memorial Center was built in 1936. It was designed by an architect named Wyatt C. Hedrick. The buildings have a cool style called Moderne, which is also known as Art Deco. This style was very popular back then.
In the same year, a statue called Riding into the Sunset was created. It honors Will Rogers and his horse, Soapsuds. This beautiful statue was placed at the center in 1947. Because of its history and special design, the complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 22, 2016.
Events and New Changes
For many years, the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum was the main home for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. This rodeo is a big deal and is approved by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).
In November 2019, a new, large arena called Dickies Arena opened right next to the Will Rogers Memorial Center. Since 2020, Dickies Arena has hosted the main Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. It also hosts concerts and big sports events, like some games in the 2022 NCAA men's basketball tournament. Even with the new arena, the Will Rogers Memorial Center is still a very busy place for horse shows and other equestrian events in Fort Worth.
Gallery
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Postcard of Will Rogers Coliseum, Memorial Pioneer Tower and Will Rogers Auditorium, undated
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Interior of Will Rogers Coliseum, 2016
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Exterior of Will Rogers Coliseum, 2016
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See also
