Will Rogers Memorial Center, which includes the Will Rogers Auditorium, Will Rogers Coliseum and Pioneer Tower, is celebrating its 90th anniversary.
The facility was constructed in 1936 and hosts a variety of events, such as the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, National Cutting Horse Association shows, bull riding, concerts and more.
The details
Fort Worth City Council approved $28.6 million in renovations of the historic landmark on Aug. 26, 2025. The funds paved the way for renovations for improved lighting in the coliseum, more concession stands, updated bathrooms and HVAC system updates, according to city documents. The concourse and bathrooms were part of an $8.5 million project, which included $7.87 million from the city, according to previous reporting.
Sedalco, the project construction manager, converted a former locker room into meeting spaces, according to its website.
In April 2025, City Council approved a $40 million renovation for the sheep and swine barns.
The Visit Fort Worth website states there is $110 million in planned renovations over the next five years. Additional work is mapped out for the auditorium and the tower.
The background
The coliseum and auditorium date back to 1936, while the 208-foot Pioneer Tower opened in 1938.
The facility in Fort Worth’s Cultural District is named after Will Rogers, a cowboy entertainer and Cherokee-American humorist, according to the city's website. It is owned and operated by the city of Fort Worth and is located on 120 acres.
In 2016, the center became part of the United States Department of the Interior’s National Registry for historic places.
