Cowtown Coliseum
Over the course of its almost 120 years, Fort Worth’s iconic Cowtown Coliseum has hosted two presidents — Teddy and Jimmy — 60-odd years apart.
Bob Hope made some memories there, and the arena broke out the hosannas and essential oils for two other personalities, distinctly separate from one another: Gen. John J. Pershing, hero of WWI — the Big One (sadly there was a Bigger One to follow) — and Elvis, hero of rock ’n’ roll.
Four times “The King” played there over two years in the 1950s.
Well, now add the great American pastime to the history.
Major League Baseball on Monday said that it was bringing a major event to the historic Stockyards: Opening night of its first-year player draft on July 14 will be conducted at the venerated coliseum, the basilica of Fort Worth's public events spaces.
It’ll be open to the public.
Details including attendees, broadcast information, timing and ticketing will be announced at a later date, officials added.
The event is being held in conjunction with the 2024 All-Star Week, July 12-16.
The 94th All-Star Game will be played at Globe Life Field on July 16, marking the second Midsummer Classic hosted by the Texas Rangers, reigning World Series champions. The Rangers hosted the 1995 game at The Ballpark in Arlington.
Four years ago, MLB moved the draft, which had been conducted each June, to All-Star Week in July.
“Fort Worth and Arlington are powerhouses for hosting major sporting events together,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker in a statement. “I am thrilled that our cities are partnering to welcome the 2024 MLB All-Star Week to the region.
“It is an honor to kick off the MLB Draft in Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards, an entertainment district unlike anywhere else in the country. Visiting baseball fans will get to experience the unexpected sights, sounds and flavors that are truly Texas.”
In addition to the MLB Draft, All-Star Week events include three major youth sports events: the All-Star Commissioner’s Cup youth baseball tournament, the HBCU Swingman Classic presented by T-Mobile and powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation (YDF), and the Jennie Finch Classic youth softball tournament presented by ARM & HAMMER. Fans can also attend the T-Mobile Home Run Derby on July 15. Fans can also attend the All-Star Futures Game and Celebrity Softball Game on July 13, the T-Mobile Home Run Derby on July 15 and the All-Star Game presented by Mastercard on July 16.
The Cowtown Coliseum, built in 1908, is under new management, with a new direction.
A newly formed joint venture management group, which includes Stockyards Heritage Development, Professional Bull Riders, and ASM Global, was recently formed to put on more than 200 events a year, including weekly rodeos, PBR events, and Ultimate Bullfighters, among many others. Last year, a renovated coliseum reopened to the public. Some of the new items include 17 new digital displays, more seating, and an all-new VIP Platinum Deck area that includes a view from atop of the bucking chutes. Other upgrades include a new concert quality lighting rig, and a state-of-the-art audio/visual infrastructure.
“Hosting an event of this caliber is a defining moment for our city,” said Jason Sands, executive director of the Fort Worth Sports Commission. “This event provides us with a unique platform to showcase the vibrant sports culture and hospitality of Fort Worth to baseball fans across the nation.”
The Fort Worth Sports Commission, a division of Visit Fort Worth, is designed to attract youth, collegiate, and professional events that deliver economic impact and boost Fort Worth’s image.
Fort Worth, of course, has a great baseball history all its own. The Cats enjoyed prominence for decades playing at LaGrave Field on the North Side. Before he was introduced to a national audience and became one of the game’s greats, Rogers Hornsby — "The Rajah" — grew up in Stockyards, working for Swift & Co. while playing on the company team as a teen.
Alex Rodriguez, Chipper Jones, Ken Griffey Jr., Josh Hamilton, Bryce Harper, David Price, and Darryl Strawberry have been among the No. 1 overall selections in the draft since 1965. Rick Monday, the guy most famous for tackling two protesters who tried to burn an American flag on the outfield grass during a game in 1976, was the first player drafted in the very first draft.
Brandon Finnegan, a standout lefty from Southwest and TCU, was selected 17th overall by the Kansas City Royals in the 2014 draft. Other notable Fort Worth players to be drafted include Jeff Newman, who enjoyed a long career after playing at Paschal and TCU, and Brian Milner, another Southwest guy, taken by the Blue Jays and immediately brought up at age 18. He was the only catcher to be brought directly to the major leagues.
Arlington baseball players have appeared prominently in the draft in the past.
Ben Grieve, a product of Martin High School, was taken No. 2 overall by the Oakland A’s in 1994. Vernon Wells of Bowie High School, was taken No. 5 overall by the Toronto Blue Jays. Todd Van Poppel, also of Martin, went in the first round to Oakland in the 1990 draft.
“We are proud to welcome the opening day of the MLB Draft at the historic Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards,” said Craig Cavileer, managing partner of Stockyards Heritage Development Co. “As home to the first indoor rodeo in America in 1918 and having hosted entertainment icons including Elvis Presley, to think that some 125 years later, the coliseum would be home to the 2024 MLB Draft is amazing.”