As rodeo athletes wrapped up the first night of Super Series 1, fan favorite country star kicked off the Houston concert series in front of 60,000 in NRG Stadium.
When the final bull bucks of the night at RODEHOUSTON, the dirt doesn’t stay quiet for long.
Inside NRG Stadium, the rodeo arena quickly transforms from rope chutes, bucking horses, and barrel patterns into one of the largest country music stages in the world. On Monday, March 2, that stage belonged to Riley Green, who opened the 2026 RODEOHOUSTON concert series in front of nearly 60,000 fans.
The Alabama native returned to Houston after performing at the rodeo last year. He is a fan favorite in a city where rodeo and country music have long shared the same spotlight. There are few events that blend those two worlds quite like Houston.
Each night during the nearly three week run, rodeo athletes battle through the unique Super Series rodeo tournament before the arena floor transforms into a concert stage for some of the biggest names in country music.
Green’s music fits naturally into that environment, and brings a lot of energy.
His 2023 album titled 'Ain’t My Last Rodeo' reflects the kind of family centered, western lifestyle values that resonate with rodeo fans and athletes alike.
His song Different ‘Round Here may unintentionally double as a description of Houston itself. Because when it comes to rodeo, concerts and crowds, things truly are different in H-Town.
NRG Stadium is home to the NFL’s Houston Texans. For Green, who once played college football as a quarterback before pursuing music, returning to perform in a football stadium setting is a fitting full circle moment too.
RODEOHOUSTON was one of the first large scale rodeo's to take place in a stadium meant for football, baseball, and other major league sports.
Among those watching the show Monday night were cowboys and cowgirls who had just finished competing in the opening rounds of the rodeo action.
Tyson Durfey, the 2016 world champion tie down roper, shared his experience from opening night on social media after catching up with Green backstage. His connection is unique, as his wife, Shea Fisher Durfey, is a country music artist herself.
“Night 1 is down in the book at Houston Rodeo,” Durfey wrote. “Got to spend a couple minutes catching up with the best country singer in America right now. Been really fun watching his rise to the top while still being a humble good man. He and his team are top notch.”
Green took a moment during the show to honor the late Toby Keith, performing his song, "I Should’ve Been a Cowboy," in tribute to the country music icon. Green was creative in his song choices to relate to the rodeo fan and athlete audience. What a perfect choice for an artist to open up the packed few weeks ahead.
As the first night of the rodeo wrapped up, the opening concert set the tone for the weeks ahead. For nearly three weeks, rodeo athletes will compete for one of the largest purses in the sport, while the Houston stage continues welcoming some of the biggest music stars.
Rodeo and country music continues to blend with the help of big venues and artists who support and believe in the growth of rodeo and everything the western lifestyle represents.
Each night, once the final ride is complete, the dirt will once again give way to the music. All of this combined is what makes RODEOHOUSTON the biggest and best.