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It's rodeo season in San Antonio, which means it's time to bust out your cowboy boots and, apparently, your wallet.
A new report from Trinity University reveals the astounding economic impact of San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo on the city. The 18-day affair brings in $253 million a year, which is more than the projected sales tax revenue for all of San Antonio, says the report.
The four-year study defines economic impact as the expenditure "generated by participants in activities outside the rodeo but within the San Antonio area."
In 2015, the rodeo brought in $252,816,879 from attendees and participants. The impact of volunteers alone is valued at $14 million, unsurprising given that the rodeo wrangles more than 6,000 volunteers each year.
While the annual event is beloved by locals, Ticketmaster reveals that 45 percent of ticket purchases come from residents outside Bexar County. And we should welcome those visitors, as they spend more than twice that of local attendees.
The rodeo runs through February 28. You can buy tickets here.
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Editor's note: A lot happened this week, so here's your chance to get caught up. Read on for the week's most popular headlines. Looking for the best things to do this weekend? Find that list here.
1. This $4.85 million Boerne ranch with its own lazy river is going wild on social media. The river is temperature controlled and fully lit, with a bridge and a green space with a sunken patio area, fire pit, and a swim-up bar.
2. Celebrity-favorite bootmaker scoots into new San Antonio shop at La Cantera. The luxury Texas brand that started in San Antonio will receive a grand homecoming on Saturday, April 20, when it debuts a new store at the Shops at La Cantera.
3. Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk hotel snagged by California investors for $230 million. The acquisition includes nearly two acres of riverfront land and a 516-space parking garage.
4. Burgers, hot chicken, and a national chain's demise smash through San Antonio dining news. If you can’t beat them, join them. That seems to be the mantra of San Antonio business owners fighting the big chains with their own versions of fast-food staples.
5. Whiskey tasting festival to make San Antonio debut with 200 distilled faves. With more than 20,000 different whiskey brands in the world, exploring the diverse flavors and nuances can be a daunting endeavor.