Boot Up, San Antonio: Opening Day at the Rodeo and a Spurs Winning Streak!
The City’s Festive Spirit: Rodeo Season is Here
Dust off your boots and find your favorite belt buckle because today, Thursday, February 12, 2026, marks the official opening day of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The mood across the city is electric as the 18-day celebration kicks off at the Frost Bank Center and Freeman Coliseum fairgrounds. For many San Antonians, this is the highlight of the year, bringing a festive blend of cowboy culture, carnival lights, and deep-fried treats to the Alamo City. Opening day is especially welcoming for families and students; the rodeo is hosting its first "Thrifty Thursday," featuring $3 fairground admission and $3 carnival rides. College students with a valid ID can even get in for free today, making the opening festivities accessible to everyone.
Key Talking Point: Navigating a Shifting Downtown
While the festivities are in full swing, commuters should be prepared for some significant changes to the city's landscape. A major talking point today is the 24/7 closure of the northbound I-35 lower level near Laredo Street. This closure, intended for critical bridge joint repairs, is expected to last through February 20, so plan for extra travel time if you are heading toward the downtown core. Additionally, the City Council is meeting this morning to discuss community concerns regarding a proposed ICE facility on the East Side. On the transit front, the city is entering a "generational shift" with the early construction phases of the VIA Green Line. While the utility relocation work is currently concentrated between Isom Road and Steves Avenue, this project represents a massive $480 million investment in our city's future connectivity.
Feel-Good Stories: Winning Streaks and Local Legacies
There is plenty to celebrate today in the world of sports and culture. The San Antonio Spurs are entering the All-Star break on an absolute tear, having defeated the Golden State Warriors 126-113 last night. This marks their sixth straight victory, leaving the Silver and Black with a formidable 38-16 record—the second-best in the Western Conference. Victor Wembanyama continues to dazzle, putting up 26 points to lead the team to a win just before the mid-season hiatus.
For those looking for inspiration closer to the city center, the "Built on Legacy: Artists of San Antonio" exhibition holds its opening reception tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Culture Commons Gallery on Plaza de Armas. The show honors five decades of local artistic excellence, featuring works from 23 generational artists. It is a beautiful way to celebrate the creative spirit that has defined San Antonio for over 50 years, and best of all, the reception is free and open to the public.