As the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s World Championship Bar-B-Que Cookoff approaches, Houston Tents and Events is gearing up for what Founder and Chief Operating Officer Darren Randle describes as its “Super Bowl.” Taking place Feb. 27 to March 1, 2025, this massive event requires intense preparation. With only five days to transform an empty parking lot into a bustling festival of food, music and celebration, the team faces a demanding schedule.
“We only have five days to build an entire village,” Randle said. “It’s a challenge, but it’s what we thrive on.”
The construction process is a race against time. In less than a week, Randle and his crew work tirelessly to build around 25 unique tents, each spanning from 400 sq ft to 8,000 sq ft. The team drills through asphalt and concrete to secure structures, lays down flooring for stability and sets up all of the furniture, lighting and so on to bring performances and sponsor displays to life. Drapery, lighting, bars and seating are meticulously placed to create immersive environments, turning plain asphalt into vibrant mini-venues.
“It’s not just about putting up tents; we’re building fully functioning entertainment spaces,” Randle said. “Some have full bars, live music stages and elaborate lighting setups—it’s a full transformation.”
Once the event begins, three days of nonstop festivities take over, bringing thousands of visitors together for an unforgettable experience. Then, as quickly as it was built, the teardown begins. In just one day, the entire setup is dismantled, leaving nothing but memories and the promise of another great year ahead.
Randle’s connection to NRG Stadium runs deep; he began his career there with his first job out of college from the University of Houston to work for the Houston Texans. Now, from the asphalt alongside his crew, he watches as the rodeo grounds come to life.
“Every year, watching it come together feels just as exciting as the first time,” Randle said. “Seeing the carnival, the lights and knowing our work helped make it all happen is incredibly rewarding.”
Beyond the logistical challenges, Randle is driven by a commitment to the community having served on a rodeo volunteer committee since 2012. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has a longstanding tradition of supporting education, with more than $630 million committed to Texas youth and education since 1932. In 2025 alone, the organization pledged more than $28 million in educational support, including scholarships, grants and graduate assistantships. “At the end of the day, this isn’t just about building tents,” Randle said. “It’s about supporting the mission of the rodeo—giving back to the kids and the future of this city.”
Johnny Aguirre wears two hats at Houston Tents & Events – Project Manager and Strategic Accounts Manager. His talent for juggling complex projects and building strong client relationships makes him an indispensable part of our team. Johnny’s dedication means your event is in the best hands.
