Cow Palace Arena & Event Center

Entertainment ProvidersUnited States501-1000 Employees

Since opening in 1941, the Cow Palace has welcomed 50 million visitors through its doors. The Cow Palace is officially the 1-A District Agricultural Association, a State agency of the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Division of Fairs and Expositions. 

The Cow Palace was completed in 1941. The new arena boasted a concrete and steel roof that covered nearly six acres. The first event to be held in the new arena was the Western Classic Holstein Show in April, 1941. In November of that year, the first Grand National Rodeo was held, featuring a tribute to the late Will Rogers. The show was declared a smash hit.

Cow Palace highlights include appearances by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Liberace, the Billy Graham Crusade (with attendance of 696,525), John F. Kennedy, Evel Knievel, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley. In addition to these, the Cow Palace has been the host of many successful sold-out concerts. Some of the more memorable are those by the Grateful Dead *, the Who, the Doors, Rod Stewart, Santana, ZZ Top, Yes, Paul McCartney & Wings, Neil Diamond, Elton John, U2, and Prince.

Mission Statement for the 1-A District Agricultural Association

Promote and showcase a variety of entertainment and events to serve the needs and reflect the cultural diversity of the community. Conduct annually a unique event, The Grand National Livestock Expo, Horse Show, & Rodeo, and continue to encourage youth participation in the agricultural industry. Provide a well-managed, year round multi use facility for the use and enjoyment of the Bay Area and surrounding communities.

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