The building now known as Billy Bob’s Texas was built in 1910 and was once an open-air barn used to house prize cattle for the Fort Worth Stock Show. In 1936, as a Texas Centennial Project, the building was enclosed by the City of Fort Worth at a cost of $183,500 and the tower over the main entrance was added. The “new” structure contained livestock stalls, and an auction ring that is now the Billy Bob’s Bull Riding arena. Livestock events were held here until the stock show moved to the Will Rogers Memorial Complex, in 1943. During World War II, the building was used as an airplane factory, and in the 1950′s the building became a department store so large that the stock boys wore roller skates to make their jobs easier.
Billy Bob’s Texas opened April 1, 1981 with national attention featuring with it’s 100,000 square feet entertainment center, more than 30 bar stations, country music’s biggest stars, real Pro Bull Riding, and a Texas size dance floor. It became known as “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk”, where more than 6,000 fun loving folks of all ages could enjoy entertainment every day and night.
For over 43 years, Billy Bob’s has hosted the biggest stars in country music and classic rock from Alabama to ZZ Top. Billy Bob’s has been named “Country Music Club of the Year” 12 times by the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.
Visitors to Billy Bob’s are greeted by a history video narrated by George Strait and can enjoy the large collection of memorabilia. Each entertainer leaves a concrete impression displayed on the Wall of Fame. Visitors can see how their hands match up to those of Garth, Willie, or Ringo. The Guitar Bar in Billy Bob’s has 75 guitars autographed by the stars who have performed at the club.
Billy Bob’s gift store offers a wide selection of souvenirs and unique western gifts. The Honky Tonk Kitchen features mouth-watering bar-b-que, steaks and burgers along with light meals. Billy Bob’s is a popular facility for conventions, groups, and parties accommodating from an intimate 20 to a Texas-size group of 6000.
