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7 Must-See Events At The Ector County Coliseum In Odessa, TX: The Ultimate 2026 Schedule Guide

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Planning your next major outing in West Texas? The Ector County Coliseum in Odessa, TX, remains the premier hub for high-energy sports, world-class concerts, and must-see family entertainment. As of December 23, 2025, the 2026 schedule is packed with a diverse range of attractions that cater to every interest, from bone-jarring rodeo action and professional hockey to major touring productions. This comprehensive guide breaks down the freshest and most exciting events confirmed for the venue, ensuring you don't miss a single moment of the action at the "Barn."

The Ector County Coliseum, often affectionately called "The Barn" by locals, is more than just an arena; it’s a West Texas institution. Managed by Director Aaron Martin, the facility recently underwent a major digital overhaul, including the launch of a new website and logo, signaling a fresh commitment to serving the Odessa and Permian Basin communities. The 2026 calendar is a testament to this renewed energy, featuring a robust lineup of annual favorites and major touring acts that are guaranteed to draw large crowds.

Ector County Coliseum: Venue Profile and Key Information

The Ector County Coliseum is a multi-purpose arena that has been a cornerstone of the Odessa, Texas, entertainment scene for decades. It is an essential venue for regional events, known for its versatile capacity to host everything from ice hockey to rodeos.

  • Official Name: Ector County Coliseum
  • Location: 4201 Andrews Highway, Odessa, TX 79762
  • Phone: 432-366-3541
  • Venue Director: Aaron Martin
  • Primary Tenants: Odessa Jackalopes (NAHL Junior Hockey)
  • Event Types: Professional Hockey, Rodeos, Concerts, Trade Shows, Monster Trucks, Indoor Football (returning soon), and Family Shows.
  • Recent Updates: New website and logo launched to improve community service and ticket access.

The 2026 Lineup: Major Sports and Family Entertainment

The Ector County Coliseum schedule for 2026 is anchored by a mix of thrilling sports and globally recognized family shows. The venue is particularly famous for its rodeo and hockey events, which draw fans from across the entire Permian Basin. Securing tickets early is highly recommended, especially for the high-demand weekend slots.

1. Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo (January 2026)

The Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo is a long-standing tradition in West Texas, kicking off the year with a bang. This multi-day event is a major highlight on the Odessa calendar, featuring top-tier rodeo competitions and a massive stock show.

  • The Event: The Sandhills Rodeo is a professional-level competition with events like bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping, attracting cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation. The stock show component is a critical showcase for local and regional agriculture.
  • Key Dates: Events are scheduled throughout January, including multiple performances like the Thursday show on January 8, 2026, and Friday and Saturday shows on January 9 and 10, 2026.
  • Why You Can't Miss It: It’s a genuine taste of West Texas heritage and a spectacular display of athletic skill and animal handling.

2. Odessa Jackalopes NAHL Hockey (Ongoing Season)

The Odessa Jackalopes are the Ector County Coliseum's primary tenant, providing thrilling North American Hockey League (NAHL) action throughout the winter and spring. Known as the "Jacks," their games are a fast-paced, high-energy experience perfect for sports fans.

  • The Team: The Jackalopes are a Tier II junior hockey team that develops top talent for collegiate and professional leagues. They are a staple of the Odessa sports scene.
  • Key 2026 Home Games: The schedule includes multiple home stands, such as games against the El Paso Rhinos (Feb 7 & 8, 2026) and the Corpus Christi IceRays (Feb 13, 2026).
  • Ticket Information: Fans can find various seating options, with tickets available through official vendors like Etix. A recent report noted the team is working with Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett to address past due payments to the county, but games continue as scheduled, underscoring the team's commitment to the venue.

3. Disney On Ice: Let's Dance (March 2026)

A perennial family favorite, Disney On Ice brings the magic of classic and modern Disney stories to the ice. The "Let's Dance" production is a major touring event that transforms the Coliseum into a spectacular winter wonderland.

  • The Show: Featuring beloved characters from franchises like *Frozen*, *Moana*, and the classic Disney princesses, the ice show is a dazzling display of skating, choreography, and special effects.
  • Key Dates: The production typically runs for multiple days with several showtimes, including matinee and evening performances. Confirmed dates include March 12, 14, and 15, 2026.
  • Audience: Perfect for children and families, offering a unique opportunity to see Disney characters live.

Concerts, Bull Riding, and New Developments

Beyond the regular hockey and rodeo circuit, the Ector County Coliseum is a prime concert venue and hosts unique, adrenaline-pumping events that define the West Texas entertainment landscape.

4. Aaron Watson Concert (January 2026)

The Coliseum is a frequent stop for major country music artists, and the 2026 schedule includes a performance by Texas country star Aaron Watson. His concerts are known for their high energy and deep connection to the Texas music scene.

  • The Artist: Aaron Watson is a highly successful independent country artist with a loyal following, known for hits like "Outta Style" and "Raise Your Hands."
  • Key Date: January 16, 2026, at 9:00 PM.
  • Why It Matters: Concerts like this cement the Ector County Coliseum's reputation as a vital venue for the Texas country circuit, drawing music lovers from Midland, Pecos, and beyond.

5. 2026 West Texas Bull Invasion (March 2026)

For fans of extreme sports and rodeo action, the West Texas Bull Invasion is a must-see. This event focuses entirely on the intense, eight-second challenge of bull riding.

  • The Event: A standalone bull riding competition featuring top riders facing off against some of the fiercest bulls in the circuit.
  • Key Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Venue Setup: The Coliseum's versatile seating chart allows for an up-close view of the arena floor, making the bull riding experience even more visceral.

6. OC NIRA Wrangler Rodeo (February/March 2026)

Adding to the rodeo offerings, the Odessa College (OC) NIRA Wrangler Rodeo showcases the next generation of rodeo stars. This event is part of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) circuit.

  • The Event: College athletes compete in a variety of rodeo events, making it a crucial stop for students aiming for professional careers. It's a great opportunity to see future champions in action.
  • Key Dates: The event is scheduled to run from February 27 to March 1, 2026.
  • Community Connection: This event highlights the partnership between the Ector County Coliseum and Odessa College, supporting local educational programs and athletics.

7. The Return of Indoor Football (TBD 2026)

In a major development for the venue, Ector County Coliseum Director Aaron Martin announced that indoor football is officially "coming back" to the arena. This is an exciting return to a sport that has a history in Odessa.

  • The News: A new indoor football team is set to begin playing at the Coliseum.
  • Historical Context: The Coliseum previously hosted the popular Odessa/West Texas Roughnecks from 2004 to 2012, demonstrating a proven market for the sport.
  • What to Expect: While the team name and exact schedule are pending, the fast-paced, high-scoring nature of indoor football is guaranteed to be a major draw, adding yet another professional sports entity to the venue's lineup. Keep an eye on the official Ector County Coliseum website for the new team's schedule and ticket release.

Planning Your Visit to the Ector County Coliseum

Attending an event at the Ector County Coliseum is a straightforward experience, thanks to its central location and robust infrastructure. The venue is easily accessible from Andrews Highway and offers ample parking for major events. Whether you are coming to see the Odessa Jackalopes, a major concert, or the high-stakes action of the West Texas Bull Invasion, planning ahead is key.

For the most up-to-the-minute information, always check the official Ector County Coliseum website or trusted ticket vendors like TicketSmarter, SeatGeek, and AXS. With a dynamic mix of professional sports, family entertainment, and marquee concerts, the 2026 calendar confirms that the Ector County Coliseum is maintaining its status as the entertainment epicenter of West Texas.

7 Must-See Events at the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa, TX: The Ultimate 2026 Schedule Guide
odessa tx coliseum events
odessa tx coliseum events

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