Star Of Texas Rodeo - Austin Rodeo

[TexCHLFan]

I would like to get opinions from others on this matter.
I have been a CHL holder for years and I always try to be cognizant of where there might be a 30.06 sign. While I don't always like it, I will turn around and either leave the business, or deposit my firearm in the console and then return to the store or place of business or facility.

I attended the Star Of Texas Rodeo recently and carried as usual. I looked intently upon entering the arena, but didn't notice a 30.06 sign.
I did not see one, so I attended the rodeo and musical performance and then left. As I was exiting the building, one person in my party needed to stop by the restroom so I stood by the entrance gates. I turned around and the 30.06 sign nearly hit me in the face. There it was, the right size and the the right wording and all.
There were multiple problems, in my opinion.

First, the gates, when open, were not easilty seen (you would see the side of the sign, about 1/4 inch thick) upon entering. If the gates were closed, then the sign would be easily seen. Thus, it was not in compliance with 30.06.c.3(b)(iii) which states that the sign must be "displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public". I don't think the sign posting met that requirement.

Second, under 30.06(e), it clearly states that it is an exception to the section if the property "on which the license holder carries a hanggun is owned or leased by a governental entity and is not a premises or other place on which the license holder is prohibited form carrying.....".

The Star of Texas Rodeo is held at the Travis County Exposition Center (owned by a governmental entity in other words).

I would like to know if other CHL carriers happened to see or not see the 30.06 sign at the gates to the building, and also whether you think it is a defense since the building is owned by Travis County.

Thanks and I look forward to your input.

[Keith B]

I would like to get opinions from others on this matter.
I have been a CHL holder for years and I always try to be cognizant of where there might be a 30.06 sign. While I don't always like it, I will turn around and either leave the business, or deposit my firearm in the console and then return to the store or place of business or facility.

I attended the Star Of Texas Rodeo recently and carried as usual. I looked intently upon entering the arena, but didn't notice a 30.06 sign.
I did not see one, so I attended the rodeo and musical performance and then left. As I was exiting the building, one person in my party needed to stop by the restroom so I stood by the entrance gates. I turned around and the 30.06 sign nearly hit me in the face. There it was, the right size and the the right wording and all.
There were multiple problems, in my opinion.

First, the gates, when open, were not easily seen (you would see the side of the sign, about 1/4 inch thick) upon entering. If the gates were closed, then the sign would be easily seen. Thus, it was not in compliance with 30.06.c.3(b)(iii) which states that the sign must be "displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public". I don't think the sign posting met that requirement.

Second, under 30.06(e), it clearly states that it is an exception to the section if the property "on which the license holder carries a hanggun is owned or leased by a governental entity and is not a premises or other place on which the license holder is prohibited form carrying.....".

The Star of Texas Rodeo is held at the Travis County Exposition Center (owned by a governmental entity in other words).

I would like to know if other CHL carriers happened to see or not see the 30.06 sign at the gates to the building, and also whether you think it is a defense since the building is owned by Travis County.

Thanks and I look forward to your input.

First off, welcome to the forum.

The main problem is a rodeo would usually be considered a professional sporting event and is off limits even without a 30.06 posting, unless the rodeo was only amateurs and no payout for prizes. Rarely the case.

Now, the 30.06 sign would not be valid on the government owned building, but there is no case law on others using the building and posting their own sign and being valid. Consensus says that it is not legally valid as they can't override the city building exemption, but you would probably be arrested and taken in, and may end up spending quite a bit of money to beat it and become the case law.

So to summarize, in this case you were in violation by carrying at the rodeo as it is a professional sporting event, validly written 30.06 or not.

[cubbyjg]

Keith beat me to it. Its the same way with the Houston Rodeo.

[TexCHLFan]

Thanks for the quick reply and interpretation. I had not thought about the professional sporting event aspect.

I always think of a rodeo as being a sideline of the livestock show, where students show their livestock for judging, and there is a temporary carnival on the grounds as well. Also includes a concert. Of the thousands of people who participate or show or ride in the rodeo, probably less than 60 are "professionals" and earn their living at it, but I think you are correct and I was incorrect - - this would be classified as a professional sporting event.

I'd love to hear others opinions, but I'll just plan on leaving it in the console next time.

[Dutch]

The way I understand it is that if you are on the fair grounds or the livestock grounds you are fine. Only when you enter the building with the professional sporting event do you have a problem.

[cnovel]

as mentioned,,there are payouts,,,but do these payouts make the income for these guys/girls,,,or are they prizes ? as in winning a stuffed animal at the rodeo,but a beeter scale,,,with alot of the small rodeos,,the cowboys do not do that as the sole income,,but suppliment,,they have tgo pay alot to enter travel,,there own gear,,etc., unlike football where all is provided for the athlete.


just a thought,,and i can not afford to go to any of these events anyway !!!!!

god bless our warriors in the fight against evil forces !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and the people that abuse them and protest make me sick