By Katie Smith, A&E Editor
As everyone knows, the infamous Club Rodeo closed its doors on Jan. 25. The news of its closing came as a mild shock to me, but I knew at least a month before it was public; being “in-the-know” made me feel cool. Truly, this place, which I called my weekend home, will always hold a special place in my heart.
Club Rodeo is where I watched Luke Combs perform before he was famous. I also got to see Uncle Cracker and Devin Dawson perform for free; I had connections on the inside. Over the summer of 2018, I worked with Rodeo’s affiliate bars, The Bullpen and Keys Piano Bar, as a waitress and became friends with people who also worked at Club Rodeo.
Whenever the weekend would roll around, my group chats would be buzzing with anticipation of going out. As someone who is under 21, Rodeo was always my go to. I am lucky enough to have such down to earth friends who are always down for a good time. I have made an unreal amount of memories at this club that I will continually laugh about with my friends.
Sure, Rodeo wasn’t the absolute best place to spend our time, but it was the only place my friends and I could dance and be dumb college students without feeling like we were being judged. I would be lying if I said I had the time of my life every time I went out, but it would be wrong for me to act like Rodeo didn’t treat me well either.
I am sad to see Rodeo go, but I also can’t wait to see what its replacement will be like. I will also be turning 21 this summer so I will get the chance to branch out to other Wichita nightlife. At the end of the day though, Club Rodeo will always be my first love.
As everyone knows, the infamous Club Rodeo closed its doors on Jan. 25. The news of its closing came as a mild shock to me, but I knew at least a month before it was public; being “in-the-know” made me feel cool. Truly, this place, which I called my weekend home, will always hold a special place in my heart.
Club Rodeo is where I watched Luke Combs perform before he was famous. I also got to see Uncle Cracker and Devin Dawson perform for free; I had connections on the inside. Over the summer of 2018, I worked with Rodeo’s affiliate bars, The Bullpen and Keys Piano Bar, as a waitress and became friends with people who also worked at Club Rodeo.
Whenever the weekend would roll around, my group chats would be buzzing with anticipation of going out. As someone who is under 21, Rodeo was always my go to. I am lucky enough to have such down to earth friends who are always down for a good time. I have made an unreal amount of memories at this club that I will continually laugh about with my friends.
Sure, Rodeo wasn’t the absolute best place to spend our time, but it was the only place my friends and I could dance and be dumb college students without feeling like we were being judged. I would be lying if I said I had the time of my life every time I went out, but it would be wrong for me to act like Rodeo didn’t treat me well either.
I am sad to see Rodeo go, but I also can’t wait to see what its replacement will be like. I will also be turning 21 this summer so I will get the chance to branch out to other Wichita nightlife. At the end of the day though, Club Rodeo will always be my first love.
PHOTO: Katie Smith, A&E Editor
