When Paul Andrews took over as President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show and Complex in November 2010, he was more accustomed to the glitz and glamour of the NBA and the NHL than the rugged arenas for livestock and horses.
“My children and grandchildren had grown up attending Nuggets and Avalanche games all their lives,” recalled Andrews, who is set to retire after the upcoming National Western Stock Show in January 2025. “They weren’t quite sure what to make of this rodeo business.”
Prior to his role at the National Western Stock Show, Andrews served as the executive vice president of Kroenke Sports Enterprises in Denver, overseeing the parent company of the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Rapids, along with Ball Arena and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, which he had a hand in developing.
Despite his background in professional sports, Andrews was no stranger to the world of rodeo. His grandfather, Paul Pattridge, was a renowned cattle breeder who exhibited champion cattle at the National Western Stock Show for over four decades. With a sprawling ranch in Golden dedicated to American Polled Hereford Cattle, Pattridge’s involvement in the Stock Show board exposed Andrews to a heritage that left a lasting impression.
This familiarity with the Stock Show’s legacy proved invaluable as Andrews navigated the organization through unprecedented challenges, including the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of the 2021 event. It marked only the second time in its history that the Stock Show had to be called off, the first being in 1915 due to an animal disease outbreak.
One of Andrews’ primary objectives was the revitalization of the National Western Complex, situated near Humboldt Street and 47th Avenue, with modernized facilities to accommodate growing attendance, technological advancements, and diversified revenue streams. A comprehensive $1 billion redevelopment initiative, still in progress, is slated for completion in time for the January 2026 showcase.
Andrews spearheaded a $150 million fundraising campaign, “Honoring the Legacy,” to support the renovation efforts. The campaign, overseen by director Angela Lieurance and chairman Pete Coors, received widespread support from Denver’s business and political communities and is expected to continue under Andrews’ successor, who is anticipated to assume the role in the summer of 2025.
Looking ahead, Andrews envisions a future where the National Western Stock Show transcends its local roots to become a global cultural phenomenon, attracting not just patrons interested in livestock and agriculture but also international visitors seeking an authentic Western experience.
Under Andrews’ leadership, the National Western Center eliminated its $10 million debt within a year and achieved positive financial performance, even amidst attendance fluctuations during the pandemic. The 2024 edition of the Stock Show drew over 700,000 attendees over 16 days, resulting in a corresponding uptick in revenues.
The essence of tradition
Known for his hands-on approach, Andrews regularly tours the Stock Show grounds during the event, engaging with participants and ensuring smooth operations.
“I cherish the tradition of the Stock Show,” he remarked, highlighting the diverse array of activities featured at the event, from rodeos to vendor exhibitions. “We’re among the top rodeos globally, with most shows selling out. Our livestock showcase is truly unparalleled—it’s a piece of history.”
Pat Grant, former CEO of the National Western Center, commended Andrews’ ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, from ranchers to policymakers, to advance the organization’s mission. Andrews’ collaborative efforts with the city of Denver and the Colorado Legislature have been instrumental in securing funding for the National Western Center’s operations and infrastructure upgrades.
Even as he transitions into a consulting role post-retirement, Andrews remains committed to elevating the National Western Stock Show into a premier Western event with a global appeal. His vision encompasses not only preserving the Stock Show’s heritage but also expanding its reach to new audiences and markets.
Andrews’ strategic initiatives have significantly boosted the National Western Complex’s year-round event bookings, which have more than doubled under his tenure to 250 events. A recent report by the Common Sense Institute estimated the Stock Show’s annual economic impact at $171 million, surpassing the economic contributions of major sporting events in the region.
“Paul’s dedication, energy, and business acumen have been invaluable to the National Western’s recent achievements,” remarked Doug Jones, chairman of the Western Stock Show Association board. “His successor will have big shoes to fill.”
Despite the accolades, Andrews remains humble, attributing the Stock Show’s success to a collective effort rather than individual contributions.
“This is a team effort,” he emphasized. “The Stock Show embodies the best of America—it bridges urban and rural divides, transcends political differences, and brings people together to celebrate our shared heritage. That’s the essence of what makes this event so uniquely American.”
Originally Published:
