Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Alleges She Was Manhandled at Houston Rodeo Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo claimed she was physically shoved and forced to leave the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo after attempting to access the dirt floor without proper tickets. According to Hidalgo, staff members at the event escalated from yelling at her to pushing her out of the area. She described the incident as occurring Tuesday night while she and her guests tried to enter the restricted zone. Hidalgo told Eyewitness News that she and her five guests, including West University Place Mayor Susan Sample and Sample’s two children, were initially seated in the county suite, which is reserved for her as ex officio director of the rodeo. However, she and some guests decided to attempt floor access despite not having chute seat tickets. Hidalgo said two of her guests were allowed onto the dirt area, but she and the others were stopped. “I said, ‘Okay, I will pay for them,’” Hidalgo said, referring to her attempt to purchase tickets on the spot. Rodeo officials stated that Hidalgo’s team had previously been granted nearly $9,000 in floor access tickets for three previous nights but were denied entry Tuesday night because the Megan Moroney concert, which was held on the dirt floor, had sold out. A staff member reportedly told Hidalgo briefly that the area was full as she was leaving. The rodeo’s statement clarified that Hidalgo and her guests were directed back to their ticketed seating after being informed that only chute seat ticket holders could access the dirt area. Officials emphasized that the tickets are a premium option priced at $425 each.#houston_livestock_show_and_rodeo #harris_county_judge_lina_hidalgo #chris_boleman #nrg_stadium #megan_moroney
