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Entry prices for Fort Worth attractions: Opening day vs. today

Inflation is no fun, but these five Fort Worth attractions have grown their number of offerings, and entry fees, since they first opened.

Riders on the log flume in 1963 at Six Flags over Texas.

Six Flags Over Texas made a splash when it first opened.

Photo via UTA Libraries/Squire Haskins Photography, Inc. Collections

Family fun in the Fort Worth area isn’t hard to come by, but many of our biggest attractions come with a price tag to match.

To see just how much costs have grown, we’re diving into local history to check out the first admission prices at five landmark attractions and compare them to today’s costs.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in 1938 and in 2023.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo: 1938 vs. today.

Photos via UTA Libraries/Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection and FTWtoday

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

This longtime tradition dates back to 1896 when admission was free on the banks of Marine Creek. Over the years, it’s gained many attractions, moved to the Stockyards and then Will Rogers Memorial Center, and added an admission fee.

Show me the money

The elephants at the Fort Worth Zoo in 1938 with a man showing an elephant in a black and white photo vs. today where three elephants play in an enclosed space with a cave and pond.

The elephants at the Fort Worth Zoo in 1938 vs. today.

Photos via UTA Libraries/Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection and FTWtoday

Fort Worth Zoo

When this zoo first opened in 1909 — as the Forest Park Zoo — it showcased six species of animals. Today, it features 7,000+ native and exotic animals that make the entry price well worth it.

Show me the money

  • The zoo was free until 1972. Then, entry for people 12+ became $1.
  • Today, admission is $16 for kids (3-12) and seniors and $20 for people 13+.
A black and white photo of the log flume at Six Flags Over Texas in 1963 and the carousel in 2023.

A ride at Six Flags Over Texas in 1963 vs. the carousel in 2023.

Photos via UTA Libraries/Squire Haskins Photography, Inc. Collections and Jeremy Thompson on Flickr

Six Flags Over Texas

This thrilling destination has been soaring over DFW since 1961 — and entry prices have also been on the rise.

Show me the money

The Texas Rangers at their first home game at Arlington Stadium in 1972 vs. Globe Life field today.

The Texas Rangers at their first home game at Arlington Stadium vs. Globe Life field today.

Photos via UTA Libraries/Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection and FTWtoday

Texas Rangers games

In 1972, the Rangers — formerly the Washington Senators — moved to Texas and played their first season at Arlington Stadium, before shifting to the new Globe Life Field in 2020.

Show me the money

  • During the 1972 season, $4 tickets were common.
  • Today, the average ticket costs $35-$40, but prices vary by seat and opponent — and are even higher with that World Series Champion status.
Texas Motor Speedway in 1999 with a sign reading "The Speedway Club" in 1999 vs. modern day.

Texas Motor Speedway in 1999 vs. modern day.

Photos via Billy Halthorn on Wikimedia Commons and Marco Becerra on Flickr

Texas Motor Speedway

This racetrack brought high-speed fun to Cowtown when it opened in 1997.

Show me the money

  • Tickets for the first-ever race were $5-$80 at the box office.
  • In 2024, the average ticket price is $95.22, though prices can range greatly.
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