Cow Palace experiencing a revival as it adapts to host various events
Once known as the premier destination for rodeos, Cow Palace has evolved into a dynamic hub for concerts, expos, and entertainment events. And it continues to grow with the times.
Deputy Director Eric Blockie witnessed that transformation firsthand, and for him, it's personal.
"My mom used to be a barrel racer here when I was 5 years old, many moons ago," Blockie said. "So, I used to come here for the rodeo for many years, sleeping in the hay, back when you could have kids sleep in the hay here."
While the Grand National Rodeo remains a staple at the historic venue, the Cow Palace became a concert hotspot in the 1960s, welcoming legends like The Beatles.
"I've been doing shows here since the early '80s," Blockie said. "I always remember seeing these. A lot of my work, the Rolling Stones in '75, Bon Jovi in '87."
Blockie started his career at the Cow Palace as a security guard. Now, he plays a key role in handling major event logistics and has even escorted A-list headliners.
As he discussed upcoming events with Cow Palace CEO Allison Keaney, she reflected on the venue's storied history.
"Elvis played here. Elvis showered a couple of doors down," Keaney said. "And we leave the sign up to remind people of that. The other one is Prince—seven sold-out nights. Fantastic show."
But the venue's golden era of back-to-back iconic concerts didn't last forever. In the 2000s, newer venues like Chase Center and other Bay Area locations drew major acts away, leaving the Cow Palace in a slump.
Blockie, however, saw an opportunity to revitalize the venue by embracing electronic dance music.
"We seem to have found a small little niche in this dance music phase, which is really the new contemporary artists that are out right now," he said.
From Skrillex to Tiësto, the Cow Palace has adapted to accommodate the vision of modern artists, offering a flexible space that can transform to fit various performances.
"Sometimes it becomes, do you do John Summit, or do you do a reptile show," Blockie said. "So, these are all good problems to have in the venue business."
And business is booming thanks in part to special features that set the Cow Palace apart from other Bay Area venues.
"The iconic part of this venue is the floor space," Blockie said. "And the fact that everybody that's here—there are no suites, there's no second or third level. If you're in the back corner in the wood seats, you still feel like you're a part of the show."
That intimate connection is something artists, like house music legend Kaskade and fans appreciate.
"The Cow Palace was the first time I experienced anything like this in terms of big music events," concertgoer Igor Karishev said. "And being back here in San Francisco, everyone here makes me feel like I'm home."
As for Blockie, the venue will always be home.
"To come back to a venue I've been coming to for over 50 years, and having a small imprint on it being resurgent again with these types of shows has personally been very rewarding," he said. "But I'm also excited for the new kids who are coming to see the venue and also for our staff."
With a rich past and an evolving future, Cow Palace continues to be a hub for entertainment, bridging generations through music, culture, and memorable experiences.
