AMARILLO -- The Working Ranch Cowboys Association Rodeo is out at the Civic Center.

Despite fears by organizers that the economy would keep people away, they're experiencing bigger crowds.

Organizers say ticket sales were the highest of any opening night.

In fact, total attendance for the weekend is projected to be more than 30,000.

All those people in town are helping the local economy.

The Ambassador Hotel says they're pretty much booked.

The Holiday Inn on I-40 says they've been booked for several months because of the rodeo.