San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo will not allow open carry despite new Texas law

People eat in the food court during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Sunday Feb. 23, 2014. People eat in the food court during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Sunday Feb. 23, 2014. Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 45 Caption Close San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo will not allow open carry despite new Texas law 1 / 45 Back to Gallery

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo will not allow the open carry of firearms, now legal under state law, on rodeo grounds during the February event, a spokesperson said in a statement to mySA.com Tuesday.

As of Jan. 1, Texans licensed to carry concealed handguns are now allowed to carry those weapons openly.

RELATED: Business allowing open carry in San Antonio

However, despite the new law, the rodeo will maintain its longstanding policy barring firearms from the event, spokeswoman Kim Hinze said in an email on Tuesday.

"Firearms have not been allowed on the grounds in the past and therefore we are continuing with that policy," Hinze said.

RELATED: Businesses that do not allow open carry on their premises in San Antonio

That includes concealed carry and open carry of firearms, Hinze said.

The open carry law, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2015, allows some exceptions for those who want to opt out: businesses may disallow the open carry of guns if they display a sign.

RELATED: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo wins large indoor rodeo of the year for 11th year in a row

It's also illegal to carry any weapon — including guns, knives, clubs and brass knuckles — at public schools, voting sites, courtrooms, racetracks, airports and some correctional facilities.

Handguns cannot be taken into amusement parks, churches, hospitals and bars and public meetings if there is proper notice that it is a gun-free zone.

RELATED: New Texas laws will go into effect on Jan. 1

The rodeo, started in 1950, isn't the first San Antonio institution to ban open carry: at least 16 major businesses operating in San Antonio, including H-E-B and Whataburger, have opted to disallow the open carry of firearms on their premises.

Officials with the San Antonio Zoo also told mySA.com that they have decided to ban the practice, but that the Texas Attorney General's Office could potentially rule against them.

RELATED: Things to know about Texas' new open carry law

At least seven big businesses with stores in San Antonio, including Lowe's and The Home Depot, will allow open carry.

Scroll through the slideshow to see the stars slated to appear at the rodeo Feb. 11-28 — and learn nine quick facts about the new law.

jfechter@mySA.com

Twitter: @JFreports