Amarillo is the seat of Potter County and largest city in the Texas Panhandle with over 175,000 residents according to the 2000 Census. Known to most as the "yellow rose of Texas," Amarillo is also the self-proclaimed "helium capital of the world" because the United States' most productive helium fields are located in town. Amarillo was originally known throughout the United States as a capital for cattle trade.

The city's industry hasn't changed much, Amarillo is still the location where roughly 25% of the nation's beef supply is processed and is also home to the Texas Cattle Feeders Association. Tyson Foods is Amarillo's largest employer attesting to the meatpacking heritage of the city. Healthcare, the Amarillo Independent School District, and the City of Amarillo are other top employers. Bell Helicopter Textron operates and assembly plant in Amarillo which is responsible for the V-22 Osprey and Marine One assembly.

The Globe News Center for the Performing Arts in Amarillo houses the Amarillo Opera, Amarillo Symphony, and Lone Star Ballet in addition to concerts. For those who want the Texas Cowboy experience, Amarillo plays host to the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo as well as the World Championship Chuckwagon Roundup that is a food festival featuring staples cowboys and pioneers historically ate in the area. The World Championship Ranch Rodeo is put on by the Working Ranch Cowboys Association and attracts accomplished cowboys from around the world. There's even a weekly cattle auction that's free to the public named the Amarillo Livestock Auction. The American Quarter Horse Association and Hall of Fame is another internationally known Amarillo organization.