Bidding Heats Up as Business Leaders Rally Behind Chuckwagon Racing at 2025 Canvas Auction presented by Play Alberta!

The 2025 Calgary Stampede Canvas Auction presented by Play Alberta wrapped up on Thursday night at The Big Four Roadhouse, with businesses and partners demonstrating their strong commitment to Chuckwagon Racing as they gathered to secure their place in the iconic Rangeland Derby presented by Play Alberta.

In an incredible show of community support, bidding reached a total of $3.84M with Jason Glass receiving the top bid of the night – $230,000 from Birchcliff Energy Ltd. Overall, the night’s auction proceeds were up a remarkable $725,000 from 2024.

"The energy in the room tonight was incredible, and it’s a true testament to the cultural, historic and sporting significance of Chuckwagon racing," said Calgary Stampede President & Chair of the Board, Stuart O’Connor. "The support our Drivers receive from the business community is vital as it fuels the teams, the horses and the entire community behind the scenes – not just during the Stampede but throughout the racing season and we’re thrilled to see so much enthusiasm for this iconic Stampede tradition."

The Canvas Auction is an annual event that partners companies and groups with the 27 Chuckwagon Drivers who are invited to compete at the Stampede. Successful bidders can advertise on their Driver’s Chuckwagon canvas throughout Stampede 2025 and have the unique opportunity to offer a select group of their guests a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes experience with their Driver in the chuckwagon barns.

“This means a lot. It’s not cheap to run a chuckwagon team,” said Jason Glass, who earned the highest bid of the evening. “It's money well spent for all the Drivers. We put it back into what we do and what we love. It’s a lot of money and it’s well appreciated. I’ve been doing this for 35 years and I’ve been around it for 54 years and I’m just grateful every year.”

For those who missed out on tonight’s bidding, individual nights of advertising may still be available, as successful bidders can offer up nights they are unable to utilize themselves. This provides even more options for organizations to be part of this valued and unique experience. Anyone interested in this opportunity is encouraged to email chuckwagons@calgarystampede.com.

The Canvas Auction marks the kickoff and countdown to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, which is only 85 days away. While the Calgary Stampede is packed with excitement, there are few events as beloved as the Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races presented by Play Alberta.

Tickets are on sale for the 2025 Evening Show, taking place nightly July 4-13. Enjoy a thrilling night starting with the Rangeland Derby presented by Play Alberta, Relay Races, and the Grandstand Show, all ending with an unforgettable fireworks finale. Don’t miss this exceptional evening of entertainment—get your tickets and plan your Stampede experience now! For the best seats in the house, visit CalgaryStampede.com/tickets.

About the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.

For more information, please contact: 

Media Relations Team

E: media.relations@calgarystampede.com