Calgary Stampede and CMLC share first glimpse of bold new 20-year vision to shape the future of Stampede Park

Building on the significant development on Stampede Park over the past six years, the Calgary Stampede and Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) have partnered to update the original Calgary Stampede Master Plan (2004). The updated plan charts a bold vision to continue evolving The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, expands Stampede Park as a year-round destination and supports the growing momentum in Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District (The C+E). 

The updated master plan responds to two decades of investment and delivery across Stampede Park, including major projects such as the BMO Centre Expansion, Nutrien Western Event Centre, Sam Centre, Stampede Youth Campus, the greening and reclamation of Elbow River Park, the 17th Avenue Extension and Victoria Park/Stampede Station rebuild, Stampede Trail and the forthcoming Scotia Place and Autograph Collection Hotel. 

“For more than a century, the Calgary Stampede has been shaping experiences in our city. With the successful completion of the expanded BMO Centre in 2024 and exciting new projects underway, we have successfully fulfilled the 20-year vision established in 2004. Now, we are turning our attention to the next 20 years to ensure our master plan reflects the ambition and opportunity of our growing city,” says Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede. “This master plan aligns with the broader Rivers District Master Plan (RDMP) and leverages our location, celebrates our heritage and builds our future by supporting flexibility, growth and education.” 

Marking the first public reveal of the future-facing vision, the plan is anchored around seven distinct zones on Stampede Park that shape dynamic new experiences, facilities and open spaces that together create a year-round district celebrating the western hospitality of the Stampede and the continued evolution of our city. The master plan’s ambitious vision for potential future spaces and facilities includes:

• Agriculture + Animals: A new purpose-built agriculture facility that supports the Stampede’s vision of becoming the world’s premier gathering place for agriculture.
• Discovery & Heritage: Strengthening First Nations perspective and connections with the Elbow River, Stampede Campus and Community Park East, this zone expands opportunity and connectivity for year-round programming and storytelling.
• Live Events Zone: Adjacent to Scotia Place, an anchor feature that blends dynamic development potential for commercial uses and unique food and beverage offerings with a vibrant outdoor gathering space designed to facilitate year-round programming and celebration.
• Multipurpose Venue: A new modernized multipurpose venue intended to replace The Big Four Building and enable programming flexibility to service the growing music and event needs on Stampede Park.
• Stampede Gateway: A new mixed-use development site that blends functional visitors’ needs such as rideshare access and parking with commercial development.
• Outdoor Flex Space: More efficient, better-connected flex and open spaces to support the 10-day festival’s varied needs, including the Stampede Midway.
• Stadium & Track: An expansion or renovation to the original grandstand and track facilities to enable expanded programming.

Leveraging the foundational partnership forged between the Calgary Stampede and CMLC in 2016, the plan was authored in collaboration to ensure alignment with the broader Rivers District Master Plan. 

“Our partnership with the Calgary Stampede is transforming how people experience our city,” says Kate Thompson, President & CEO, CMLC. “Our goal with this updated plan was to capture the scale of opportunity that exists within Stampede Park and create a synergy with the Rivers District Master Plan that balances the intricate and specific needs of the Calgary Stampede with the overarching goals of the RDMP, all in service of creating an unparalleled Culture + Entertainment District.” 

The master plan process spanned 18 months and included consultation with a broad range of interest-holders including the Calgary Stampede’s operational, agriculture and events teams, community partners, district landowners and civic partners. Today, with nearly $2-billion in projects already completed or underway in The C+E, the plan also integrates the vision of projects currently underway in the district and helps shape the future of Stampede Park today.

The updated master plan was developed in collaboration with Populous — a world-class planning and architecture firm who led the design vision for the BMO Centre — and Calgary-based architecture firm GGA, who brings over 40 years’ experience in the city. 

Today’s release marks the first public reveal of the Calgary Stampede vision. Details of the Calgary Stampede Master Plan, including funding strategies and phasing for the various elements, will be communicated as the plan progresses. 

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 shares Western hospitality and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities. calgarystampede.com

About CMLC
CMLC is Calgary’s go-to city-building placemaker. In 2007, The City of Calgary created CMLC to kick-start Calgary’s urban renewal by revitalizing the Rivers District—504 acres on downtown’s east end, including East Village and Calgary’s emerging Culture + Entertainment District. In 2025, we broadened our boundaries to bring everything we’ve learned about planning, placemaking and executing great places to new neighbourhoods and a new city-building opportunity—Transit-Oriented Communities. 

CMLC has also delivered $1 billion in major projects, including the new Central Library, the BMO Centre Expansion, the Platform Innovation Centre & Parkade, and the 17 Ave S.E. Extension and Victoria Park/Stampede Station Rebuild. CMLC is currently leading the delivery of the Werklund Centre and Olympic Plaza Transformation projects. Through mindful master-planning, creative placemaking and bold city-building ventures, we’re transforming Calgary into one of the world's most livable and lovable cities. calgarymlc.ca

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