Calgary Stampede to launch inaugural First Nations Rodeo & Relay at GMC Stadium

Event brings top Indigenous rodeo and relay athletes from across North America to GMC Stadium on June 13

CALGARY, AB (March 20, 2026) — GMC Stadium will roar to life Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., as Indigenous athletes from across Canada and the United States compete in the inaugural Calgary Stampede First Nations Rodeo & Relay, showcasing heart‑pounding rodeo action and lightning‑fast relay races.

Created in partnership with the Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR), and with the support of Elbow River Camp Tipi Holder advisors from Treaty 7 First Nations, the event will feature eight rodeo events, five heats of relay racing, cultural performances and a marketplace featuring First Nations vendors.

“The Calgary Stampede First Nations Rodeo & Relay is more than a competition, it’s a gathering of community and cultures, and a testament to our enduring relationship with the Tipi Holders from Elbow River Camp,” says Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede. “This event will be a powerful celebration of Indigenous athleticism, horsemanship and culture. We’re honoured to welcome these exceptional competitors to GMC Stadium and invite fans to experience an unforgettable night of sport, pride and community.”

Taking place just three weeks before The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the First Nations Rodeo & Relay will help set the stage for a summer of unforgettable entertainment in GMC Stadium. The event welcomes families and fans of all ages to come together for a shared celebration rooted in history, cultures and competition.

“Adding this event to our tour schedule is incredibly exciting, especially as we celebrate the INFR’s 50th anniversary,” says Jim Stevens, vice‑president of the INFR. “The Calgary Stampede First Nations Rodeo & Relay is not just about rodeo, it’s about showcasing our talent and our cultures. We’re proud this event adds another chapter to the long history of rodeo on Stampede Park, dating back to 1912 when Tom Three Persons became the first‑ever Stampede Champion in Saddle Bronc.”

The event is expected to draw competitors from across North America, with athletes travelling from as far as Florida. That national reach raises the level of competition fans can expect inside GMC Stadium, creating an atmosphere charged by the pride of competing in a venue known for its history and prestige.

“Any time you get to run in GMC Stadium, with the atmosphere and huge crowd, it’s always exciting,” says Cody Big Tobacco, a horseman with the Big Tobacco relay racing team from Siksika Nation. “This is a great opportunity for people to come out and enjoy our culture while watching relay racing and rodeo. Some of the best teams from across the continent are coming, and it will be awesome to compete against them so close to home.”

Don’t miss the chance to feel the rush, hear the cheers, and celebrate First Nations sport and cultures at the Calgary Stampede First Nations Rodeo & Relay. Tickets go on sale to the general public Monday, March 23, at 7 a.m. MDT, with prices starting at $30, plus applicable taxes and fees.

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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. calgarystampede.com

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