Calgary’s Stampede puts horsepower behind economy

Last year, the Calgary Stampede proudly welcomed just under 1.4 million guests from across the city and around the world to Stampede Park. On July 5, The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth will kick off for its 112 year with an experience unlike any other.

“The Stampede is a unique opportunity to showcase Calgary’s western hospitality and community spirit to both our neighbours and our international guests,” says Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede. “It’s a time when the city comes together, and everyone — from our youngest visitors to our most seasoned rodeo fans — feels a sense of excitement and belonging.”

While the Stampede Parade presented by Suncor marks the official start of Stampede, the Canvas Auction in April initiated the countdown. In an incredible show of community support, bidding reached a total of $3.115 million, with Kris Molle receiving $210,000, the top bid of the night, from Graf Mechanical Ltd. Overall, the evening’s auction proceeds were up a remarkable $365,000 from 2023.

To date, Stampede Rodeo and Evening Show ticket sales are pacing ahead of 2023 levels, with the tourism and hospitality industries expected to see a significant boost during the annual festival. Last year an estimated 29 per cent of visitors to Stampede Park were from out-of-town, spending money in hotels, restaurants and at local businesses. According to a 2019 Conference Board of Canada study, that amounts to about $282 million of economic impact for Alberta and $227 million of economic impact for Calgary, just during the ten days of Stampede.

“Stampede plays a huge role in the visitor economy in Calgary — it is the kickoff to an amazing lineup of summer events and pivotal to the 84,000 Calgarians who make their livelihoods in tourism in our Blue Sky City,” says Alisha Reynolds, President and CEO of Tourism Calgary. “In addition to the great experiences at Stampede Park, hundreds of partner organizations and attractions across the city create unforgettable activities and have built what has become one of the largest music experiences in Canada today. Including Stampede Park, Calgary is showcasing 13 music venues with more than 150 bands and artists over the 10 days of Stampede. Our website — visitcalgary.com — is the best centralized source for all there is to see and do while you are in our terrific community.”

After decades of planning and four years of construction, the expanded BMO Centre opened its doors in June, welcoming the world and marking Calgary as a world-class convention destination. With an additional 565,000 square feet of space, it is now officially the largest convention centre in Western Canada and has capacity for large-scale conventions and events the city had not previously been able to accommodate. The BMO Centre expansion is projected to generate approximately $100 million a year in revenue and create thousands of jobs. To date there are another 500 conventions and events booked into the expansion, which will support filling hotel rooms, restaurants, shops, rideshares and other attractions that make Calgary unique.

“As the fifth most liveable city in the world, Calgary is a city that continues to invest in itself,” said Brad Parry, President & CEO, Calgary Economic Development and CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund. “In the global competition for companies and talent, having community gathering spaces for year-round experiences contribute to our liveability, making Calgary an ideal destination to build a life. Our world-renowned Calgary Stampede and BMO Centre are no exceptions and put Calgary in the enviable position of continuing to attract the best and brightest.”

During Stampede 2024, the BMO Centre will provide guests with additional room to roam, air-conditioned spaces to rest and new experiences. With a panoramic view from the mountains to the Midway, the Champion Wine Experience on the third floor of the BMO Centre will transport guests to an era of alluring speakeasy lounges with award winning wine, duelling pianos and a captivating cabaret show. The main floor of the BMO Centre will also host 257 market vendors, which is an increase of 113 vendors when compared to last year.

Another addition to Stampede Park this year is Sam Centre, which offers guests a year-round opportunity to experience The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Sam Centre is where the stories of the Stampede come to life, bringing together over 100 years of memories, artifacts and experiences under one roof. From feeling the thundering hooves of the chuckwagon races in a stunning 270° multimedia show to creating the next Calgary Stampede Poster, guests don’t just sit back and listen to history — they get to help craft the next chapter. Sam Centre welcomes guests year-round, adding to the cultural experiences offered in Calgary for visitors and locals alike.

"As an iconic cultural experience, contributing to the city's cultural vibrancy and drawing in over a million visitors each year, the Stampede is a critical time for our economy and international reputation. Guests to Stampede Park spend $540 million annually in local hotels, restaurants and other businesses, with $282 million of that alone spent during the ten days in July," says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. "For many, those dollars spent during the Stampede are critical to the success of their businesses. And, with the recent ongoing investments in infrastructure in Stampede Park, such as the BMO Centre expansion, Sam Centre and Culture + Entertainment District, Calgary continues to be positioned as a premier destination for major events, boosting our visitor economy all year-round."

The combined successes of Stampede and year-round events empower the Calgary Stampede to significantly invest in youth, support agricultural programs and celebrate western culture. The revenue generated during the Stampede sustains these initiatives, contributes to the vibrancy of the city and creates lasting economic benefits for Calgary.

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:
Brianna Baustad
Communications Coordinator
Calgary Stampede
T 587.433.5734
E bbaustad@calgarystampede.com