Celebrating a century of stories at the grand opening of the Sam Centre

The Calgary Stampede Foundation, together with the Calgary Stampede, marked a new chapter in southern Alberta’s history today as they cut the ribbon on the brand-new Sam Centre.

A permanent place for guests to experience and discover The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth year-round, the design of the 30,000-square-foot Sam Centre was inspired by historic prairie architecture.

“For decades people have gathered at this location and we are thrilled to continue that tradition with this new community hub designed for celebrating, learning, and sharing legendary stories, year-round,” said Bill Gray, Calgary Stampede Foundation Board Chair. “Sam Centre brings people into the middle of Stampede’s greatest stories, giving them an active role in shaping our ongoing story.”

Named after Robert Samuel Taylor, the father of Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist, Don Taylor, who generously gave $15 million to the project, Sam Centre is Calgary’s Stampede Story – brought to life in an immersive, engaging, and interactive experience that blends modern with history.

“We have many heroes in Alberta and their stories are just waiting to be told,” said Don Taylor. “Sam Centre is an opportunity for guests to take their place among those characters, listen to their voices, and learn about the extraordinary peoples that shaped not only the history of the Stampede, but Calgary and southern Alberta.”

In addition to the transformational gift from the Taylor Family Foundation, Sam Centre is also generously funded by leadership donations from Shelly and Alan Norris and the Norris Family Foundation, RGO, Ross Glen and family, Diane and Doug Hunter and the Hunter Family Foundation, Cal and Edith Wenzel and the Wenzel Family Foundation, Joan Snyder and Bud Hall, the Bert and Alexa Church Family, Stan and Susan Church, Mabel and Gavin Hamilton, Jeffrey and Maureen Church, Bev and Dale Wilson, Gordon and Rosemary Church, the Siebens Family, the Sam Switzer Foundation and Family, Pat and Bob Steele, John Finn and family, Travel Alberta and the Tourism Investment Program, as well as the Government of Canada and Government of Alberta.

“Calgary Stampede is an integral part of the Albertan identity and the new Sam Centre will tell our stories to audiences from around the world,” said Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women. “We’re thrilled to see that our investment toward the project will deliver a world-class facility for the greatest outdoor show on earth.”

Officially open to the public on May 29, guests of Sam Centre will be greeted by a welcome sign in multiple languages including Blackfoot, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina.

Once inside, a century of stories will be brought to life in an immersive, engaging, and interactive experience that blends modern with history. 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 sit back and listen to history, they get to help craft the next chapter and become part of the legend.

At Sam Centre, even the restaurant is interactive with no menu and a ready-made selection of delicacies that change daily. Maisie Eatery is the perfect partner for the Sam Centre, allowing guests to grab a prosecco and pizza on the sun-drenched patio, sip a cloudy latte sitting atop plush velvet in the open-concept dining area, or grab a gourmet sandwich to go.

“Partnering with an institution that has these deep roots in Alberta and a true connection to its people is aligned with our values," said Barbara Spain, Executive Chef, Maisie Eatery. "We love the story that the Calgary Stampede Foundation has to tell, and feel a deep connection to that and align with their sense of community, as well as doing things just a little differently.”

Find more information or purchase tickets to Sam Centre here.

About the Sam Centre With over a million guests a year, and more than a century of gathering for The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the story of the Stampede is a dynamic, living story, forever growing. The Sam Centre is where those stories come to life. It’s an immersive and interactive collection of Calgary’s greatest Stampede stories, as well as a gathering place of story sharing and connection. Sam Centre brings together over 100 years of memories, artifacts, and experiences under one roof.

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