Coming together to celebrate Stampede in a safe way

The Stampede is where the greatest heroes and horses face off at the world’s greatest rodeo. It’s where Canada’s greatest music hits the greatest stages. But the greatest part is the guests who hat up and head down every year as the greatest versions of themselves.

“Calgarians have demonstrated time and time again that we have heart and we have grit, for 112 years we have come together in times of crisis like these last few weeks, and just as importantly we have come together in times of celebration like the days ahead,” said Kerrie Blizard, Director of Public Safety and Environment at the Calgary Stampede. “The Calgary Stampede has always been about bringing our community and our visitors together in celebration and it starts with providing a safe place for them to have fun with their friends and families.”

Every year, the Calgary Stampede works closely with the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, City of Calgary, Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Transit, and Alberta Health Services to make Stampede Park a safe and welcoming place for people from across the city and around the world.

“There are a team of partners that work behind the scenes to ensure Stampede goes off without a hitch,” said Chief Sue Henry of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency. “Public safety is our top priority and all possible planning has been done to make sure it is the best and safest event possible.”

To help Parade goers secure the best spot along the route and ensure concert crowds can stay for the encore, 24-hour CTrain service will start the evening of July 4, and end the morning of July 15. Guests can take the Red Line to Erlton Stampede Station or Victoria Park Stampede Station, which will bring you right to the action.

“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Stampede and we understand that Calgary Transit plays a crucial role in providing access to Stampede events,” said Cory Porter, Deputy Chief of Vehicle for Hire Public Safety. “To ensure safety, we have implemented several measures, including increasing patrols by peace officers across the transit system. Alongside Calgary Transit, various vehicle-for-hire services including taxis, limousines, and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) will ensure smooth and secure transportation for visitors to and from Stampede events.”

From live music to western performances and free family fun, there is a lot of ground to cover when you step onto Stampede Park and guests are encouraged to prepare for the weather. For those looking to get out of the rain or take a break from the sun, the newly expanded BMO Centre allows for more shopping, wining and dining, family fun, and entertainment than ever before.

“With warm temperatures often experienced during stampede week and also parade day, it’s a good time to remind everyone to take precautions to stay healthy and safe. Stay hydrated with water, seek shade and keep cool when outdoors, protect your skin from the sun with clothing, hats and sunscreen,” said Adam Loria, Public Education Officer, Alberta Health Services Emergency Medical Services.

In 2023 more than 1.3 million people experienced The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the second highest attendance on record. With similar numbers expected this year, Stampede Park becomes the third-largest city in Alberta and, with the support of the Calgary Police Service, becomes its own police district. Members of the Calgary Police Service will be walking around Stampede Park and stationed there from Sneak-A-Peek on July 4 to the final Sunday of Stampede on July 14.

“The Calgary Police Service is ready for Stampede and ready to do our part to keep Stampede safe and fun for everyone,” said Staff Sergeant JF Dery and Incident Commander of police resources at this year’s Stampede. “As in previous years, we will have a highly visible presence both along the parade route and at Stampede Park. The grounds operate as a ninth police district with its own dedicated commander, radio channel, patrol officers and office. This allows us to coordinate policing throughout the grounds and ensure all parts of the grounds are well-patrolled. Our number one priority is the safety of Calgarians and our guests, and we are confident that we are ready for Stampede 2024.”

This week, hat up and head down to Stampede Park to celebrate The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth in a safe and fun way. Find more information about Stampede 2024 here.

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:
Shannon Greer
Manager, Communications & Media Relations
Calgary Stampede
T 403.585.0467
E sgreer@calgarystampede.com