Sharing Stampede’s story of Grit & Glory: Sam Centre project continues to progress

Calgary – If you’ve ever been to Calgary in early July, chances are you have a Stampede story. 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 – and the story of Calgary – is a legendary story. But beyond the well-known and well-loved parts – the Rodeo and Midway, the barns and the tents, the animals and the athletes – there is a deeper, more compelling story at the heart of the Stampede.

It’s an underdog story, a never-should-have-happened story. A story of champions and challengers. Royalty and regular folk. Mythology and reality. Over the years it’s been shared in many ways – written, whispered, spoken, sung, filmed and photographed – from the Big Screen to the smallest screens.

It’s about who we are, and who we want to be. Where we’re from and where we’re going. It’s about why all this happened, and what happens next. It’s a story that could only take place here. And can only be told here.

When open in spring 2024, Sam Centre is where these stories will be brought to life. Guests will play a part and take on a starring role in their place amongst many colourful characters. They will hear different voices and experience the Stampede and the stories in new and fresh ways.

Sam Centre construction is progressing quickly – the foundation piling was started in October 2022, completed in November 2022, with the concrete foundation fully poured by February 2023. April saw the completion of the installation of all underground plumbing and electrical, and the beginning of the glulam and steel structure installation, which was later completed in June. Exterior wall framing, roof deck installation and hard landscaping are all in the works this July, and in August, we will reach our next big construction milestone, with the building fully weathertight by the end of the month. Learn more about Sam Centre 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: 

Christine Thompson 
Corporate Communications Manager 
Calgary Stampede 
T 403.585.4132 
E cthompson@calgarystampede.com