What Calgary Stampede does

The Calgary Stampede is a not-for-profit community organization founded in 1912 that produces the world's largest outdoor rodeo and a 10-day western heritage festival in Calgary, Alberta, drawing over one million visitors annually. Its operating footprint is consolidated on Stampede Park, a multi-venue campus that includes the BMO Centre (convention facility), GMC Stadium (rodeo venue), Scotiabank Saddledome (concerts and Powwow), the Sam Centre (museum), Cowboys Casino, and several food, beverage, and retail venues. Core products span the daily Calgary Stampede Rodeo with a $2.17M prize purse across seven disciplines; the Evening Show (Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races, ENMAX Relay Races, Grandstand Show with fireworks and "Stampede in the Sky" drone show); the Stampede Concert Series at Scotiabank Saddledome; a Midway operated by North American Midway Entertainment with a new RFID ticketing system; the Stampede Powwow Indigenous cultural competition; Elbow River Camp; the Monster Energy Compound freestyle motocross venue; and 2026 additions including the Flying Fools High Dive, Taste of Stampede, Stampede Stand-Up, and Surge 2 Stampede basketball.

The organization monetizes through five primary revenue streams: ticket sales across tiered pricing from $15 preview admission to $300+ premium rodeo seats and $125 VIP platform passes; corporate sponsorships from 15+ named tier-1 partners including BMO, Bud Light, Coca-Cola, Enbridge, Suncor, GMC, Freedom Mobile, Play Alberta, Uber Eats, and Safeway (Sobeys); transactional midway food, games, and retail concessions (70+ food items per year); year-round venue rental, conventions, and meetings at BMO Centre and other on-park venues; and merchandise plus a lottery program offering over $2.5M in prizes. Distribution runs through direct online channels via the AXS ticketing platform, Ticketmaster for Saddledome concerts, the on-site Stampede Park Box Office, and the Calgary Stampede mobile app on iOS and Android. Ownership is independent, governed by a board of directors, with documented institutional financial support from the Government of Canada ($10M+ COVID-19 recovery grant in 2022), the Government of Alberta, and the City of Calgary.

In March 2026 the organization unveiled a 20-year master plan to convert Stampede Park from a primarily event-driven venue into a year-round entertainment and tourism destination, comprising seven development zones with nearly $2 billion in projects completed or underway, including the BMO Centre expansion and Scotia Place — the new Calgary Flames arena scheduled to open in 2027. A 2025 economic impact study attributes $389 million in annual economic contribution to Alberta from the event.

Name

Calgary Stampede

Legal name

Calgary Stampede

Website

https://calgarystampede.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1912

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The Calgary Stampede is a 1912-founded not-for-profit organization that produces the world's largest outdoor rodeo and a 10-day western heritage festival in Calgary, Alberta, drawing over one million visitors annually and operating a multi-venue campus of arenas, a convention centre, a casino, and event facilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Entertainment and Event Festival

NAICS

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71), Other Spectator Sports (711219), Racetracks (711212)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948)

akta.pro primary industry

Cultural Festivals & Events Organizations (BPAGAHAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultural Heritage & Traditional Festivals (Folk, Ethnic, Indigenous) (MPAGAEAB), Cultural & Community Festivals (Ticketed) (THAJAFAI), Equestrian & Rodeo Facilities (MPAKAEAM), Fairgrounds & Expo Parks (THAHAAAH)

Keywords

• Rodeo and western events
• Live entertainment festival
• Event venue management
• Convention and meeting services
• Western heritage programming

Headquarters

HQ city

Calgary

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue from selling tickets to rodeo events, evening shows, concert series, and park admission.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Partnerships with major brands including BMO, Bud Light, Coca-Cola, Enbridge, Enmax, Freedom Mobile, GMC, Suncor, and others who sponsor various aspects of the event.
3. Midway Food and Retail Concessions: Revenue from food vendors, midway games, and retail exhibitors operating on Stampede Park grounds during the 10-day festival.
4. Venue Rental and Meetings & Events: Year-round revenue from hosting conventions, trade shows, meetings, and events at venues like the BMO Centre on Stampede Park grounds.
5. Merchandise and Lotteries: Revenue from official Calgary Stampede merchandise and lottery programs offering over $2.5 million in prizes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Calgary Stampede is a not-for-profit community organization that produces the world's largest outdoor rodeo and an annual 10-day western heritage festival at Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta. It sells event tickets (rodeo, evening shows, concerts, midway), offers year-round venue rentals for conventions and meetings at BMO Centre and Scotiabank Saddledome, and generates revenue from corporate sponsorships, midway concessions, merchandise, and lotteries.

Product overview

The Calgary Stampede is a not-for-profit community organization that produces the world's largest outdoor rodeo and a major 10-day western heritage festival held annually at Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta. The core product is the Calgary Stampede (the event itself), which comprises multiple integrated product lines: the World Famous Rodeo and Evening Show (with Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races and Grandstand Show) as the anchor attractions; the Music program including the Stampede Concert Series, Nashville North, Coca-Cola Stage, and Big Four Roadhouse as distinct music sub-brands; and the Midway with rides and games operated by North American Midway Entertainment. Supporting attractions include the Powwow (Indigenous cultural competition), Elbow River Camp (First Nations heritage), Dog Bowl (SuperDogs shows), Monster Energy Compound (freestyle motocross), Flying Fools High Dive, Stage of Wonders (circus theatre), and Dog Bowl. Culinary offerings span the Midway Food lineup (70+ items), Taste of Stampede (chef competitions), Wine Garden, Ag Grill, and The Range Food Hall. Family offerings include the BMO Kids' Zone, BMO Community Square, and The Market shopping area. The organization also operates year-round venues (BMO Centre, Scotiabank Saddledome), the Calgary Stampede App, and a 20-year master plan to transform Stampede Park into a year-round entertainment destination.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Nashville North: The original Stampede Party tent featuring country and rock music entertainment during the 10-day festival.
• BMO Kids' Zone
• Elbow River Camp
• Taste of Stampede
• Rangeland Derby
• Stampede Powwow
• Grandstand Show
• Monster Energy Compound
• Coca-Cola Stage
• The Big Four Roadhouse
• Stampede Concert Series
• Stampede Showband
• Sam Centre

Products and services

• Calgary Stampede Rodeo The world's largest outdoor rodeo, held daily at 1:30 p.m. at GMC Stadium, featuring seven rodeo events (bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, tie-down roping, ladies barrel racing, and ladies breakaway roping) with a $2.17 million prize purse.
• Evening Show Nightly triple-header of entertainment at 7:15 p.m. featuring the Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races presented by Play Alberta, ENMAX Relay Races, and the Grandstand Show presented by Freedom Mobile, culminating in fireworks.
• Grandstand Show

Quantifiable outcome

• $389 million estimated economic impact for Alberta's visitor economy
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BMO (Bank of Montreal)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor financial sponsor of the BMO Centre, BMO Kids' Zone, and BMO Community Square. BMO logo appears prominently throughout Stampede Park venues.
• Bud Light (AB InBev)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPrimary beer sponsor for Nashville North, the main party tent venue at the Calgary Stampede.
• TC EnergycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Calgary Stampede Powwow, supporting Indigenous cultural celebration at the event.
• EnbridgecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Elbow River Camp, supporting Indigenous heritage and cultural programming at Stampede Park.
• Freedom MobilecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Grandstand Show and 'Freedom Mobile Presents: Stampede in the Sky' drone show.
• GMC (General Motors of Canada)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of GMC Stadium (rodeo venue) and Corona Skydeck premium seating experience.
• Suncor EnergycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Stampede Parade, one of the signature opening events of the festival.
• Coca-ColacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Coca-Cola Stage, one of four major music stages at the Calgary Stampede.
• ENMAXcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races and Relay Races component of the Evening Show.
• Play AlbertacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races, Alberta's premier chuckwagon racing event.
• Monster EnergycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Monster Energy Compound featuring freestyle motocross and après-hours evening entertainment.
• Safeway (Sobeys)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Taste of Stampede culinary events and Dog Bowl animal entertainment show.
• Uber EatscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Stampede Concert Series at Scotiabank Saddledome.
• NutrienminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAgricultural sponsor supporting agricultural zone and competitions at the Calgary Stampede.
• Brandt (Agriculture Sponsor)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Agriculture Zone at the Calgary Stampede, supporting agricultural education and exhibitions.
• Lammle's Western WearcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Western Wear Supplier of the Calgary Stampede; operates the official Stampede merchandise collection.
• North American Midway Entertainment (NAME)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial midway operator providing rides, games, and entertainment on the Stampede midway with a new RFID digital ticketing system.
• ScotiabankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Scotiabank Saddledome, host venue for Stampede Concert Series and Powwow events.
• Canadian Armed ForcescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership dating to 1914, including participation in Parade, Rodeo, Evening Show, and military equipment displays throughout Stampede Park.
• Canadian Winter Olympians (Mikael Kingsbury, Courtney Sarault)minorOthersOlympic medallists serving as 2026 Calgary Stampede Parade Marshals, bringing athletic celebrity to the event.
• Calgary Flames (Scotiabank Saddledome/Scotia Place)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor venue development partnership including the new Scotia Place arena (opening 2027) adjacent to Stampede Park, part of the 20-year master plan.
• City of CalgarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal government partner providing support for Stampede Park operations and development, including noise bylaw negotiations.
• SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with SAIT's School of Hospitality and Tourism for the Youth Agri-Food Culinary Challenge, involving 40 Calgary high school students competing for $20,000 in prizes.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Cheyenne Frontier Days: Cheyenne Frontier Days is the 'Daddy of 'em All' - the oldest outdoor rodeo in the U.S., offering a 10-day western heritage festival with rodeo, concerts, and carnival. Directly comparable as a western heritage rodeo festival with nonprofit governance.
• National Western Stock Show: The National Western Stock Show in Denver is a 16-day livestock show, rodeo, and western heritage event operated by the National Western Stock Show Authority. Comparable as a major western heritage/rodeo/livestock exhibition with similar rodeo, livestock, and entertainment programming.
• Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo: Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is a major nonprofit rodeo and livestock exhibition held annually in Texas, with comparable livestock shows, rodeo competitions, and western heritage programming. Similar scale and nonprofit community organization structure.
• National Finals Rodeo: The National Finals Rodeo is the premier championship rodeo event of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, featuring top rodeo athletes and major prize purses. Comparable as a high-profile professional rodeo competition with similar prize money and broadcast/sponsorship economics.
• Pendleton Round-Up: Pendleton Round-Up is a historic western heritage rodeo and roundup held annually in Pendleton, Oregon, featuring rodeo competitions, Happy Canyon pageant, and western cultural programming. Comparable as a long-standing community rodeo/western heritage event.
• Reno Rodeo: Reno Rodeo is a 'Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West' nonprofit rodeo and western heritage festival with similar rodeo competitions, Xtreme Bulls events, and community programming. Directly comparable as a nonprofit community-organized rodeo event.
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world's largest rodeo and a similar nonprofit community organization, hosting a multi-week rodeo, concert series, and livestock show. Comparable in scale, nonprofit structure, and product mix (rodeo, concerts, midway, sponsorships).

Regional players

• Canadian National Exhibition (CNE): The Canadian National Exhibition is a large-scale annual Canadian fair and exhibition in Toronto featuring midway, concerts, agricultural shows, and food. Comparable as a large Canadian nonprofit festival with midway, concerts, and agricultural programming, though serves a different geography.
• K-Days (Northlands): K-Days (formerly Capital EX) is an annual 10-day exhibition and festival in Edmonton, Alberta featuring midway rides, concerts, agricultural exhibits, and food. Comparable as a Canadian regional festival with similar midway, music, and agricultural programming, though serves Edmonton rather than Calgary.

Broad incumbents

• State Fair of Texas: The State Fair of Texas is one of the largest state fairs in the U.S., held annually at Fair Park in Dallas with midway, concerts, livestock shows, and food. Comparable as a large-scale multi-week fair/exhibition with similar midway, livestock, food, and entertainment programming at a broader scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/calgarystampede
• Facebookfacebook.com/calgarystampede
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/calgary-stampede
• Instagraminstagram.com/calgarystampede

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Calgary Stampede