Stampede set to bring big bucks to Alberta

Stampede Park opened for a sneak-a-peek Thursday night and launched festivities for the 10-day event, which is expected to bring an economic boost.

Stampede Park opened for a sneak-a-peek Thursday night and launched festivities for the 10-day event, which is expected to bring an economic boost.

"Every Stampede is vital to the visitor economy in Calgary and also critical to our international reputation," said Alisha Reynolds with Tourism Calgary.

The Stampede drew 1.38 million people to the grounds in 2023.

While most guests are from Calgary, just under a third are from other parts of the province, country or world.

This year, the grounds have the draw of the impressive new BMO Centre.

"We're certainly set up to meet if not exceed last year's number and every Calgarian, every Albertan, benefits from that support," said Joel Cowley, Calgary Stampede CEO.

The Stampede brings in about $282 million to Alberta, with roughly $227 million of that staying in Calgary.