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Investment Reinforces Agriculture at Heart of Stampede Park Gathering Place

February 25, 2008

Calgary, AB --- The Calgary Stampede today announced it will invest $65 million to build a state-of-the-art agriculture facility and redevelop up to 50 acres of Stampede Park to revitalize one of the most unique agricultural showcases in the world.

“For more than a century, this location has served as one of the most important gathering places for agriculture in southern Alberta, connecting rural and urban communities,” said George Brookman, president and chairman of the board, Calgary Stampede. “This ambitious project will cement agriculture into the future of the Calgary Stampede as a centerpiece of our vision of a year-round gathering place.”

The Calgary and District Agricultural Exhibition, the precursor to the Calgary Stampede, began in 1886 as a showcase for the region’s most vital industry. Today, Stampede Park hosts more than 65 agriculture events and programs throughout the year, attracting visitors to Calgary from across southern Alberta and around the world.

The investment in a new facility is badly needed, said Brookman who noted the current Stampede agriculture facilities date back almost 80 years. “We are extremely proud that our diverse programs present one of the most unique agriculture showcases in the world, but our partners and our volunteers have been telling us for some time that these old facilities have outlived their usefulness. We need both a new infrastructure and a new approach to showcasing the best of Alberta’s agriculture to the world.”

The multi-use agriculture facility will be located in the Grandstand infield and is expected to cost approximately $50 million. The 100,000-square-feet facility will feature a 2,500-seat arena. In addition, up to 50 acres in the southeast corner of Stampede Park will be redeveloped, including building new tunnels, renovating Barn H and removing Barns A, B and C to provide 1,000 stall and support space. This will create a new southeast entry to Stampede Park that will enable agriculture exhibitors and participants vastly improved access/egress.

“Agriculture is an important part of Alberta’s economy, and the many events held at Stampede Park each year help highlight, promote and support our agriculture and food industry,” said George Groeneveld, minister of Alberta Agriculture and Food. “This new world-class facility will provide an appropriate setting to showcase one of our province’s most valued industry sectors.”

“Agriculture is still about livestock and crops, but today’s agriculture leaders are also reaching out to consumers in new ways,” said Dr. David Chalack, local veterinarian and vice-chairman of the Stampede. “This new investment will provide our many agriculture partners new opportunities to connect with new audiences through education, entertainment, and lifestyle activities.”

This investment allows us to continue to present agriculture programs that showcase the very best of agriculture and western events in a manner that appeals to the Stampede’s diverse audiences, said Vern Kimball, chief executive officer, Calgary Stampede.

“Our research tells us that agriculture is an important feature of the annual Stampede, appealing to visitors from across Canada and the U.S. as well as to our international guests,” said Kimball. “And these 50 acres will host a wide range of agriculture programs at other times of the year, which is an essential piece of our plan in creating a year-round gathering place.”

Construction of a new tunnel and bridge in the southeast corner of Stampede Park will begin later in 2008 with construction of a new agriculture facility scheduled to begin after Stampede in 2009, following the move of horse racing to the new Balzac racetrack.

Kimball noted the funding of this ambitious project was made possible in part because of the recent sale of Stampede Casino facility and license to an outside partner. “The casino agreement allows us to focus our limited resources as a not-for-profit organization on other community projects, such as this agriculture investment as well as completing the next phase of Roundup Centre expansion and greening our Park,” he said.

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