Since 1912, cowboys have gathered every year to display their riding and roping skills at the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada.  Over the decades the event has grown to include many attractions, including live music, a carnival, hundreds of merchants offering everything from western wear to children’s toys, and almost every type of food imaginable.  But at the heart of it all remains the rodeo.

How the Calgary Stampede Rodeo Tournament Works

In 2006, the Rodeo became a tournament.  20 of the world’s best in each of six pro events and four novice events compete in two pools of ten, with prize money awarded each of the four days of competition.  The top 4 money winners in each pool are guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals on Showdown Sunday.  The balance of the competitors have a second chance to claim one of the last two spots in the semi-finals by competing on Wild Card Saturday.

On Showdown Sunday, the final 10 compete for one of the top four scores or fastest times to move to the finals, known as the Showdown Round.  In this final competition, the best of the best give it their all, to win the $100,000 top prize and the title of Calgary Stampede Champion.

The rodeo consists of ten different events:

• Bareback
• Bull Riding
• Ladies Barrel Racing
• Saddle Bronc
• Steer Wrestling
• Tie Down Roping
• Novice Bareback
• Novice Saddle Bronc
• Junior Steer Riding
• Wild Pony Racing

The Stampede Ranch

Since half the score of each competition involves the animal’s performance, cowboys depend on the rodeo to provide the finest horses, bulls, and calves for each event.  To ensure the finest stock for the competition, the Calgary Stampede established its own ranch and breeding program.  Prized bloodlines are carefully protected; in fact for most animals it’s possible to trace their lineage back several generations.  Each animal is treated like a star athlete, carefully nurtured to ensure the finest performances.  For most animals, their workweek is only 8 seconds long!

The Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Races

One of the biggest fan favorites at the Stampede is the Chuckwagon races, in which 36 drivers, 288 horses and their teams of outriders compete for over $1 million in prize money!  Each team literally pulls a chuckwagon, complete with canvas top, in a modern day version of chariot races.  Sitting in the grandstands, it’s literally impossible to risk getting caught up in the excitement of this event.

Calgary Stampede 2010 Rodeo Tickets

Tickets for each event are already on sale and are actually quite affordable, starting as low as $24.50.  Stampede organizers have also created a variety of packages that enable visitors to enjoy other Alberta attractions including whitewater rafting, visits to First Nations sites, or a side trip to Banff. 

Visiting Calgary, Alberta

Several US airlines offer direct flights to Calgary International Airport, including
Air Canada, United, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.  For more information on Calgary, visit the Tourism Calgary website or call 403-263-8510.  A free visitor’s guide is available through Travel Alberta by calling 1-800-ALBERTA (800-252-3782).

CN Tower in Toronto, Canada at sunset

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