[News] "Scotia Place" ground breaking and design release on July 22 1pm MT

[PepsiFree]

I legitimately think Calgary could sustain a team in the upper tier of leagues (NFL, MLB, MLS, NBA) but it’s kind of a joke for a city our size with our history to have the Saddledome be the only viable big league venue for literally anything. Obviously the new Event Centre will be an upgrade on that, but still, how is that it?

We have a mid-tier football team playing in the worst football stadium I have ever seen, a lower tier soccer team playing outside the city, and no viable venue for any baseball league to set up shop in.

And if the plan is to make the Stamps play at the Grand Stand then it seems like people just prefer the lowest rent options possible.

I kind of get it. But it still all seems crazy to me. The city is just stuck in that small hockey town mindset.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Otto-matic

I wonder if that new grandstand will be the new home of the Stampeders in the future.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calga...plan-9.7133699

[Southside]

Regina and Winnipeg both have nice new stadiums. Calgary has fallen way behind.

[Strange Brew]

I have a hard time imagining how the same venue could work for horse racing and football/soccer. It just seems incompatible.

I do like the idea of an outdoor stadium closer to the hockey rink to try to make a large outdoor gathering zone. We just need to remember Calgary's climate is not that of Nashville, so the economics of creating destination areas are just not the same. These areas will be sparse for months of the year.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Southside

Regina and Winnipeg both have nice new stadiums. Calgary has fallen way behind.

They also have hundreds of millions of debt.

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

When you consider Canada's major city by population and wealth it is kind of shocking that Calgary of all cities would have by far the worst football stadium situation of all CFL organizations. I can only imagine what some American players think the first time they arrive to the facilities.

I bet a lot of high school set ups in the States are better than McMahon Stadium.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

I bet a lot of high school set ups in the States are better than McMahon Stadium.

you tell me

[zztim81]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

I have a hard time imagining how the same venue could work for horse racing and football/soccer. It just seems incompatible.

My Family is directly involved with with Chuckwagon racing and horse racing Alberta, Dad is a recently retired driver, still a TB trainer for many B circuit track horses. Sister is a Equine high performance Vet, Both professional wagon associations that have drivers invited to CS Rangeland Derby are on life support, costs are higher than ever, sponsorship (outside of CS Tarps) is so hard to come by that most shows no longer host tarp auctions, and drivers are beating the bushes to sell themselves. Show money and prize money does only cover costs again for a small number of drivers. The current model for the sport is not sustainable, and one association the WCA already closed down a few years ago, with a second association the CPCA not even having their 2026 show schedule finalized at the end of march.
Add on to that pressure from public misconceptions around livestock welfare to get rid of the races, and with the CS cherry picking drivers to participate for the 10 days of stampede its not a even playing field if your a young guy coming up or someone without a name pedigree like Southerland, Glass, Bensmiller. So, as iconic as the Rangeland Derby is to the Stampede, it might not be around in say 10 years.. what does that leave you doing with the track and valuable real estate then? As cool as Indian Relay looks, its never going to replace the revenue drawn from 10 nights of wagon racing.

Horse racing Alberta has already moved on from the Stampede grounds with Century Downs in Balzac, and there is no other need for the rest of the year.

Ok, so regarding can you do both, yes! on the Animal welfare and safety side it is way easier to haul sifted sand/loam into a climate controlled enclosed arena and pack it safely down to host rodeo events over a base cement floor, then clean it out, re-lay the ice your good to go. For wagon racing you cant have the same construction system for an infield track setup because of the rain and drainage issues, so engineer it in reverse, (track first field on top) pack the infield area, lay a rollable flat water barrier, then playing surface, turf on top. i doubt you could cost effectively have a high end soccer event with real grass, but football field no problem. It is really like the conversion for a outdoor hockey game more more streamlined on site, with better seating and sightlines.
This really isn't a bad idea, yes the main grandstand is getting old at the track, but they have a new infield stand being built right now, and it makes a lot of sense.

[Manhattanboy]

Originally Posted by transplant99

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calga...plan-9.7133699

Yes, saw on the news last night the plan would be to have the football field on a moveable platform over the rodeo track.

I haven't been to a Stampeders game in over 10 years but a new stadium at Stampede Park would get me back for sure.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by zztim81

My Family is directly involved with with Chuckwagon racing and horse racing Alberta, Dad is a recently retired driver, still a TB trainer for many B circuit track horses. Sister is a Equine high performance Vet, Both professional wagon associations that have drivers invited to CS Rangeland Derby are on life support, costs are higher than ever, sponsorship (outside of CS Tarps) is so hard to come by that most shows no longer host tarp auctions, and drivers are beating the bushes to sell themselves. Show money and prize money does only cover costs again for a small number of drivers. The current model for the sport is not sustainable, and one association the WCA already closed down a few years ago, with a second association the CPCA not even having their 2026 show schedule finalized at the end of march.
Add on to that pressure from public misconceptions around livestock welfare to get rid of the races, and with the CS cherry picking drivers to participate for the 10 days of stampede its not a even playing field if your a young guy coming up or someone without a name pedigree like Southerland, Glass, Bensmiller. So, as iconic as the Rangeland Derby is to the Stampede, it might not be around in say 10 years.. what does that leave you doing with the track and valuable real estate then? As cool as Indian Relay looks, its never going to replace the revenue drawn from 10 nights of wagon racing.

Horse racing Alberta has already moved on from the Stampede grounds with Century Downs in Balzac, and there is no other need for the rest of the year.

Ok, so regarding can you do both, yes! on the Animal welfare and safety side it is way easier to haul sifted sand/loam into a climate controlled enclosed arena and pack it safely down to host rodeo events over a base cement floor, then clean it out, re-lay the ice your good to go. For wagon racing you cant have the same construction system for an infield track setup because of the rain and drainage issues, so engineer it in reverse, (track first field on top) pack the infield area, lay a rollable flat water barrier, then playing surface, turf on top. i doubt you could cost effectively have a high end soccer event with real grass, but football field no problem. It is really like the conversion for a outdoor hockey game more more streamlined on site, with better seating and sightlines.
This really isn't a bad idea, yes the main grandstand is getting old at the track, but they have a new infield stand being built right now, and it makes a lot of sense.

Great post with a lot of info that I was not entirely aware of. Thank you.

Im both a Stampeders and rodeo/cw honk.

Wagon racing had been dying slowly for years and got even worse at the CS when it went to 3 teams per draw....as well as those nerf barriers along the rail. Separate issues both, but all part of the decline in popularity of the sport.

Ive long wondered if a football stadium would work as a multi-purpose venue as described above. Sounds somewhat doable if not probable moving forward. Any outdoor stadium can hold concerts/monster truck type things but not many can convert to a wagon/horse race track and/or rodeo infield.

Maybe there is a bit of hope for a better football experience in this city...as McMahon (god love the old gal but long past best by date) is just not suitable any longer...and hasnt been for 20 years or better.

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by zztim81

My Family is directly involved with with Chuckwagon racing and horse racing Alberta, Dad is a recently retired driver, still a TB trainer for many B circuit track horses. Sister is a Equine high performance Vet, Both professional wagon associations that have drivers invited to CS Rangeland Derby are on life support, costs are higher than ever, sponsorship (outside of CS Tarps) is so hard to come by that most shows no longer host tarp auctions, and drivers are beating the bushes to sell themselves. Show money and prize money does only cover costs again for a small number of drivers. The current model for the sport is not sustainable, and one association the WCA already closed down a few years ago, with a second association the CPCA not even having their 2026 show schedule finalized at the end of march.
Add on to that pressure from public misconceptions around livestock welfare to get rid of the races, and with the CS cherry picking drivers to participate for the 10 days of stampede its not a even playing field if your a young guy coming up or someone without a name pedigree like Southerland, Glass, Bensmiller. So, as iconic as the Rangeland Derby is to the Stampede, it might not be around in say 10 years.. what does that leave you doing with the track and valuable real estate then? As cool as Indian Relay looks, its never going to replace the revenue drawn from 10 nights of wagon racing.

Horse racing Alberta has already moved on from the Stampede grounds with Century Downs in Balzac, and there is no other need for the rest of the year.

Ok, so regarding can you do both, yes! on the Animal welfare and safety side it is way easier to haul sifted sand/loam into a climate controlled enclosed arena and pack it safely down to host rodeo events over a base cement floor, then clean it out, re-lay the ice your good to go. For wagon racing you cant have the same construction system for an infield track setup because of the rain and drainage issues, so engineer it in reverse, (track first field on top) pack the infield area, lay a rollable flat water barrier, then playing surface, turf on top. i doubt you could cost effectively have a high end soccer event with real grass, but football field no problem. It is really like the conversion for a outdoor hockey game more more streamlined on site, with better seating and sightlines.
This really isn't a bad idea, yes the main grandstand is getting old at the track, but they have a new infield stand being built right now, and it makes a lot of sense.

My favorite aunt was a Pall bearer for Eddie Melville. Thanks for the info. Good post.

[zztim81]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Ive long wondered if a football stadium would work as a multi-purpose venue as described above. Sounds somewhat doable if not probable moving forward. Any outdoor stadium can hold concerts/monster truck type things but not many can convert to a wagon/horse race track and/or rodeo infield.

I really think Ken King was on the right path with Calgary Next, just wrong location, CSEC will have virtually everything within walking distance that you would need with the new events centre, possible corp and team staff office spaces, training facilities, rehab, etc. And the Calgary Stampede board is more progressive than 10+ years ago now with the full vision for the district.

[The Fisher Account]

I think we really need to think about blowing up the race track.

How popular is horse racing and chuckwagons going to be in 20 years? Will they ever be more popular than soccer or football?! Is it worth it for 10 days a year? These seem like declining sports/niche interests. Keep the rodeo but get rid of the track.

Houston holds a rodeo indoors on their football field. Plunk a Regina or Winnipeg style stadium down and avoid an ugly Ottawa slap together situation with two different aged grandstands.

It's time Calgary stepped up on the stadium infrastructure.

[Strange Brew]

My issue with the football/racing hybrid is that your view of the far side of the track is totally blocked by the stands which would sit in the infield of the track.

In the article he talks about a layered stadium and some engineering concept he has drawn on a napkin.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by The Fisher Account

I think we really need to think about blowing up the race track.

How popular is horse racing and chuckwagons going to be in 20 years? Will they ever be more popular than soccer or football?! Is it worth it for 10 days a year? These seem like declining sports/niche interests. Keep the rodeo but get rid of the track.

Houston holds a rodeo indoors on their football field. Plunk a Regina or Winnipeg style stadium down and avoid an ugly Ottawa slap together situation with two different aged grandstands.

It's time Calgary stepped up on the stadium infrastructure.

Horse racing hasnt happened at Stampede Park in almost 20 years.

But the decision to keep it (the track) or not is entirely up to the Stampede board.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

My issue with the football/racing hybrid is that your view of the far side of the track is totally blocked by the stands which would sit in the infield of the track.

In the article he talks about a layered stadium and some engineering concept he has drawn on a napkin.

Admittedly not an Albertan or horse racing fan, but is horse racing really that popular that you need to add it on to your football stadium? I mean I guess it gives the place some use.. but just seems like a weird thing to factor into a football/soccer stadium.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

Admittedly not an Albertan or horse racing fan, but is horse racing really that popular that you need to add it on to your football stadium? I mean I guess it gives the place some use.. but just seems like a weird thing to factor into a football/soccer stadium.

In this case you would be adding a football stadium to a racetrack though....with one side of the seats already built and in place.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by The Fisher Account

I think we really need to think about blowing up the race track.

How popular is horse racing and chuckwagons going to be in 20 years? Will they ever be more popular than soccer or football?! Is it worth it for 10 days a year? These seem like declining sports/niche interests. Keep the rodeo but get rid of the track.

Houston holds a rodeo indoors on their football field. Plunk a Regina or Winnipeg style stadium down and avoid an ugly Ottawa slap together situation with two different aged grandstands.

It's time Calgary stepped up on the stadium infrastructure.

Hey man - Ottawa's stadium has a hockey arena under the stands. The ultimate dual stadium.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

Admittedly not an Albertan or horse racing fan, but is horse racing really that popular that you need to add it on to your football stadium? I mean I guess it gives the place some use.. but just seems like a weird thing to factor into a football/soccer stadium.

Yeah good question. Is it really just 10 nights of chuckwagon racing that happens at Stampede Park?

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Yeah good question. Is it really just 10 nights of chuckwagon racing that happens at Stampede Park?

They have had concerts there in the past...and recently the monster trucks and i believe some motocross stuff.

But the rodeo occurs there as well during Stampede daytime with over 25,000 per day. And it is going no where fast.

Also...have to remember that the Stampede board owns and runs all these things so they dont necessarily have to do anything with this stuff unless there in an incentive too.