The Calgary Stampede is feeling the heat, as attendance numbers burn along for the 2024 Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
BMO Kids’ Day saw a healthy crowd of 134,669 on the Stampede grounds, despite the temperatures being well into the 30s on Wednesday. That’s pushed the six-day attendance total to 905,372.
There’s still lots to check out on the grounds as they gear up for the final weekend and the push to an attendance record.
At the Cowboys Rangeland Derby, there was a lead change, as Chanse Vigen had the fastest time of the night, one that catapulted him into the lead after Day 6. He zipped around the Calgary Stampede track in a blistering 1:10.03, nearly half a second faster than Jason Glass.
After penalties are tallied, Vigen holds a 1/10th of a second lead over Chad Fike, who has been the leader for much of this year’s event.
The top seven rigs are only six seconds apart with three nights remaining before Sunday’s dash for cash. Full results can be found here.
At the rodeo, Canadian cowboys once again did well in saddle bronc, with Lucas Macza and Dawson Dahm both scoring 85.5 to lock in a $5,000 payday. Beau Cooper from Stettler, Alberta finished in a tie for fourth in tie-down roping, with an 8.5 and a $2,625 payday.
Lynette Brodoway from Brooks, Alberta locked up fifth place cash in Ladies Barrel Racing, with a time of 17.49 – a half second behind the scorching run by Carlee Otero from Perrin, Texas. She dipped around the barrels in 17 second flat.
Full rodeo results can be found here.
Calgary Stampede Day 6
Thursday at the Stampede grounds
You’ve got another four days to hit the grounds and all the agriculture exhibits, the entertainment and the great rides and food on the Midway.
Speaking of food, the Fish Pakora from Curry N Hurry was named the Best Healthier Alternative (Gluten-free) in the Best Midway Foods competition.
Have you checked out the Monster Energy Compound? They’ve got motocross athletes doing some wild stunts and big jumps on the Midway, and that’s free with your daily admission.
On the music front, Motley Crue plays the Scotiabank Saddledome tonight, and apparently, there are still some tickets available.
At Nashville North, the James Barker Band is headlining, with their show starting at 10 p.m.
On the Coca-Cola stage, Bryson Tiller (9:30 p.m.) goes right after Maria the Scientist (8 p.m.).
Finally, at the Big Four Roadhouse, we’ve got Killer Mike kickin’ it with that show starting at 10:30 p.m.
