The Calgary Stampede’s economic impact on Calgary, Alberta and Canada is nearing three-quarters of a billion dollars annually, according to a new report.

A new analysis done by MNP showed that in 2025, the Calgary Stampede generated $721 million in economic impact across Alberta – a 33 per cent increase from a similar study done in 2019.

According to a news release, the study looked at the economic impact of the Calgary Stampede’s annual 10-day celebration, along with year-round events held at Stampede Park. The 10-day event alone generated $389 million in economic output, according to the report.

The report focused on measuring out-of-town spending by visitors, including for hotels, food, local businesses, attractions, taxi and ride shares.

Joel Cowley, Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Stampede, told LWC that while the bulk of the economic jolt shown in the report is from their 10-day event, more is being attributed to year-round events.

“That has been anchored by the expanded BMO Center and the ability that it creates to draw conventions,” he said.

“Prior to that expansion, the BMO center was largely a trade and consumer show venue. So, auto shows, RV shows, home and garden shows, motorcycle shows would come to Calgary and they set up, and then Calgarians would attend those. That doesn’t generate a great deal of economic impact, because the people who are going are Calgarians. The money was already here.”

He said that major international events like the Rotary convention held last year, are what’s driving the greater impact.

“Rotary International is a great example of that. About 15,000 delegates from all over the world staying in Calgary for essentially a week and spending money here in Calgary,” he said.

Cowley said the Stampede’s impact wouldn’t be possible without the partnerships that have been built with Tourism Calgary, the Calgary Hotel Association, the City of Calgary and the CMLC.

Alisha Reynolds of Tourism Calgary said that Calgary is fortunate to be home to the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

“These iconic anchors attract visitors from across Canada and around the world, inspiring longer stays and return visitation,” Reynolds said.

“We’re proud to work alongside the Calgary Stampede to attract visitors and events as we continue to grow the visitor economy and strengthen Calgary’s value proposition as a compelling, year-round destination for business, sport, and leisure.”

Future development of Stampede Park

Cowley said the economic impact should continue to grow over the next decade, too.

The addition of new hotels, including the recent Marriott addition that just broke ground, will help continue to drive the convention side.

At Stampede Park, they’ll continue to draw more people to the annual event just through the growth in Calgary’s local population. He expects people from outside of Calgary to proportionately grow as well.

He said they hope to accommodate those new visitors and are planning for it through their 20-year redevelopment master plan.

“One thing that’s really essential there is that we create enough space to comfortably host people.  The deal that brought about Scotia Place, we traded the land where Scotia Place is being built,” he said.

“Once Scotia Place is open in the fall of 2027 the city is committed to taking the Saddledome down, and we will add, that’s about 11 acres to our footprint that allows us to host more people comfortably. One thing about our business is, if you don’t have enough space for people, attendance becomes self-limiting, because people either don’t visit or they leave early and they don’t stay (at the) Park as long.”

It will eventually include upgrades to the Big Four building and Victoria Pavilion, which houses the agriculture events. It was originally built in 1919.

Ward 6 Coun. John Pantazopoulos, who is currently serving as deputy mayor, said he’s long been a fan of the Stampede. His son is currently in the drum line for the Calgary Stampede Showband, so he’s got a connection to the organization.

He said the recent report shows what can happen when you put your mind to a goal – in this case, becoming a year-round destination beyond the 10-day event – that it can have a big economic and social impact.

Pantazopoulos said the City of Calgary has to continue to be a good partner, helping with the foundational pieces that make the Calgary Stampede a success.

“I think those foundational pieces extend far beyond just sort of the water, the sewer and all those important elements. It’s making sure that the Green Line gets built, Grand Central Station, making sure that those hotels get built, but they also have amenities,” he said.

“There’s more people living downtown, which makes it more safe, which brings restaurants, which brings more activities, and it sort of becomes this full cycle plan.”

The Calgary Stampede employs 1,200 year-round employees, and 3,500 seasonal employees, along with having 3,000 volunteers.

According to the report, $190.7 million in wages and salaries go to Calgarians.