The Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) is coming to Saskatoon.
The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) and the City of Saskatoon have signed a memorandum of understanding for the finals to be held in the city from 2017-19.
The CPRA and city officials have been in discussions for several months after the association announced in March that it had rejected a final bid from the City of Edmonton to continue to have the CFR hosted in the Alberta capital beyond 2016.
READ MORE: Edmonton decides not to bid on Canadian Finals Rodeo
Months of talks over ticket costs, prize purses and corporate sponsorships ended with Edmonton deciding not to put in a new bid.
CPRA officials said the fan base in Saskatchewan was an important factor in the move.
Todd Brandt, the president and CEO of Tourism Saskatoon, said the move will create opportunities for the city along with growing the sport.
“Many new accommodations, a dynamic foodie scene, a huge volunteer base and being Canada’s youngest city demographically will bring a vitality to this national championship, and grow the market in Canada,” Brandt stated.
“We look forward to emulating the many popular events that are synonymous with the CFR, but blending in our own Saskatoon flavour.”
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Edmonton has hosted the Canadian Finals Rodeo since 1974, which draws thousands of visitors yearly.
The Canadian Finals Rodeo, which offers one of the richest purses in Canada, will take place one more time in Edmonton Nov. 9-13.
With files from The Canadian Press
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