CALGARY- More bad news for the Calgary Stampede, just days before the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is set to kick off.
Officials announced Tuesday the Saddledome will not be ready in time for the event.
The arena was hit hard by flooding and suffered major damage in the concourse and seating areas. Despite clean-up efforts, there are still 2,500 fewer seats, a lack of sewage facilities and no way to offer food or drinks.
As a result, a number of big concerts have been cancelled, including the Dixie Chicks, KISS, Tim McGraw and Carly Rae Jespen.
Organizers posted a statement online:
Construction trades have been working very hard on a number of fronts simultaneously including addressing issues related to electrical power, potable water, air conditioning, air quality, and personal safety. Ultimately, due to the flood, it just isn’t feasible to go ahead on July 10.
Given the size of the four shows, and that they are all intended for indoor set-ups with tailored effects and lighting, there was no feasible alternative to host any one of the shows at another Calgary venue during Stampede.
Ticket holders can still use them to access the Stampede Grounds for free. Officials are working to reschedule the shows.
There will still be live music at the Stampede, though. On Twitter, organizers said all Coca-Cola Stage acts — including Serena Ryder, Shawn Desman, Dragonette and Hedley — will perform as scheduled.
A Bruno Mars concert scheduled for July 17 at the Saddledome is being rescheduled. RUSH is due to play the venue on July 24.
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