The Calgary Stampede is closing the barn doors on its 2019 season.
The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth saw record-breaking attendance numbers for both the parade and McDonald’s Community Day, with officials saying 2019 sits second on the all-time list for total attendance numbers.
The total attendance for the 2019 Calgary Stampede was 1,275,465, making the 2019 edition the second-highest attended Stampede. This year’s event sits second only to the 2012 Centennial Stampede.
Officials added that guests from all around the world enjoyed themselves as well:
- 30 per cent of visitors will stay at least five days in Calgary
- 65 per cent are likely to return for the Stampede
- 72 per cent would recommend Stampede to their friends
- 96 per cent believe that the Stampede is part of Calgary’s unique identity
This year’s show gave everyone a reason to come back, with officials saying that there’s even more of a reason to return next year.
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“Next year by Stampede time, we will have reached a significant milestone with the opening of a hall,” said Warren Connell, Calgary Stampede CEO, on Sunday. “A 50,000-square-foot addition to the BMO Centre.”
The new hall will be similar to halls at the BMO Centre currently and will allow crews to take down BMO Hall A and the Corral to begin the BMO Expansion project.
While many things went well for the Stampede, the recent deaths of three horses put a dark cloud over some of its events — issues the Stampede said it continues to look at to provide the best experience for all involved.
“We review all of our practices and procedures, including the penalties, the dealings with the drivers, and we will continue to do that, both in our practices and ensuring that our zero-tolerance policy is followed,” Connell said.
In 2018, 1,271,241 people attended the Calgary Stampede.
The 2020 Calgary Stampede runs from July 3-12.
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