Agriculture is at the heart of the Calgary Stampede and the expansion activities underway with the Agrium Western Event Centre will provide a new focal point for agricultural events on Stampede Park.
The largest project in our history, the Agrium Western Event Centre is an essential part of the Stampede vision of a year-round gathering place for agriculture, commerce, education and entertainment. Bridging urban and rural culture, the complex triples the agricultural space on the Park. Local and international visitors alike will enjoy this 150,000 square foot agriculture showcase and competition venue.
The Centre will greet patrons with striking public art installations in the concourse upon completion, scheduled in time for the 10-day Stampede in 2014. The rotunda will extend a welcome with hands-on educational experiences. Moving into the competition arena, exhibit hall and multipurpose space will give you a sense of the importance of agriculture to our heritage. The Main Arena is comprised of 31,250 square feet of clear span space for rodeo and equestrian sports. The riding surface floor can be hard packed for walking traffic, dinners and concerts, or worked to any depth to handle the various needs of each unique equestrian sport. The Main Arena will accommodate concerts, expos, training seminars, private functions and parties.
The adjacent Agriculture Building is one of the oldest buildings on Stampede Park. Thanks to a complete renovation in 2012, the building continues to be an important animal stalling and competition preparation area. A revitalized part of Stampede Park, there are gathering spaces and areas for safe interaction with animals, providing further opportunities for the Stampede to profile its leadership in animal welfare and well-being. Together with the new Agrium Western Event Centre, the renovated Agriculture Building provides modern, dedicated resources for celebrating, educating and competing year round.
The expansion and enhancement of our agriculture facilities on Stampede Park is possible due to the generosity of sponsors, donors and contributions by the Governments of Canada and Alberta.