Bell no longer a Calgary Stampede sponsor after nearly 20 years
Bell Canada, the parent company of CTV News, is no longer a sponsor of the Calgary Stampede.
The telecommunications company confirms the longstanding partnership between the two concluded at the end of last year.
"We wish the Calgary Stampede all the best as they continue to celebrate Western heritage," said Tianna Goguen, Bell media relations, in a statement sent to CTV News via email.
"We are grateful to have been part of such a renowned pillar in Canadian entertainment."
The Calgary Stampede confirms Bell's contract formally expired on Dec. 31, 2023.
"We are very proud of the work we have done in partnership with Bell and thank them for their nearly two decades of support," said Shannon Greer, Calgary Stampede communications and media relations manager, in an email to CTV News.
"While the sponsorship has concluded, we maintain a business relationship with Bell."
Bell's logo was removed from the Calgary Stampede's website as part of the announcement of this year’s Grandstand Show, which Bell previously supported.
"We are excited to welcome GMC, Wrangler, Rocky Mountain Equipment, and Lammle’s as sponsors of The Grandstand Show and look forward to showcasing their special connections to it when the show premiers in July," Greer said.
Bell did not respond to questions about why the sponsorship agreement wasn’t renewed.
Bell’s parent company, BCE Inc., announced a large restructuring in February with 4,800 layoffs and other cost-cutting measures.
The Stampede has come under increased scrutiny recently after admitting liability in a class action lawsuit involving a former employee who was convicted of sexually assaulting boys who were performing as part of the Young Canadians dance group.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.