A Saturday morning ceremony in Stampede Park officially opened one of the largest projects in the history of the Calgary Stampede.
The Agrium Western Event Centre, a state-of-the-art building consisting of a 2,500 seat arena and a 20,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose exhibit space, was unveiled to the public following two years of construction. The building is located south of the Scotiabank Saddledome and north of the Stampede Grandstand.
“It means a lot for, not only the Stampede, but the community and the city of Calgary,” said Bob Thompson, President and Chairman of the Calgary Stampede board. “In the heart of the city, we’ve built a world class agricultural facility that will house equestrian events and agricultural programs for years and years to come.”
“It will be operating year round so it’s a good reason for Calgarians to have their cowboy boots and hats on at times outside of Stampede.”
During the 2014 Calgary Stampede, the facility will host a full slate of events including heavy horse pulls, stock dog trials and equestrian competitions.
The cost of the Agrium Western Event Centre, which has not been released, is included in the $61.2 million the Calgary Stampede has slated for the Agricultural Discovery Zone of which:
- The Government of Canada contributed $25 million
- The Government of Albert contributed $25 million
- Agrium, and other undisclosed donors, contributed approximately $11.2 million
“The new Agrium Western Event Centre will promote the local economy by showcasing Western Canadian heritage with renowned events like the Calgary Stampede," said Calgary Centre-North MP Michelle Rempel, the Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "Thanks to our Government’s investments in infrastructure, and through the New Building Canada Plan, we will continue creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada.”
