The Calgary Stampede is woven into the fabric of our city.
Since its inception in 1912, Calgarians come together every July to host the 10-day festival welcoming over a million visitors across the globe to take in one of the largest rodeos in the world, a parade and a midway full of rides, games and foods.
It’s white cowboy hats.
It’s pancake breakfasts.
It’s capping off each night with incredible fireworks displays.
And this year, it’s the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth meeting the Greatest Outdoor Show on Turf.
Finally, the namesake Calgary Stampeders will play at home during the week of the Calgary Stampede for the first time ever, kicking off the annual festivities when they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday, July 3 for the organization’s inaugural Stampede Bowl.
Veteran kicker Rene Paredes, who has played in 232 regular-season games, is excited to take part in the induction of this historic event.
“I think it’s great,” said Paredes. “I’ve been here for so long, and we’re always on the road or on a bye week. There’s been a lot of hype for this game and the whole city, the team, everybody is excited and pumped about this game.
“Hopefully we have a good crowd, and we come out and play well and get the win.”
The Stampede Bowl launches a new CFL tradition that pays homage to Calgary’s deep-rooted identity, encouraging fans and players alike to embrace the city’s iconic Western flair.
“Yeah, the cowboy hats, boots, and all those things are part of Calgary and Alberta,” said Paredes, who is in his 14th season in Red and White. “Ever since I got here, I started loving it. I think the new guys have embraced it; Dominique (Rhymes) and Gary (Johnson Jr.), all those guys wear hats after post-game interviews.
“We want to bring that momentum and that atmosphere to the game and hopefully the fans do the same thing.”
There are no shortages of Stampede-style entertainment heading into this game. The special event will feature:
A Stampede Bowl Trophy custom-made by MST Bronze Limited, that will be presented to the winner.
Poison frontman and rock icon Bret Michaels performing the halftime concert, presented by TD.
Canadian country music star Dawson Gray will perform the pre-game concert on the stage at McMahon and the post-game concert at Stamps House, presented by Coors Original.
A Presidents’ Wager between Jay McNeil of the Stampeders and Wade Miller of the Blue Bombers with a $25,000 donation being made to Purolator Tackle Hunger by the losing team to the winning team’s market.
The TSN panel in attendance live on location.
The Week 5 contest between the Stamps (2-1) and the Bombers (3-0) is set for kickoff at McMahon Stadium on July 3, 7 p.m. MT.
