Aerial view of Calgary Stampede Grounds. (Image Credit: ID 38765081 © Ldredge | Dreamstime.com)

By Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press

Includes Seven District Zones

Calgary Stampede releases 20-year plan to turn venue into year-round destination

Mar 18, 2026 | 1:36 PM

The Calgary Stampede has unveiled a 20-year blueprint to turn the venue of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth into a year-round destination.

The Stampede and the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation has released the new master plan aimed to expand Stampede Park.

It includes creating seven distinct zones, including a live event area where the current home of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, the Saddledome, now sits.

The Flames new Scotia Place arena is well under construction and is slated to open for the 2027-28 hockey season.

Other plans include a new agriculture facility that supports the Stampede’s vision of becoming the world’s premier gathering place for agriculture.

WHAT'S ON

Here's what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: March 13-15

Mar 13, 2026

WHAT'S ON

Here's what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: March 6-8

Mar 06, 2026

Local Author

Former Medicine Hat resident Johnson set to showcase novel 'Chipped' at mall

Mar 06, 2026

Stampede officials also plan to replace the current Big Four Building with another venue to support the growing music and event needs at the park alongside an expansion to the original grandstand and track facilities.

“With the successful completion of the expanded BMO Centre in 2024 and exciting new projects underway, we have successfully fulfilled the 20-year vision established in 2004,” Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede, said in a statement Wednesday. “Now, we are turning our attention to the next 20 years to ensure our master plan reflects the ambition and opportunity of our growing city.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2026.