Calgary Stampede Bombshell

108th Calgary StampedeCalgary, AB. March 3, 2020 The Calgary Stampede today announced a new partnership with the Colorado-based Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

In a nutshell, the agreement entails the following changes to Canada’s “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” —

–The Calgary Stampede is still not an “approved” rodeo, but rather a partner event. At this time, the Calgary Stampede will not appear on the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) nor the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) rodeo schedule;

–Calgary Stampede will continue to be an invitational rodeo and will keep their tournament-style rodeo of two Pools, the Wild Card and the Finals;

–Calgary Stampede has added two more contestants, now it will be  22 competitors in each event;

–The CPRA contestants will still receive their traditional invitations through the qualifications of last years’ Top Five contestants in Canada in each event, plus the Canadian Rodeo Tour Champion will receive their traditional invitation;

–Calgary Stampede will continue to invite top athletes from PBR and WPRA, but all invitees must have a PRCA membership;

–As a concession to the PRCA’s mandate, there has to be team roping; however, team roping will still not be a part of the Calgary Stampede performance. The qualifying rounds and their CS Team Roping Finals will be held at the Nutrien on the Stampede Grounds;

–Calgary’s prize money will not increase. However, 70 per cent of go-round money won, and 50 per cent of the Finals $100,000 bonus prize money will count toward qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Prize money will not count in the Canadian standings;

–The new prize money rule may well have unexpected benefits for competitors, especially Canadians, who will now have the opportunity to earn even more rodeo money in Canada towards qualifying for the NFR;

–The stock contractors will also reap a benefit as their Calgary Stampede rough stock trips will count towards the NFR. Currently, to qualify for the NFR, each bronc, bare or bull requires a minimum of 9 trips to be eligible.

The 2020 Calgary Stampede runs July 3-12. For more information, please visit calgarystampede.com