Stampede Begins with a Spending Spree

Canada’s 2025 Calgary Stampede kicked off in high spirits as crowds poured into Canada Life Centre, defying broader economic anxieties and inflation worries. One of the most iconic cultural events in Canada, the 10-day festival has already seen significant spending on food, fashion, and entertainment—despite growing economic pressure from a U.S.-Canada trade standoff.

A purple ube-flavoured corn cob, priced at $15, summed up the mood. “Overpriced, but it’s my first Stampede,” said Allison Zhou, a 25-year-old attendee from Toronto. “It’s unique—I’m down to try it.”

No Budget, Just Big Fun

From teens to seniors, festival-goers are loosening their wallets. Doug Coleman, 64, flew in from the Maritimes to see Shania Twain, this year’s parade marshal. “I’ll buy what I want. I deserve it,” he said while tapping his credit card for $26 crocodile-themed lemonade.

The Stampede’s midway is bursting with high-priced offerings: $13 corndogs, $16 parmesan fries, and boutique fashion. Yet visitors like Fred Parafina, who scored $200 snake-skin boots for his wife, still find value amid the splurge.

Chuckwagon Auction Shatters Records

The annual chuckwagon tarp auction, a signature of the Stampede, reflected Alberta’s bullish sentiment. The 2025 auction raised $3.84 million, nearly matching the 2012 all-time high despite having fewer drivers.

Top bid: $230,000, won by Birchcliff Energy for sponsoring champion Jason Glass. “It’s a great relief,” said Glass. “There was uncertainty, but we pulled through.”

This strong result came just months after economic jitters over U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policy rocked investor confidence.

Alberta Economy Defies National Trends

While Ontario and Quebec continue to feel the brunt of the trade conflict, resource-rich provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland are experiencing renewed confidence. Rising oil prices and liquified natural gas exports have helped insulate Alberta’s economy from the downturn elsewhere.

Mark Parsons, Chief Economist at ATB Financial, noted, “The Stampede is Alberta’s economic bellwether—it shows how confident people are feeling.”

Attendance Boom, Travel Twist

Stampede attendance hit 1.47 million in 2024, and officials expect to break that record in 2025. VIP seating for rodeos and concerts sold out before opening day. Staycations are also fuelling the surge as Canadians opt for local getaways.

Interestingly, while overall U.S. travel to Canada is down 8.9%, Calgary saw a 29% increase in American visitors by air, bucking the national trend.

The post Calgary Stampede Crowd Spends Big Despite Trade Woes  first appeared on Maple News Wire.

The 2025 Calgary Stampede is right around the corner, and while it’s one of Canada’s most iconic events, it doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Whether you’re after adrenaline-pumping rides, classic rodeo action, or family-friendly shows, there are plenty of smart ways to save money while soaking in the excitement of the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”

From special passes to value days and bundled experiences, here’s your complete guide to keeping costs low and the fun high.

Must-Have Value Deals

Stampede SuperPass – $50 for 10 Days

Get unlimited admission to Stampede Park for all 10 days for just $50 + GST. Buy yours at participating Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, FreshCo, and Chalo FreshCo stores until June 29 or online until July 3.

Stampede Bucks – Save Over 20%

Buy $50 worth of Stampede Bucks for $39.99 at select Costco locations. Use them on everything from rides to rodeo tickets and food.

Ride All Day Cards – Just $44.99

Save over 15% with Ride All Day cards for $44.99 + GST. Valid for all N.A.M.E. midway rides, games, and the WestJet Skyride, available at the same grocery chains as above.

Calgary Co-op Deal

Spend just $5 on Coca-Cola products at participating Calgary Co-op locations and save $10 on general admission—valid through July 13.

7-Eleven Admission Deal

Buy any two Coca-Cola products at participating 7-Eleven stores and get two general admission tickets for $32—a 36% discount.

Stampede Lotteries Discount

Purchase a Stampede Lotteries ticket before July 3 and unlock 50% off park admission, evening show, or rodeo tickets (excludes 50/50 tickets).

Value Days: When to Go for Free or Cheap

Sneak-a-Peek Early Access

Thursday, July 3 | 3–5 p.m.
Get in early for just $5 and enjoy shorter lines before the Stampede officially opens.

Sneak-a-Peek Evening

Thursday, July 3 | 5 p.m.–Midnight
General admission is $13 for evening fun before the big parade.

 Parade to Park – Free Entry

Friday, July 4 | 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Watch the parade, then stroll into Stampede Park for free.

Tim Hortons Family Day

Sunday, July 6
Free admission until 11 a.m., plus a free pancake breakfast and a live variety show from 8–10 a.m.

TC Energy Community Day

Tuesday, July 8
Free entry from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for all. Seniors and veterans get free admission all day, with complimentary coffee and donuts between 10–11 a.m.

BMO Kids’ Day

Wednesday, July 9
Free admission for everyone from 8–10 a.m.
Kids under 12 get in free all day, with breakfast and shows between 8–10 a.m.

Adult-Only Specials Worth Grabbing

Bud & Burger Rodeo Deal – $40

For $40 + GST, get entry to Stampede Park, tarmac seats at the rodeo, and vouchers for beef on a bun + a Budweiser.
Note: Available only during Stampede days—no pre-purchase.

Buck the Line + Rodeo/Evening Show

Bundle Buck-the-Line access to Nashville North with either a rodeo or evening show ticket and save 25%.

Nashville North VIP Platform – From $125

Includes park admission, access to VIP bar and VIP washrooms—perfect for those seeking a more premium party vibe.

 Nashville North Private Suite

Go all out with a VIP suite that includes priority entry, private washrooms, park and rodeo admission, and more.

Roadhouse Rush Pass

This pass bundles general Stampede admission with express entry to the Big Four Roadhouse.

Final Tip: Plan Early, Save More

Deals and passes are while supplies last, so don’t wait. Whether you’re riding solo, bringing the family, or partying with friends, these value options ensure you experience everything the Stampede has to offer—without overspending.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for your complete guide to Canadian events, savings, and travel tips.

The post How to Save Big at the 2025 Calgary Stampede first appeared on Maple News Wire.

The Calgary Stampeders launched their CFL preseason campaign with a convincing 26-16 victory over the B.C. Lions on Monday at Starlight Stadium. Running backs Ludovick Choquette and Tiyon Evans each found the end zone, while the defense recorded three crucial sacks.

Key Plays Propel Calgary to Early Lead

Quarterback Quincy Vaughn added a one-yard rushing touchdown, and veteran kicker Rene Paredes nailed two field goals, including a long 52-yard kick. These contributions helped Calgary maintain control throughout the game.

Lions Show Fight but Fall Short

B.C. Lions quarterbacks Chase Brice and Jeremiah Masoli each threw touchdown passes, and kicker Mark McNamee connected on a field goal. Despite outgaining Calgary slightly in net offense, the Lions were hampered by 11 penalties totaling 187 yards.

Offensive and Defensive Highlights

Calgary’s offense produced 247 net yards, with Choquette rushing 47 yards on six carries and Evans adding 44 yards on 11 carries. Ishmael Hyman led receivers with three catches for 34 yards. Quarterbacks Phillip Walker Jr., Josh Love, and Logan Bonner combined for modest passing yards, with Bonner throwing one interception.

Meanwhile, Brice completed 14 of 20 passes for 135 yards, and Masoli added 43 yards on limited attempts. Nathan Rourke, expected to start for the Lions, saw limited action with just one pass.

Penalties and Missed Opportunities

The Lions’ 11 penalties proved costly, while Calgary was flagged six times. These infractions affected momentum and field position, ultimately influencing the game’s outcome.

Looking Ahead for Both Teams

Last season, the Stampeders finished last in the West Division and missed the playoffs, while the Lions placed third but fell in the West semifinal. This preseason victory offers Calgary a promising start as both teams prepare for the regular season.

Calgary’s balanced attack and stout defense set the tone early, signaling their intent to rebound strongly this CFL season.

The post Calgary Stampeders Dominate B.C. Lions 26-16 in CFL Preseason Opener first appeared on Maple News Wire.