Calgary Stampede 2024 Set to Smash All-Time Attendance Record

The Calgary Stampede is gearing up for a historic milestone as the 2024 edition is poised to shatter its all-time attendance record, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to this year’s festivities. Over 1.33 million attendees have already visited Stampede Park over the first nine days, with a staggering 156,400 guests flocking to the park on Saturday alone. The anticipation is running high with just over 78,000 more visits needed to surpass the previous record set in 2012.

Among significant highlights of this year’s Stampede was the record-breaking attendance on Tim Horton's Family Day, where a remarkable over 200,000 visitors graced the park grounds. The cumulative turnout represents exceptional community engagement and enthusiasm for the iconic annual celebration of Western heritage and culture, under the leadership of Stampede President Will Osler and CEO Joel Cowley.

Emphasizing the quality of experience, Cowley cited the insights gleaned from a midweek survey that revealed favorable sentiments among attendees. Notably, 88% found attending the Stampede to be an easy decision, underlining the event’s deep-rooted significance in Calgary’s identity. Moreover, the survey indicated a strong international presence, with 26% of respondents representing visitors from outside the city boundaries.

The economic implications of Stampede 2024 are substantial, with Tourism Calgary projecting a significant impact on Alberta’s economy, anticipated to generate approximately $282 million. A correlation exists between the Stampede’s growing global appeal and the broadened diversity of its visitors, with 46% of this year’s attendees identifying as visible minorities, reflecting the event’s commitment to inclusivity and hospitality.

However, the Stampede was not without its challenges, notably the water main break in June that required city-wide water conservation measures ahead of the event. Despite overcoming this hurdle, Stampede organizers had contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted operations, including sourcing alternate water supplies to act responsibly.

While celebratory events unfolded, a somber note was struck by the unfortunate incidents resulting in animal euthanasia due to injuries sustained during Stampede activities. Cowley acknowledged these incidents, stressing the Stampede’s efforts to enhance animal safety protocols, yet acknowledging the imperative for further improvements in animal welfare practices.

As the 2024 Calgary Stampede draws to a close, the organizers are looking forward to a final attendance count announcement, marking a momentous conclusion to a record-breaking showcase of Calgary’s cultural vibrancy and international appeal.