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Calgary Stampede Becomes First $2M Outdoor Rodeo

December 11, 2008

Calgary, AB --- The Calgary Stampede, already the richest outdoor rodeo in the world, will become even richer in 2009. The Stampede is today announcing that, for the first time ever at an outdoor rodeo, prize money will increase to $2 million, up from $1.875 million in 2008.

The bulk of the added $125,000 in prize money will be paid out to the top performing cowboys and cowgirls during the first eight days of the rodeo, when the athletes are intensely competing to make it into the Wildcard Saturday and the Sunday Showdown for a chance to win $100,000 in prize money in their event.

“The Calgary Stampede continues to lead the way in the world of rodeo,” says Mike Whittle, Calgary Stampede vice-president of Agriculture and Western Events. “The added prize money will make the first eight days even more competitive and important for the contestants, which will give the fans an even better show.”

And the cowboys couldn’t agree more. “This definitely proves why the Calgary Stampede is the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” says Wildwood, Alberta saddle bronc rider Rod Hay. “It’s the best of the best, getting on the best stock in the world.” Tie-down roper Jeff Chapman from Athens, Texas adds, “There’s no other rodeo in the world that does as much as the Stampede does for the contestants and cowboys.” And bareback bronc rider, Bobby Mote, from Culver, Oregon says, “The Stampede rodeo was already in a class of its own and the added prize money just raises the bar that much higher. It’s a tremendous rodeo, with tremendous stock and tremendous fans.”

All three cowboys are currently competing at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

The 2009 Calgary Stampede takes place July 3–12 with tickets on sale now at www.calgarystampede.com or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.ca or by calling 403-777-0000.

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