Fans of the Calgary Stampede Rodeo - mark Oct. 3 to 5 in your calendars as Stampede Park will host the first-ever Canadian Rodeo Tour Championship (CRTC), an event modeled after the Stampede’s world-famous summer rodeo.

The CRTC replaces the Stampede’s former spring tournament, Rodeo Royal, and will see the best cowboys and cowgirls in Canada go up against the world’s toughest stock for a purse totaling $213,500. The chance to compete in the Canadian Finals Rodeo and the 2009 Calgary Stampede are also up for grabs.

“We really took the best from our summer rodeo and applied it to our new fall event,” says Jack Schneider, Rodeo committee vice-chair. “Fans will enjoy the chance to get to know these athletes and cheer them on.”

Mimicking the summer show, Sunday will also feature a final showdown, with the top eight competitors of the previous two days being whittled down to four and then battling it out in the dirt for top spot.

“Now Sunday is a true finals; it is something that both the fans and athletes will love. It makes for some really exciting rodeo,” adds Schneider. The CRTC is also the thrilling conclusion to the 10-stop Canadian rodeo tour circuit which means only the best competitors from those events will be competing.

In addition to the staples of saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, bareback, tie down roping, ladies barrel racing – the team roping event will make its first appearance at the Park. Spectators can also look forward to cattle penning and wild pony riding. Lastly, the 2009 Royal Trio will be crowned on the final day.

“There’s a lot of entertainment value,” adds Schneider. “It will be a great show and I encourage everyone to get their tickets early because I am positive it will sell out.”

To book tickets, click here or contact the Stampede ticket office at 403.269.9822 or 1.800.661.1767.