Working with the biggest and best concert promoters in North America, such as Live Nation that represents the likes of Madonna, U2 and the Eagles, the Calgary Stampede's Sales and Events team has set its sights on being the next great attractions venue in Calgary for the mid-size niche audience.

"The Stampede has the right mix of venues, services and location to attract all sorts of concerts and events to Calgary year round," says Orest Iwanylo, Facilities' Marketing manager for the Calgary Stampede. "With hall capacities ranging from 3,000 to 5,000, we are well positioned to fill an entertainment capacity gap in Calgary."

The Stampede Park line-up for 2009 is already taking shape. Coming to Calgary are: the first-ever So You Think You Can Dance Canada Tour, the world-famous Harlem Globe Trotters, comedian Jeff Dunham and Country Music Association award winners, Montgomery Gentry. Tickets for these events will be available at www.ticketmaster.ca.

Iwanylo says, "The Stampede is in a good position to draw in this business because our venues work for more than just concerts. The Corral, for example, is flexible enough that it can be modified to host everything from tennis tournaments, such as the international Davis Cup, to dog shows to children entertainers like The Wiggles and Thomas the Tank Engine. Our other venues, including the recently refurbished Big Four Building and the Roundup Centre, are equally attractive to promoters."

Stampede Park host more than 1,000 events every year including weddings, concerts, seminars, meetings, trade and consumer shows.