CALGARY - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 470

sphere of the lower or higher levels, but they are protected from the elements, and patrons
have access to a bar, full-service restaurant, and lounge area. Ticket prices for the first
eight days of rodeo competition range $45-85. The evening chuck wagon races/grandstand
shows run $52-94. Tickets for the final two days of competition are an extra few dollars.
Tickets to both the rodeos and chuck wagon races/grandstand shows include general ad-
mission to Stampede Park. Order tickets by phone [phone] or 800/661-1767) or on-
line ( www.calgarystampede.com ) starting early October the year prior.
If you didn't purchase your tickets in advance, you'll need to pay the $18 general ad-
mission at the gate. Then, once on the grounds, you can purchase “rush seating” tickets
for the afternoon's rodeo (adult $20, child $10) or the chuck wagon race/grandstand show
(adult $24, child $12) 90 minutes prior to showtime from the booths in front of the grand-
stand. You'll only have access to either an area of the infield with poor views or seats well
away from the action.
INFORMATION
Check either of Calgary's daily newspapers for a pull-out section with results of the previ-
ous day's competition and a schedule of events on the grounds and around town. At Stam-
pede Park, a schedule and maps are available at distinctive Howdy Folk Chuckwagons,
topped with cowboy hats and staffed by friendly volunteers.
Contact the Calgary Stampede office at 403/261-0101 or 800/661-1260,
www.calgarystampede.com .
GETTING THERE AND PARKING
The C-train runs at least every 10 minutes eastbound along 7th Avenue downtown to one
of two Stampede stations ($2.75 one-way). Many hotels and campgrounds run shuttle ser-
vices to downtown for the Friday parade and then to Stampede Park for the rest of the
week; expect to pay $20 round-trip per person.
If you decide to drive, parking close to the grounds is possible, but the roads can be
chaotic. Many local residents turn their gardens into parking lots—most stand out on the
road waving at you as if to say that their month's rent depends on the $25-35 parking fee.
The official parking lots throughout the area immediately north of Stampede Park usually
charge $20 per day in the morning, rising as high as $40 in the afternoon, depending on
how busy they are.