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Calgary Exhibition & Stampede
Category: Arts & Entertainment Stadiums & Arenas Stadiums & Arenas [Edit]
1410 Olympic Way SECalgary, AB T2G 2W1
(403) 261-0101
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
4 reviews for Calgary Exhibition & Stampede
4 reviews in English
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Review from Reginald T.
Calgary, AB
Full disclosure: I volunteer with the Calgary Stampede. As such, I've agonized for a while now figuring out how to write a review here, for I wouldn't want to be perceived as having a conflict of interest.
Since this is the business listing for Calgary Stampede Headquarters rather than the event itself, and because I don't work for CS&E, I'll write my review based on the perspective as a volunteer who has to use this building as a place to hold meetings.
There are multiple meeting rooms here that are available to volunteers to host meetings, but they have to be booked by staff liaisons or by calling reception. Meeting rooms can be found in the basement, the main floor, and the second floor, although the basement level meeting rooms can't be catered with hot meals as catering can't easily get down there, so make sure you keep that in mind if you're making your room selection.
Note that if you book a meeting room for the evening on the second level, it's not unusual for Vern (the CEO, at least as of this writing) to drop in to have a friendly chat with your group and to see what's up as his office is on the same level. Personally, I believe he's on a hunt for Stampede Cookies, so if you've ordered some for your meeting, be prepared to share. ;-)
Random Board members may drop by too upstairs, so be prepared to exercise that Western Spirit & Hospitality at a moment's notice. It's interesting the types of people that you can randomly meet inside this building.
Parking is free behind the building for staff and volunteers. If security asks, you'll have to provide the name of your committee and where you're meeting, but they only do this to ensure that there's enough slots available for the staff and volunteers that need them (which is important when there's another major public event on-Park like a Flames game or large tradeshow).
They've recently implemented a policy to lock down the building after 5 p.m., but you can get security to let you in remotely by pressing the door buzzer at the top of the main entrance in front (Hint: Look up. It looks like a door bell button) or by giving Security a call on the phone. Of course, it being "Security," you'll need to identify yourself and have a valid reason for getting in.
If you need to book a room for after hours (i.e. the weekend), you'll need to budget to hire security so for this venue, it's best to try to book your meeting room for business hours.
All in all, as a volunteer, HQ is a great place to host a meeting (not to mention free) so if you were looking for a meeting place to host your team, if you weren't aware of it by now, you should give HQ a try. -
Review from Daryl D.
Calgary, AB
3/23/2011
I have been attending this yearly event since I was a wee little tot. My personal tastes have changed throughout my formative years (as they do for everyone), but I find that, what I used to enjoy, I now find overcrowded, expensive and mildy scary.
More specifics? Okay. First of all, it is always seriously crowded during the mid-day, so it's better to go enjoy it early in the morning while others are still sleeping. They only allow free admission before 10am because most of the park is still closed and just starting to open, so there's less to enjoy then.
Secondly, though I admire the uniqueness of the food (pizza on a stick, deep-fried pickles, etc.) the prices are to die from!! Bring lots & lots of money if you want to eat.
Thirdly, I heard that they moved the Superdogs to the Big Four, but they have refilled their space in the Corral with the Rock & Roll Ice Fantasy. Though the seating for this event was really awkward, the show itself was totally worth every minute. I reccomend it ;)
Midway games are fun but not cheap. If you want that huge plush toy, come financially prepared.
I can see the rides look like fun, but I warn that they are not safe. Enjoy them, but know you are gambling with your life...who else remembers the newscasts of the ride that broke down during it's run in 2010?
The indoors are just as fun as the outdoors if you ask me (and even if you don't). There are lots of shows (some require tickets) and exhibit halls. They can get crowded when it rains, but typical it really is hours of fun. All in all, this venue is great exercise.
And though I don't consider myself a country gal, I do basically enjoy the denim fashions & amped up country music of this 10-day week. However, I do agree with the statement that it's tragic about the rodeo, and the animals that tragically lose their lives every year. Could the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede exist with a country-western midway and NO rodeo? Just wondering.... -
Review from Melissa B.
Calgary, AB
7/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you have never been to the Calgary Stampede, you should probably check our there website to see what it all entails. Too much just to put in one little review. However I can tell you personal experience I have had.
I have gone to Stampede at least once every year. Since I moved her when I was 7, its been on the list of things to do in the summer.
I am always a fan of the Coca-Cola stage. I have seen so many good bands there its unbelievable (Len, Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, Finger Eleven) They always have such a good selection of artists that play the stage that there is something for everyone. Even during the day, watching the hypnotist is so funny! The Coke Stage alone, is worth the admission fee. Where else can you get a concert for $15?
I always love walking through the Stampede market. There are always new shops in there and its always fun to check out the demonstrations (Sham Wow anyone?) The market is always a nice place to get away from either the sun or the rain.
Im not a big fan of the rides at stampede but I have done my share of them. Your best bet, if you are a ride fan, is to go during the week and get a wristband that allows unlimited rides.
The food is always good. Pricey, but good. They have such a large selection of vendors that its really hard to choose what you want to eat. They are always bringing in new eats to try that you could try something new every year. (this year...the donut burger...) -
Review from Ljubica T.
Calgary, AB
7/14/2011
I mistakenly reviewed this venue based on the "Calgary Stampede" event, so here I am editing it. As a venue outside of the annual Western fest that happens every July in Calgary, the Calgary Stampede is an alright place, but I have to seriously complain about the parking situation. As an exhibitor and as an attendee, the parking is a total scam. I feel that the prices are too high, and that there isn't enough parking. Stampede needs to build a car park for sure in order to solve their parking problem. Otherwise, it's all fine and dandy.
