May 21, 2024

Calgary, AB – The Calgary Stampede Foundation, together with the Calgary Stampede, marks a new chapter in southern Alberta’s history with the ribbon cutting for the new Sam Centre.

Designed by Diamond Schmitt, with FAAS as associate architect, the Sam Centre draws on historic prairie architecture and is a 30,000-square-foot permanent place for guests to experience and discover The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth year-round.

“For decades people have gathered at this location and we are thrilled to continue that tradition with this new community hub designed for celebrating, learning, and sharing legendary stories, year-round,” said Bill Gray, Calgary Stampede Foundation Board Chair. “Sam Centre brings people into the middle of Stampede’s greatest stories, giving them an active role in shaping our ongoing story.”

Named after Robert Samuel Taylor, the father of Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist, Don Taylor, who generously gave $15 million to the project, Sam Centre is Calgary’s Stampede Story – brought to life in an immersive, engaging, and interactive experience that blends modern with history. “We have many heroes in Alberta and their stories are just waiting to be told,” said Don Taylor. “Sam Centre is an opportunity for guests to take their place among those characters, listen to their voices, and learn about the extraordinary peoples that shaped not only the history of the Stampede, but Calgary and southern Alberta.”

“Calgary Stampede is an integral part of the Albertan identity and the new Sam Centre will tell our stories to audiences from around the world,” said Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women.“We’re thrilled to see that our investment toward the project will deliver a world-class facility for the greatest outdoor show on earth.”

The Sam Centre officially opens on May 29, 2024.