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What it takes to put on a national championship rodeo in Edmonton

October 9, 2026

Canadian Finals Rodeo Week brings the energy of Canadian Finals Rodeo beyond Rogers Place and into the heart of Edmonton. For more than 50 years, the Canadian Finals Rodeo has been part of Edmonton’s sporting legacy.

 Edmonton has a proud history of welcoming major sporting events, cultural celebrations, and global competitions. Events like CFR do more than fill venues; they bring visitors to the city, support local businesses, create new experiences and contribute to Edmonton’s reputation as a vibrant destination. 

It takes a large team and months of preparation to transform Rogers Place for the Canadian Finals Rodeo. To transform the arena, 150 truckloads of ground footing were unloaded in the arena. This ground footing is a mix of 32 per cent clay, 32 per cent sand and 32 per cent dirt. It is moisture-controlled to 8 per cent moisture. It's a competition-ready surface worthy of Canada’s national championship rodeo.

 Want to talk to the team that makes it happen? Interview opportunities available with:

  • Amanda Frigon, Director, Canadian Finals Rodeo, Explore Edmonton

  • Nick Goddard, Director of Event Management and Canadian Country EXPO, Explore Edmonton

  • Denny Phipps, CEO, Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA)

Saturday is the final day of the Canadian Finals Rodeo in 2026. People can participate in activities across the city, as well as daytime and evening performances at Rogers Place.

The only Canadian Finals Rodeo matinee performance takes place at Rogers Place from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Saturday. Fans can cheer on the bareback riders, breakaway ropers, steer wrestlers and more competitors. There will be a family fun area with bouncy castles, and the first 500 kids get a free rodeo goody bag. Tickets are available at www.cfr.ca 

From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, a free tailgate party at ICE District Plaza brings fans together for western-themed live music, entertainment and fun. From mechanical bull rides and photo opportunities to live entertainment, food and interactive experiences, the Tailgate Party extends the Canadian Finals Rodeo beyond the arena, creating a fun celebration for fans of all ages.

Numerous athletes will be available for interviews following their matinee performances.

Photo and video assets for media use are available here.

Results for each day’s events are available here.

Looking to cover something else at the Canadian Finals Rodeo? Let us know. We’d be happy to help you find your story.

The Canadian Finals Rodeo is the premier rodeo event in Canada, bringing together the nation's top rodeo athletes to compete for national championships. Held annually in Edmonton, the Canadian Finals Rodeo is a celebration of Western heritage, sport and community. The Canadian Finals Rodeo will take place at Rogers Place Arena from October 7-10, 2026.  

Explore Edmonton is the Destination Marketing and Management Organization for Edmonton, connecting experiences, events, venues and stories to attract visitors and elevate the city’s profile. We drive economic, cultural and community impact through the visitor economy, while stewarding key venues and producing iconic events.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact:

 

CFR Media Centre

e. cfrmedia@exploreedmonton.com

p. 587-930-8198