Calgary Stampede 2021 live stream: How to watch, start time, TV schedule

PRCA Rodeo Performances

The calibre of a rodeo comes down to two things: the skill of the competitors and the quality of the horses, bulls and steers. The Stampede Rodeo features the world’s best competitors and animals. Every afternoon at 1:30 p.m., cowboys and cowgirls face off in a furious display of skill and grit, with every win building towards Showdown Sunday, at the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo.

Stampede Rodeo Events

The Calgary Stampede Rodeo is sanctioned by the PRCA. Performances include both judged and timed events. Cowboys and cowgirls compete against one another for the highest score or the shortest time. Top athletes walk away with cash prizes and commemorative belt buckles. Each of the six Pro Rodeo performances includes:

Barrel Racing

This event requires control, attention to detail, and a close partnership between horse and rider. Competing against the clock, contestants circle three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern and race back across the scoreline. Time is measured with an electronic eye timer, and a hundredth of a second can determine who wins. A rider may touch a barrel, but if she knocks one over a five-second penalty is added to her total time.

Bull Riding

In the world-renowned Calgary Stampede bull riding, cowboys engage in a test of nerves against a bull.

A thick braided bullrope, complete with handhold, is wrapped around the bull and weighed down by a cowbell that allows the rope to fall when the ride is over. The rope is only kept tight by the bull rider’s grip.

He must try to keep his arm from straightening and his hand from breaking loose before the end of the ride. The cowboy isn’t required to move his feet—staying on is hard enough—but if he does spur, he gets higher marks.

Tie-Down Roping

In Tie-Down Roping, the cowboy and his equine partner re-create one of ranching’s oldest tasks: roping and tying an animal.

Speed, skill, and finesse are key in this event. The cowboy waits on horseback behind a rope barrier. When he gives a nod, the calf is released and gets a 10-ft. head start.

The cowboy must quickly rope the calf, dismount on the run to reach it, turn it on its side, and tie three of its legs. Time is called when the cowboy throws his hands in the air, and the calf is immediately released.

Steer Wrestling

It’s cowboy vs the clock in this event, which requires coordination and strength. The steer wrestler waits on horseback behind a rope barrier. When he gives a nod, the steer is released and gets a 12-ft. head start. The cowboy chases the steer, then drops from his horse and grabs its horns to bring it to a halt. The steer must be on its feet before being rolled to the ground. Once on its side with all legs extended, the official time is taken. An extra horse, ridden by a hazer, is required to keep the steer running straight.

Saddle Bronc

Rhythm between a cowboy and his horse is key in Saddle Bronc.

The rider moves his feet from the horse’s neck toward the back of the saddle, in time with the bronc’s bucking action. The cowboy holds on to a braided rein that is connected to the horse’s halter, using it to help balance himself. If his hand placement is too low on the rein, he could be pulled over the front; too high, and he may be bucked off the back before his eight seconds are up.

Bareback

In the Bareback event, the rider holds on to the leather handhold of a rigging—a pad wrapped around the bucking horse’s girth—as he first extends his feet far forward. He then pulls his feet back up toward the rigging in a spurring motion. The higher the spurs, the higher the score.

The stress on the cowboy’s arm is intense as it absorbs most of the horse’s power, but he needs to hold on for at least 8 seconds.

Calgary Stampede Evening Show

It will be an Evening Show like you’ve never seen before. A combination of grit, glamour, live music and celebration.

A new doubleheader for Stampede 2021 only: Broncs After Dark and the Bell Grandstand Show. Cheer on talented athletes and teams as they compete in some of the greatest high-energy western competitions Stampede has to offer. As the sun sets, feel the beat of the music and take in the adrenaline-filled performances that lead to a spectacular fireworks finale in the night sky.

• Terri Clark: 5 Nights Only | July 9 – 13, 2021
• High Valley: 5 Nights Only | July 14 – 18, 2021
• Broncs After Dark: Ride with us into the night as we debut a brand new experience for Stampede 2021.
• Bell Grandstand Show: Music, spectacular stunts, and jaw-dropping pyrotechnics.

Fireworks Spectacular

The Calgary Stampede is proud to celebrate the resilience and determination of our great province through a province-wide fireworks display on Friday, July 9.

The Fireworks Spectacular presented by Bell, will take place in Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Calgary and we invite all Albertans to join together in celebration as we fill the night sky with a dazzling display of fireworks, in recognition of our shared goals and bright future for our province.

New Midway Food

Check out all of the jaw-dropping flavours for 2021. From sweet to heat, tease your taste buds with new mouth-watering midway food.

• Cool Ranch Dorito Corn Dog
• Pickle Lemonade
• Potato-Less Cheese Curd Poutine
• Louisiana Gator Bites
• French Fry Corn Dog
• Sushi Tacos
• Seafood Ramen Poutine
• Street Corn Coconut
• Pork Intestine
• Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Mini Donuts
• Cotton Candy Soft Serve
• Rainbow Street Corn
• Peanut Butter Bacon Burger
• Rainbow Grilled Cheese
• Sweet Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings
• Double Donut Chicken Burger
• Butter Chicken Bombs
• Blueberry Mini Donuts on a Stick
• Golden Kraken
• Spamalot

About the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the West. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme we’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.