When fans return to Ponoka Stampede in 2027, the Wild West Suites will be double in size.
Expansion of the Wild West Suites and Rooftop Club will create a new era of premium rodeo hospitality overlooking one of the most memorable arenas in professional rodeo.
Once this year’s rodeo concludes, Eagle Builders will begin work on the expansion project. The development will replace the existing Presidents’ boxes and bleachers with a larger hospitality complex featuring luxury suites, expanded rooftop viewing areas and new stadium-style seating.
Ponoka Stampede president Bruce Harbin says the project reflects both the growth of the rodeo and the high caliber events that come with it.
“It’ll add 16 suites, another rooftop viewing area, and the bleachers will be replaced with the stadium style seating,” said Harbin. “The new stadium-style seating out front will also provide a really comfortable spot from a great vantage point to watch the rodeo.”
The new Wild West Suites addition will be positioned directly above the legendary “long score” run and bucking chutes, placing guests at the heart of the rodeo action.
Each suite will be designed to host groups of up to 20 guests and will include private seating areas, bar and lounge spaces, elevator access and dedicated suite attendants.
The goal, Harbin says, is to create an unforgettable setting for companies, organizations and groups to entertain guests.
Each rooftop level on the Wild West Suites will be able to host more than 300 guests, with the potential for up to 600 guests when the spaces are combined. The Wild West Rooftop Club will offer sweeping views of the arena, Stampede grounds and the surrounding community, creating a unique vantage point.
Having Eagle Builders leading the construction is another important piece of the project. The company has long been a major sponsor of the rodeo and has supported Ponoka Stampede for many years.
“The Eagle Builders team are awesome. They have excellent values and they bring a lot to the community,” said Harbin. “They’re part of the family.”
The full VIP package offering:
- VIP access, parking and shuttle transportation
- Dedicated Premium Seating Host Team
- Private washrooms on each level
- In-suite live event feeds
- Private bar with complimentary coffee, ice, and garnishes
- Gourmet food pre-ordering options
- Meet and greets with athletes and performers (upon request)
- Suite branding opportunities for multi-year partners
Wild West Suites Investment:
This type of investment has long-reaching potential for businesses and sponsors. Starting at $22,000 per week, or $2,300 per performance, your guests will get the VIP treatment and an amazing view of the action. That’s a per-guest value of $60 per person.
Reserve your place in rodeo history and experience the Ponoka Stampede from among the most exclusive seats in the arena.
Contact wwsuites@ponokastampede.com and get the best spots for 2027 before anyone else.
Honouring tradition while continuing growth
Ponoka Stampede has come a long way since its first rodeo was held 90 years ago, but the cowboy tradition that built the event remains firmly intact.
“Just to see the changes I have seen in my lifetime are amazing,” Harbin said. “It’s quite a testament to what’s been done over the years, and it’s a real testament to the strength of our community.”
In the early days, the rodeo looked very different from the professional event fans see today.
“During one event, they’d lead a horse out blindfolded, the rider would get on, they’d pull the blindfold and whoever rode the longest won the prize,” he said. “And the prize might have been 25 cents.”
Today, the Ponoka Stampede features $75,000 in added prize money in the riding events and $60,000 in the timed events, attracting many top competitors.
“We’ve got the best cowboys in the world coming to Ponoka,” Harbin said.
Despite its growth into one of the most respected rodeos in North America, the event continues to embrace the old-school rodeo tradition that competitors and fans have come to love.
“It’s the cowboys’ rodeo,” Harbin said.
Community support vital
For Harbin, the 90th anniversary of the Ponoka Stampede is ultimately about the community that built it.
The rodeo has survived and thrived for nine decades now thanks to the dedication of volunteers, sponsors and residents who continue to support the event.
“The members of our community have really rallied together over the years to help produce the rodeo and keep it moving forward,” he said.
For a rodeo that has grown from humble beginnings to an internationally renowned event, the 90th Ponoka Stampede promises to celebrate both tradition and progress.
Entertainment every night of the rodeo
Another major evolution in recent years has been the expansion of the Stampede’s entertainment lineup.
What once featured a single concert during the rodeo week has now grown into a full schedule of shows and nightly entertainment, including the popular Saturday night PBR event (June 27).
“In the last couple of years we’ve tried to have a concert every night at Stampede,” Harbin explained. “It started out years ago with one concert for the whole rodeo. Now we’ve got something happening every night.”
This year’s lineup kicks off with country legend Dwight Yoakam, whose appearance has already generated excitement among fans (at this point it’ll be tough to find tickets).
Another highlight of the schedule is the return of Sawyer Brown, a band that shares a special connection with the Ponoka Stampede.
Sawyer Brown performed at the very first concert ever held at the rodeo, making their return during the 90th anniversary year particularly meaningful.
“There’s a little bit of reminiscent memory there,” Harbin said. “The stage actually malfunctioned that first ever concert night, and we had to jack and block the stage so they could play.”
Despite the unexpected challenge, the show went on.
“Here we are and Sawyer Brown is back again,” Harbin said.
Concert lineup — Stampede Nights
Dwight Yoakam — Thursday, June 25
Waylon Wyatt — Friday, June 26
John Riggins — Saturday, June 27
Cooper Alan — Sunday, June 28
Sawyer Brown — Monday, June 29
Hunter Brothers — Tuesday, June 30
Dance Hall lineup
Paige Rutledge — Thursday, June 25 | 9:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Jordyn Pollard — Friday, June 26 | 4:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Martina Daw — Friday, June 26 | 10:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Shannon Smith — Saturday, June 27 | 4:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Beamer Wigley — Saturday, June 27 | 10:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Girl Haggard — Sunday, June 28 | 4:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Travis Dolter — Sunday, June 28 | 10:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Girl Haggard — Monday, June 29 | 4:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Kendra Kay — Monday, June 29 | 9:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Kendra Kay — Tuesday, June 30 | 4:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Robert Gosse — Tuesday, June 30 | 10:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.