Tourism Saskatoon bids to host Canadian Finals Rodeo

After more than 40 years in Edmonton, the Canadian Finals Rodeo could be coming to Saskatoon.

Tourism Saskatoon has placed a bid to host the massive event as early as the fall of 2017.

The rodeo itself has all the disciplines, from barrel racing to bull riding, in six main shows.

But Tourism Saskatoon president and CEO Todd Brandt said it’s not just a rodeo. There are various trade events and shows during the week that draw thousands of visitors.

“We also have a very large facility that’s not encumbered by NHL franchises in SaskTel Centre, which is an ideal fit to host the main event,” Brandt said.

The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association announced earlier this week that it has rejected a final bid from the City of Edmonton and the Oilers Entertainment Group to have the CFR in the Alberta capital beyond 2016.

“We’re prepared to go ahead against other western Canadian cities,” said Brandt, who added that Saskatoon has the audience for an attraction of this size.

According to Brandt, 80,000 attendees are expected at the main events and the economic spin-off is upwards of $50 million.

With files from Canadian Press