Celebrating Calgary's Stampede Story
Whether you’re lining the parade route, watching the powwow at Elbow River Camp, or cheering loudly at the Rodeo, the Calgary Stampede has been a catalyst for community connection since 1912. To celebrate this heritage and inspire new connections for the future, the Calgary Stampede Foundation introduces the Sam Centre. The Sam Centre is the only year-round immersive experience that offers an intimate look at the rich history of the Stampede and its role in our community.
A Transformational Gift
Don Taylor, Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist, donated $15 million to the Calgary Stampede Foundation to create the Sam Centre. It is named after his father, Robert Samuel Taylor.
“The Sam Centre will show visitors the character, the grit, and the perseverance of the peoples that make up southern Alberta.”
– Don Taylor
Pride of Place
The Sam Centre will sit at the heart of Youth Campus at Stampede Park, nestled next to the Rundle Ruins. This site has always been a place of gathering, and the Sam Centre will continue that tradition as a place for celebrating, learning and sharing. It will be open year-round.
Be Part of the Story
The story of the Stampede – and the story of Calgary – is a legendary story. Full of excitement and emotion, twists and turns, challenges and celebrations. It’s an epic tale that moves you, connects you and most importantly, it’s a story that includes you.
At the Sam Centre, you are at the centre of the Stampede’s ongoing story. From interactive exhibits to energizing experiences, the stories of the Stampede will come to life for each and every one of us. At the Sam Centre, you play a role in history’s greatest living western story, becoming part of the Stampede legend.
Explore. Experience. Feel. Discover. Access.
The Sam Centre will feature interactive exhibitions, a multi-media show, flexible spaces featuring novel events and activations, and a state-of-the-art workshop for preserving the Stampede Collection and Archives. At the Sam Centre, families, friends, and visitors from around the world will play a part in Calgary’s ongoing Stampede story.
Explore
Stories that have shaped the Stampede and our community.
Experience
Behind the scenes at Stampede.
Feel
Immersed in western hospitality and community spirit.
Discover
Your own Stampede Story at the Sam Centre.
Access
Stampede's fascinating collections and archives.
What Our Partners Say
“The Sam Centre is not only about sharing the stories of the Stampede, but also the stories in the making, both now and for future generations.
We wanted to design a space that while contemporary in form and function, captures the rich Western culture and heritage that is celebrated by the Stampede, and encompasses its core values of community building—conceiving an architecture that reflects the significance of gathering at its heart.
We are excited to see how our design can facilitate the telling of Stampede stories and carry its legacy forward for years to come.”
Thank You to our Donors and Partners
Taylor Family Foundation
Estate of Arthur (Bud) Hall
Norris Family Foundation
Linda Achtemichuk
Age Care Midnapore
Cheryl Arany
Big Four Family Reunion
Beverly Blue
Nicole Burns
Linda Clarkson
Trudy Cowan
Gordon Franson
Kate Gernat
Ron Getty
Patricia and Robert Steele
Lynne Thornton
Catherine Torfason
Orlo Tveter
David Vine
Joanne Melville
Our Mission
At the Sam Centre we engage our communities in authentic, immersive experiences year-round showcasing the stories, artifacts, and peoples of the Calgary Stampede with the aim to promote and reinforce a genuine and enduring sense of community identity and belonging rooted in Western Hospitality.