Red Deer embracing rodeo finals

The Canadian Finals Rodeo had been a staple at Edmonton’s Northlands Coliseum for 44 years, close to the heart of Edmonton.

But to suggest that moving the CFR to Red Deer, a city of over 100,000 people, gives the event a more “small town feel,” is just not the case, says Jeff Robson.

“I don’t know if Red Deer would like to be called a small town,” said the general manager of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association with a chuckle.

By design, however, the CFR moving to the Enmax Centrium at Westerner Park has changed the dynamics of the event completely.

The venue itself is half the size of the Coliseum with a maximum capacity of 7,819. It’s sold out and set to provide fans an intimate experience, bringing them closer to the action.

“It’s hard to gauge (the changes),” Robson said. “The fact that you’re moving the event to an arena that’s half the capacity and to sell it out so quickly didn’t surprise me. The response has been very good. Other factors you’d consider is how has the city embraced event — it’s blown all of our expectations away in terms of how they rally.

“Just like Stampede week, they’re getting all excited about it.”

The buzz is palpable as crews settled in on Monday to put the final touches on the pens and chutes in the arena. Facilities were needed for competitors’ horses and bucking stock, not to mention the large amount of dirt and sand required for the infield. The user-friendly set up of Westerner Park lends itself to catering equine and agricultural events which has made the logistics easier. From the trade show to the buckle presentations, everything is in one building.

Robson indicated that he’s optimistic of the future of the CFR in its new home.