Distanced grandstand seats selling at discount

Event will be first major one without province-imposed COVID restrictions

Some physically distanced seats in Calgary Stampede's grandstand are selling at a discount when compared to their neighbouring sections.

The Stampede's website shows ticket sales for rodeo events will include sections with seats available in pairs, with each pair flanked by two empty seats on either side. In Section 105, distanced seats were selling for $52 for regular entrants and $29.50 for children under 12 for July 9. A section over, Section 106, had tickets available for all seats in the area with tickets costing $93.

In the 200 sections of the venue, both distanced and non-distanced seat tickets were being sold for $63.

The Calgary Stampede's website shows there were five sections with seats that are physically distanced for the July 9 daytime rodeo events as of Friday morning. There were four sections with such tickets available for that date's evening events. Most physically distanced sections are near the outside of the seating or in higher sections, with some days offering more central, lower sections.

Gemma Pasquarelli, a Calgary Stampede spokeswoman, said the overall capacity for the Stampede will be reduced this year, including within the grandstand.

“There is a reduced overall capacity at this year's Stampede, including in the outdoor Stampede Grandstand, with a variety of physical distancing options for guests to choose from. It will be a reduced overall capacity of about half,” Pasquarelli said in an email Friday.

She said they are providing multiple seating options this year and will monitor demand for various types of tickets and adjust accordingly. She noted pricing for seating has always varied based on where they are located.

The Calgary Stampede will be the first major post-pandemic event held in the province without any major government-imposed public health restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19. Physical distancing of at least two metres has been either required or recommended between people from different households throughout the past 16 months.

Representatives for Stampede have previously said they will ensure the event is safe and have stricter protocols than required by Alberta Health.

Spokeswoman Kristina Barnes previously told Postmedia all employees will be wearing masks while working.

“We recognize that all of our community will be finding a different way towards moving back out into what is normal,” Barnes said in early June. “Our goal is to operate safely, first of all, and continue to work closely with key health partners to ensure our visitors, partners, volunteers, employees, everyone feels safe and comfortable.”

Public health officials have repeatedly said events and gatherings pose less of a risk of spreading COVID -19 when they are held outdoors, which includes seating at the grandstand. Health Canada's website shows most transmission occurs indoors, in poorly ventilated areas.

These differing risk levels were reflected in public health measures throughout the pandemic.