CALGARY AUTO SHOW RETURNS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2020
Big news for Calgarians who love their automobiles. For the first time in four years, the Calgary International Auto and Truck Show (CIATS) is rolling into the BMO Centre at Stampede Park.
“We're back,” says Jim Gillespie, executive manager of the Calgary Motor Dealers Association. “It's been three years (of no shows), but in the last two years we couldn't garner enough manufacturer or dealer support to put on a show — there just wasn't enough inventory to do it. COVID affected the global supply chain, and it hit automakers especially. People were often waiting a year to order a new car.”
For 2024, the situation has changed. Manufacturer and dealer inventory has improved, and Gillespie says he received full support to mount the show. Set to run March 7 to 10, this year's CIATS is the 41st edition.
After four years, there are some changes to the layout of the event. For example, “Every booth is now 5,000 square feet,” Gillespie explains, and adds, “Quite a number of those booths are our dealers putting vehicles on display.” There will be over 28 brands on the show floor, with most major players in attendance. Also included will be areas dedicated to antique and classic automobiles.
In 2020, at the last CIATS, Gillespie had included vintage displays, but that show was cut short only a day after it opened.
“A number of these vintage cars are from member dealers but I also reached out to most every club in Southern Alberta, and there are plenty of special interest clubs here,” he says. “We've got some super cool old vehicles coming, and the classics are always a hit. It's interesting to look at something built in the 1920s and compare it to a 2024 model. That's a century of development, and it's a lot of history.”
New for 2024 is a 35,000-square-foot indoor area dedicated to an electric vehicle ride and drive test track.
“Consumers will be able to pre-register at the show, and then receive a text when they're next in line to drive,” Gillespie says. “And it's an extensive list of 20 different EVS that will be available, from a Ford Lightning pickup to a Hummer to a Porsche.”
He continues, “I believe the vast majority of showgoers will never have driven an EV, and this gives them three laps with a professional driver. It's not a huge track, but there will be enough to give everyone a taste, and to my knowledge, it's the largest selection of EVS indoor ride and drive program in the country.”
From March 7 to 10 (Thursday to Saturday), the CIATS runs 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 11.
All individual ticket prices are subject to a $1.50 service fee plus GST. Adult (18-64) tickets are $17.50. There is a 65-plus Senior Day on Thursday for $10.40, while all other days for seniors are $12.79. Youth (7-17) are $10.40, and $49.19 (plus $6 service fee and GST) buys a single day show pass for a family of two adults and two youths.
One of the best ways to see the show, however, is on Wednesday evening during the exclusive 22nd annual Vehicles and Violins Gala. During this swanky sneak preview of new cars and trucks, patrons enjoy live music performed by members of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, taste international cuisine and sip from a selection of fine wines and spirits.
Vehicles and Violins tickets are $150 each and are 50 per cent tax deductible. Tickets are available until end of day March 4. Visit autoshowcalgary.com and click on the Vehicles and Violins tab at the top or call 403-974-0707. Proceeds from this year's event will support the Calgary Food Bank.
“The Food Bank is the right charity this year,” Gillespie says. “It's crazy how much demand there is right now, and we're pleased to support them with the gala proceeds.”
Regarding the stars of the show, the cars themselves, rather tantalizingly Gillespie says, “There's some serious eye candy coming, some really cool cars the likes of which many consumers will never have seen — that's under wraps until show time, though. Come on down and see them, I guarantee you'll be surprised.”