We've put together an invitation tool kit with important tips, our venue logos and great images to kick-start your creative side and to get your guests into the spirit!
1. START WITH A GREAT HEADLINE
Back in the saddle!
Buckle down and join us...
Let er' rip!
Have fun deciding on how to get the attention of your guests by using words that set the tone for the kind of hosting you are planning.
2. TELL THEM WHAT THEY WILL BE DOING
You are inviting guests to either the afternoon or evening performance. The afternoon rodeo experience is the same in all venues, but the evening has a bit of a different twist depending on the venue.
Infield Suites
Stampede Rodeo
Rangeland Derby presented by Play Alberta & Relay Races
ranahans, 30X Saloon and The Lazy S
Stampede Rodeo
Evening Show, featuring the Rangeland Derby presented by Play Alberta, Relay Races & Grandstand Show
3. LET THEM KNOW WHERE THEY WILL BE GOING
We are at Stampede Park, not the grounds. We are the Calgary Stampede, also referred to as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Our venues have specific names and some have unique ways they are expressed when written. Be sure to call the venues by the correct name. It will help your guests find their way through directional signage when they arrive.
Infield Suites
ranahans (always with a lowercase r)
30X Saloon
The Lazy S (always with uppercase The)
4. LET THEM KNOW THE DATE
Include your date in the format Day of the Week, Month, Day, Year.
Example: Friday, July 4, 2025
5. TIMES
Include the time of your event and whether it is for the Stampede Rodeo, Rangeland Derby & Relay Races or Evening Show.
Infield Suites
Noon - 4:30 p.m. for the 1:30 p.m. start of the Stampede Rodeo
6:30 - 9:45 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. start of the Rangeland Derby presented by Play Alberta & Relay Races
ranahans, 30X Saloon & The Lazy S
11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. for the 1:30 p.m. start of the Stampede Rodeo
6 - 11 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. start of the Evening Show, featuring the Rangeland Derby presented by Play Alberta, Relay Races & Grandstand Show
6. DIRECTIONS
Guests may be coming from out of town or are unfamiliar with our venues and locations. To ensure your guests are able to find their way, include the full venue name and directions. If you have arranged for parking, be sure to include those details.
Infield Suites
The Infield Suites are located in the Infield Grandstand, across the track from GMC Stadium. There are three Infield Suites locations:
North: Suites 1-11
South: Suites 12-21
Annex: Suites 22-30
Guests can access the Infield Grandstand by entering GMC Stadium through the main doors on the west side of the courtyard and proceeding to the tarmac outside the east side. Guests cross the track from the north (tunnel) or south end of the tarmac. Follow the signage to get to the North, South or Annex with the suite number indicated on the digital ticket. Access is by walking only from Stampede Park entrance gates.
ranahans
ranahans is located in GMC Stadium on the third level. Access is by walking only from Stampede Park entrance gates.
Main Dining, Private Dining Room, Al Fresco Balcony & Wine Room
Guests who hold a ticket will access the venue through the private entrance to ranahans Lobby between the north and main doors of GMC Stadium. They will be escorted to a private elevator and taken directly to the third level.
ranahans Lounge
Members and guests can get to the Lounge by entering GMC Stadium through the north doors under The Lazy S red canopy and up the escalator to the third level to enter ranahans. Guests can also use the ranahans Lobby and elevator.
30X Saloon
30X Saloon is located in GMC Stadium on the main level at the south end. Guests should access GMC Stadium by using the doors at the south end near the glass elevator. Access is by walking only from Stampede Park entrance gates.
The Lazy S
The Lazy S is located in GMC Stadium on the fourth level at the north end. All guests can enter GMC Stadium through the north doors under The Lazy S red canopy and proceed up the escalator to the fourth level to enter. Access is by walking only from Stampede Park entrance gates.
7. DRESS CODE
To avoid access issues when your guests arrive, please make sure you include the dress code directly in the invitation.
Premium Seating venues have a "western high-style" atmosphere, requiring western or business casual attire. Guests must follow the dress code at all times, including when visiting multiple venues in one day.
We depend on our clients to comply with and inform their guests about the dress code. Guest passholders must also follow the dress code. Management has the final say on appropriate attire and may deny entry if necessary.
ranahans & The Lazy S
Please ensure: Pants, jeans and shorts in good repair; shorts, skirts and dresses of reasonable length, regardless of brand and/or fit.
Not permitted: Cut-off shorts; novelty or offensive t-shirts; beach or athletic wear; clothing intended to be undergarments.
Infield Suites & 30X Saloon
There are no specific requirements or limitations. Western or business casual is recommended.
8. RSVP
Don’t forget to include your RSVP details for your guest and a deadline as to when you would like to hear back from them.
9. Add photos
Choose a great photo to add something special to your invite. Nothing spells it out like a photo!
