Calgary Stampede: Team Penning Update

Source: News Release (edited)

Calgary Stampede: Team Penning Update
Important Notification Regarding Calgary Stampede Penning Competition Changes
Immediate Action Required; Please Read and Respond as Needed

As you are no doubt aware by now, the recent catastrophic flooding in Calgary has caused extremely serious damage to the Saddledome -the intended site of our class finals. While they have now got most of the water removed and have implemented a program to restore at least partial use A.S.A.P., it will not be possible to complete the host of structural tests, health and safety approvals, etc in time for our program starting July 5th. The fragile state of the flooring alone prohibits the heavy machinery and tons of dirt at this time, let alone the host of other major issues.

We have no other location on Stampede Park that we can safely and appropriately use as a replacement site. Accordingly, it has been decided that the entire contest will be staged in Okotoks. The classes will be now run in their entirety (ie all 4 rounds)on the days originally scheduled for the preliminary rounds.

We understand that some penners now have unexpected challenges at home, may be impacted by road closures and travel challenges, or simply can't justify the expense when the opportunity to perform in the Saddledome is no longer a possibility. (For the latter group, you may not get to compete in the Saddledome this year, but it is highly likely that for the first time we will be presenting the trophy buckles to the winners FRIDAY NIGHT ON THE STAGE IN FRONT OF THE 25,OOO IN ATTENDANCE FOR THE GRANDSTAND SHOW!)

Accordingly, because of the far reaching impact of this "biggest flood in the history of Alberta" , we are opening up a short window for CHANGES WITHOUT PENALTY. Please read the following information carefully and take whatever action best suits your needs. It is imperative that you complete any and all necessary transactions by 4:30 pm on FRIDAY, JUNE 28 (no exception)

* You may cancel your entry, change one or two members on any team , or leave the team intact. * a full refund of the entry fee will be made for each cancelation * a team who has one member cancel but wishes to continue with a (legal)substitute rider may do so without penalty by providing the name of the rider and the replacement entry fee *if a team loses a partner and hasn't identified a new partner by the Friday deadline but wishes to remain in the draw, they may list that partner as UNKNOWN as long as they provide the name and fees no later than 9a.m. the day of competition for that class. PLEASE NOTE that any team who chooses this option and fails to fill their unknown will forfeit their fees. *you may cancel your teams and still request to keep the accreditation passes you paid for with your original entry.

If you are leaving your team intact and have paid the appropriate fees, no further action is required. We sincerely appreciate your support! If you are cancelling out as an individual or team, we need to have that specific information on each team impacted no later than the Friday deadline. If you are making changes to your team, please clearly provide the necessary information and fees by the deadline. No refunds or changes will be made after the deadline has passed.

ALL CHANGES MUST BE ADDRESSED TO: agriculture@calgarystampede.com AND RECEIVED BY THE DEADLINE. Please, if you are cancelling as an individual, make sure all your partners know in time for them to be able to take appropriate action.

The buckles , prizes, and payout formulas remain intact. We have made every effort to see that all our penning competitors get this email, but please help us ensure your partners and friends know this important information a.s.a.p. We sincerely appreciate your continued support, co-operation and understanding during this very unique situation. Thank you for all you do for the Sport of Penning.

PLEASE INFORM TEAM MEMBERS THAT MIGHT NOT RECEIVE EMAIL NOTIFICATION

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT OUR FAX LINES ARE DOWN! PLEASE E-MAIL YOUR PAYMENT FORMS TO agriculture@calgarystampede.com