Dustin Flundra of Pincher Creek, Alta. wins the overall Saddle Bronc Riding title at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, Alta., on Sunday, November, 14, 2010. The Oilers Entertainment Group has decided it will not submit a bid to keep the CFR in the Alberta capital. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Ulan
January 09, 2018 - 8:01 AM
EDMONTON - The Oilers Entertainment Group has decided not to submit a bid to keep the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton.
Oilers spokesman Tim Shipton says they couldn't find a business model they felt would be successful, so OEG is now working on a new western lifestyle festival at Rogers Place for next winter.
The CFR was a staple at the Edmonton Northlands Coliseum for 44 years, but the facility's impending closure means it needs to find a new home.
The City of Red Deer submitted a bid in December to become the CFR's next host, but the move has not been confirmed.
The annual Farm Fair exhibition, which ran alongside the CFR for decades, will continue at Edmonton' Expo Centre.
The hotel association in Edmonton says Farm Fair alone attracts about 90,000 people to the Alberta capital each year.
"At the end of the day, we looked at a lot of different options," said Shipton. "We have forgone the opportunity to submit a bid proposal for 2018 for CFR. It wasn't an easy decision but we do feel it was the right one."
“I think it (CFR) holds a special part in a lot of people's eyes, just because it's been there for so long, and it was a good rodeo,” said steer wrestler Cody Cassidy. "As far back as a little kid I can remember going there to watch my dad compete."
Canadian Professional Rodeo Association general manager Jeff Robson said Red Deer is one option for a new CFR home.
"We’re going to work on coming through with what we think is the best proposal for the CPRA, for our contestants, and hopefully for the new community that we move to,” he said.
Red Deer would mean a smaller venue with fewer seats, but Cassidy said he wants assurances that the prize money remains attractive.
"To grow the sport you need the money there for the younger guys coming up and carry on this western way of life." (CTV Edmonton)
News from © The Canadian Press, 2018