Edmonton could be bucked off Canadian Finals Rodeo over money matters

EDMONTON – Wrangling over money could see the Canadian Finals Rodeo pull out of Edmonton after 43 years.

The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association said Wednesday it has rejected a proposal from the Oilers Entertainment Group and the city to hold the event after this year.

Dan Eddy, the association’s general manager, said it will accept proposals from other cities that want to play host to the rodeo championships starting in 2017.

Eddy said the city could make another proposal, but he noted a deal couldn’t be reached with the Oilers group after five months of talks.

“It boiled down to how much the Oilers group was willing to give,” he said.

“A main focus for us was our fans. What was it going to cost those fans to get into the event? We were not sure of that number. It would be a concern if the event was priced out of the market.”

Another stumbling block included prize purses, corporate sponsorships and production of the rodeo, Eddy said.

The Oilers Entertainment Group is part of a number of companies owned by billionaire Daryl Katz.

The group’s CEO, Bob Nicholson, said the company put a lot of time into its proposal for the rodeo, including a lot more cash. He said the offer stands, but time is running out.

He said the group has a lot of money at stake with its Rogers Place project and it is already looking at other events to fill the building if the rodeo goes elsewhere.

“Yes there is disappointment that the rodeo group has decided not to accept our bid,” he said.

“This is a great bid and there won’t be a bid coming from OEG (Oilers Entertainment Group) that will be any stronger than what we have on the table.”

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson said he is disappointed the rodeo association rejected a “generous offer” and was seeking bids from other cities.

The rodeo features championship events including bull riding, steer wrestling and saddle-bronc riding and has drawn thousands of visitors to Edmonton each year since 1974.

Iveson said the event and an associated farm fair pump about $80 million annually into the city’s economy.

“This event is incredibly important to hoteliers, to retailers and to rodeo fans and people who want to stay connected to our rural and agricultural heritage here,” Iveson said.

“It is very important from my point of view that the Oilers stay engaged … and that as a community we rally to try to keep this event here.”

Eddy would not say which other cities have expressed interest in holding the rodeo.