CBC Sports inks 3-year deal with Calgary Stampede

Organizers of the Calgary Stampede signed a three-year broadcast agreement with CBC Sports on Thursday, sealing a deal that will give the festival massive on-screen exposure.

Starting this July and continuing through to 2010, the CBC will offer a total of about 90 hours of coverage of the iconic stampede on CBC Television, CBCSports.ca and bold (formerly Country Canada).

It will be the most extensive coverage ever of the Calgary Stampede on CBC.

"The opportunity to welcome back one of Canada's greatest cultural and sporting events to our network is tremendous news for viewers," said Scott Moore, executive director of CBC Sports.

"The Calgary Stampede is a wonderful, entertaining and authentic Canadian tradition that has special meaning for millions across the country."

The annual 10-day event is the world's largest outdoor rodeo. It dates from 1912, and today draws thousands. 

This year's event will begin on July 4 at Stampede Park in downtown Calgary.

A complete schedule and broadcast information will be made available on CBCSports.ca in the coming months.