Memories remain as Stampede Coca-Cola Stage demolition nears after 38 years

Yet another change is slated for the Calgary Stampede grounds, as the Coca-Cola Stage will soon be demolished. 

The stage has hosted hundreds of artists, and is known as a launching pad for a lot of homegrown talent. 

Jim Laurendeau, vice-president of park planning and development for the Calgary Stampede, says the stage was built in 1983 and later dubbed the Coca-Cola Stage. That structure will be demolished in the coming days. 

But he says there will "absolutely" be a Coca-Cola Stage at the 2022 Stampede as the festival erects a temporary structure for the next few years — though the size and location have yet to be determined. 

The stage is coming down to make room for work to extend 17th Avenue and redevelop the Victoria Park CTrain station.

While originally slated for removal Wednesday or Thursday, it has been postponed as the area balances work on other projects. 

"While the dust settles on all of these other large construction projects that are underway, we will plan for the permanent new and improved location for the Coca-Cola Stage," Laurondeau said. 

The 38-year-old stage carries a lot of history, he says. In its early days, it was focused on local entertainment. 

"We joke that it was karaoke and pie-eating contests."

But as it evolved over time and the Stampede increased in popularity, the stage's production levels needed to be improved. 

"We put a lot of acts on that stage in the 2000s that they had never been on a stage that tight and we were able to convince them that it was going to work. What it did is really create an incredible, intimate concert experience for all of those people that stood in front of the stage." 

Matt Blais, a Calgary musician who has performed on the stage, says it's been interesting to see how the Stampede grounds have changed over his lifetime. 

"One of my first concerts was Sam Roberts on the Coke Stage. I've always been a huge fan. I came so early and I sat right up front. I wanted the best spot," he said. 

"I got to meet one of my heroes. I stood out in the rain for a while just to get his autograph. And so not only is it the concert, it's the intimacy of a live show."