Cowboys Park: Calgary’s Newest Downtown Event Space

What’s happening in downtown Calgary at Cowboys Park? Formerly known as Shaw Millennium Park, a long-cherished venue for outdoor activities and events, the new and improved outdoor event space has a lot to offer Calgarians.

Originally established in 2000 and located near several condos in the Downtown West End, Cowboys Park features North America’s largest skate park with 75,000 square feet of skateable surfaces, making it a playground for skateboarders and in-line skaters. The park also has basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, and climbing boulders, ideal for summer leisure and recreation for all ages.

Today, the area sees tens of thousands of visitors a year, and is home to many popular events including the Cowboys Music Festival every July. See all the facts about Cowboys Park in Calgary’s Downtown West End below.

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Cowboys Park Calgary: Facts & Features

• Location: 1220 9 Ave SW in Downtown Calgary (SW)
• Park Size:15 hectares, equivalent to nearly 14 Canadian ice hockey rinks
• Capacity: Up to 15,000 people for major events
• Features: Skate park, basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, climbing boulders, festival and event spaces, permanent stage/amphitheatre
• Skate Park Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• General Hours: 5 am to 11 pm daily

Development of Cowboys Park

Downtown is the beating heart of Calgary, where you’ll find some of our city’s best annual activities and events. To support the area’s vibrancy, the City of Calgary has taken up several initiatives to improve public parks that will accommodate the city’s growing population, but also more expansive festivals and concerts. This is where Cowboys Park is playing a key role.

The municipality unveiled its ambitious multi-million dollar redevelopment plan to transform the 2.15-hectare space into a world-class, year-round outdoor event destination in July 2024. This transformative project has accomplished creating a more versatile and accessible space while preserving the park’s natural elements and strengthening its connection to surrounding neighbourhoods, including the Bow River pathways a block to the north.

The project has been made possible through a ten-year sponsorship agreement with Penny Lane Entertainment, which provides a creative funding source for the needed upgrades without using public revenues. Key improvements made to Cowboys Park in Calgary include upgraded utilities like stormwater and electrical systems, and added concrete surfaces for event spaces. These enhancements will make it easier for organizers to set up and tear down events while also better accommodating mobility for all Calgarians.

Cowboys Park: List of Improvements

• Permanent Stage: A permanent stage and amphitheatre provide a dedicated, world-class space for concerts and performances.
• Permanent Washroom Facilities: New permanent washroom facilities offer convenience and support for large-scale events and daily visitors.
• Improved Lighting: Enhanced and upgraded lighting throughout the park increases safety and extends the hours of Cowboys Park’s usability well into the evening hours.
• Strategically Placed Seating: New seating offers more opportunities for relaxation and enjoying the park’s vibrant atmosphere.
• Terraced Hill for Viewing: A terraced hill has been integrated into the landscape to provide natural, amphitheatre-style viewing for major festivals and events.
• Expanded Concrete Surfaces: Expanded and hardened surfaces have been added to better accommodate event infrastructure and improve accessibility for all Calgarians.
• Wider Walking Pathways: Widened walking pathways improve pedestrian flow and accessibility for visitors, including those with mobility challenges.
• Multiple Entry Points: The redesign includes multiple entry and exit points to manage crowds more effectively during the city’s largest festivals and concerts.
• Weather Protection: New structures provide shelter and weather protection, increasing the park’s functionality across different seasons.
• New Plaza Space: A new central plaza space serves as a versatile area for community gatherings, local markets, and diverse cultural activities.

Cowboys Park to Serve Calgarians Well

The transformation of Cowboys Park into a premier event space will significantly boost the vibrancy of downtown Calgary, creating a dynamic hub for cultural activities and entertainment events. This investment in public infrastructure should help to attract a wider array of world-class festivals and concerts, solidifying our city’s reputation as a great place to live and visit.

Ultimately, the improved accessibility and versatile design mean that more Calgarians can participate in the city’s cultural life, fostering a stronger sense of community. The park represents a forward-thinking step in urban development, ensuring Calgary remains a lively and engaging place to live for years to come.

Cowboys Park: Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cowboys Park in Calgary?

Located at 1220 9 Avenue SW in the Downtown West End, Cowboys Park is found on the western brim of the downtown area and is easily reached via C-Train, 9th Avenue SW, and the Bow River pathways.

Is Cowboys Park in the Stampede Grounds?

No, Cowboys Park is located on the west end of downtown Calgary, while the Stampede Grounds are situated in the eastern Beltline area, directly south of downtown’s East Village neighbourhood. Don’t make this mistake!

What is the New Name for Millennium Park?

The new name for Shaw Millennium Park is now Cowboys Park as a result of a 10-year sponsorship and naming agreement with the owner of Cowboys Dance Hall and Cowboys Music Festival, Penny Lane Entertainment Group.

How to Get to Cowboys Park from C-Train?

Get off at the Downtown West-Kerby or EB Downtown West-Kerby Station and proceed to walk west to 11th Street and then south for half a block. You’ll see Cowboys Park as soon as you reach the sidewalk.

Did Cowboys Buy Millennium Park?

No, Cowboys did not buy Millennium Park. Rather, the company that owns Cowboys has entered into a 10-year sponsorship agreement with the City of Calgary to rename the park to “Cowboys Park.” This has been done similarly to how it was previously sponsored by Shaw, a company that has since been bought out by Rogers and technically no longer exists.