VisitLethbridge.com a big winner at Calgary Stampede

By Lethbridge Herald on July 18, 2022.

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Lodging Association’s VisitLethbridge.com earned a big win at the Calgary Stampede over the last 10 days.

VisitLethbridge.com sponsored Calgary Stampede Dash for Cash chuckwagon winner Kris Molle after he received an official time of 1:13.48 in the ninth heat on the final race day on Sunday.

Molle won $50,000 and a new GMC pick-up truck.

“The Lethbridge Lodging Association markets Lethbridge as a destination with a view to increasing overnight stays and increasing economic impact for all tourism stakeholders. This being the first full Stampede in two years, we knew the opportunity was great to provide exposure to Lethbridge and the benefits are greater to our community with Kris’ win”, says Sacha Johnson, president of the Lethbridge Lodging Association. “We heard that live attendance exceeded 1.2 million at the Calgary Stampede, with an estimated 30 per cent of the visitors coming from outside of Calgary. We hope that people consider visiting Lethbridge as they make their travel plans.”

The Calgary Stampede and  VisitLethbridge.com, through the sponsorship, accumulated approximately 1.9 million television, online and radio users, 150,000 live cheering fans and about 480,000 Facebook users through the Stampede channels alone, all while providing Lethbridge great exposure through the 10 days.

“We saw this as a unique opportunity to work with our partners to provide exposure for Lethbridge and benefit the community”, notes Johnson. “Chuckwagon racing has been at the heart of the Calgary Stampede for nearly 100 years and has cultural, historic and sporting significance. This iconic sport provided us with incredible advertising and hosting opportunities. We are confident this will translate into increased visitation for our city.”

VisitLethbridge.com also hosted radio and online contests which allowed Calgarians and southern Albertans to experience the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and that included a behind the scenes look at the barns with Molle.

LLA, through its partnership, also provided hosting opportunities for its partners at the Lethbridge Exhibition and Enmax Centre in order to develop business.

“They were two tough competitors there,” said Molle. “I am so happy with my horses – they finished hard. But most importantly, I want to thank my sponsor – VisitLethbridge.com – and my wonderful family and my outsiders (Kaeden Molle, Brendan Nolin and Ethan Motowylo) and everyone who helped along the way.”