Despite interest from the Edmonton Oilers Group and Saskatoon, Red Deer managed to lock in the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR).

After a long run in Edmonton, it was announced last night the 45th CFR will be taking place on October 30 to November 4 at Westerner Park.

Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Representative, Jeff Robson, says Westerner Park's status as an Ag Society played a role in the decision.

"It's backed by an Ag Society. The other venues aren't, and I think just based on our event, Ag Societies tend to understand what we do, and how we do it probably better."

Robson says, Central Alberta's large rural community also drew them to Red Deer.

He says, there were lots of moving parts to the bid.

"Prize money was obviously very important. It was very important to keep the prize money at least at where we were in Edmonton, if not higher. There's stock contractors, and personel, and ya know, how do we get to those personel to get to the finals."

The contract for the CFR in Red Deer is ten years, Robson says.

"It's kind of broken into two pieces. It's a five year contract with a five year renewal. We're still working out the metric for which the renewal would kick in."

Robson says, Red Deer won't have to make any substantial facility changes to host the event, but they are looking to increase audience capacity.

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