Supporting horsepower every chance we get

Imperial, through its Esso™ and Mobil™ brands, is pleased to be back as the Official Fuel Supplier of the Calgary Stampede for another year.
Imperial and the Calgary Stampede share more than a century of Canadian history, built on resilience, innovation and a strong sense of community.
In addition to helping keep the event’s vehicles moving and operations running as the Official Fuel Supplier, Imperial is returning as a sponsor of the Ladies Breakaway Roping rodeo event.

Article

2 min read

• July 2, 2026

If you’re filling up at an Esso station during Stampede week, you might spot something familiar at the pump: Imperial, through its Esso™ and Mobil™ brands, is “Supporting horsepower every chance we get.”

It’s a simple line – but in Calgary, during those 10 days in July, it carries a little extra meaning.

Because here, horsepower isn’t just under the hood. It’s in the arena, on the track and woven through a celebration that has brought communities together for more than a century.

A shared story, generations in the making

This year, Imperial continues its role as the Official Fuel Supplier of the Calgary Stampede, helping keep the event’s vehicles moving and the behind-the-scenes operations running smoothly. Imperial is also proud to continue supporting Ladies Breakaway Roping, a fast-growing rodeo event that made its debut in 2025.

The Imperial and Calgary Stampede partnership is rooted in something deeper than logistics. It’s a connection shaped by history.

Imperial was founded in 1880, with a goal to find and deliver energy across a growing nation. Over the decades, the company expanded west, opening operations in Calgary in the early 1920s and growing alongside Alberta’s evolving energy landscape.

The Calgary Stampede’s story begins in a similar era of ambition and optimism. First staged in 1912, it was envisioned as a celebration of Western heritage – bringing together ranchers, competitors and communities to showcase the spirit of the frontier.

Today, both Imperial and the Stampede share more than a century of Canadian history, built on resilience, innovation and a strong sense of community.

Fueling the moments that matter

From the first parade to the final ride, it takes a lot to power the Stampede.

Whether it’s fueling the vehicles that keep the event running or supporting athletes as they make history in the arena, Imperial is proud to play a part.

So this July, if you’re filling up and you catch a glimpse of that message – Supporting horsepower every chance we get – you’ll know it’s more than a tagline.

It’s a reflection of a shared legacy, still going strong.