The 2025 event is wrapped up with all of the data collected and reports made. Looking back at the event, the growth of the Stampede is apparent. Park attendance has exceeded 300,000 for the last four years with over 346,000 in attendance this year. With the growth that the event is experiencing, the Stampede committee and staff are committed to keeping up with current event industry standards as well as improving the guest experience, safety and security.
“The Greeley Stampede is proud to uphold its tradition as a welcoming, family-friendly celebration,” commented Jon Patton, Greeley Stampede Security Chairman. “The Stampede continues to prioritize safety while preserving the community spirit that makes the event so special.”
A Proactive Approach to Safety
In response to the continual growth of the event, the Greeley Stampede, with support from the Weld County Sheriff and Greeley Police Department, is taking proactive steps to enhance guest safety by introducing Weapons Detection Systems (WDS) at all park entrances beginning in 2026 to prevent illegal weapons from entering the park. This new security measure reflects the Stampede’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe, family-friendly environment while minimizing interruptions for guests entering the park.
As part of the updated policy, the Stampede will continue to allow lawfully concealed carry handguns that meet the state guidelines (see below for more information). The purpose of the WDS is preventing illegal or unlawfully possessed weapons from entering the park. This includes but is not limited to open carry firearms, concealed carry without a permit, prohibited firearms, ammunition, and knives with blades longer than 3.5”.
“The Weld County Sheriff’s Office is proud to collaborate with the Greeley Stampede Committee in implementing the new weapons detection system,” stated Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams. “This policy enhances our coordinated efforts with the Greeley Police Department, strengthening our ability to provide effective public safety services as well as protect our citizens lawful right to concealed carry.”
The decision to implement the WDS is proactive rather than reactive, preventing in incident from occurring while aligning the Stampede with industry standards already adopted by major festivals and events nationwide. You may have walked through a WDS while visiting Elitch Gardens, catching a CSU game, cheering on the Broncos at Empower Field, or enjoying a show at the Buell Theatre.
“We are greatly impressed by the proactive measures being taken to enhance public safety by the Greeley Stampede while working with the Greeley Police Department and the Weld County Sherriff’s Office,” stated Greeley Chief of Police Adam Turk. “The well-being of our community remains our highest priority, and the introduction of the weapons detection system represents a significant advancement in preventing illegal weapons from entering the event. This initiative marks an important step forward in ensuring a secure environment for all attendees.”
What to Expect
The WDS is easy to use, contactless, and non-intrusive. Guests will simply walk through the system, which uses advanced AI technology to distinguish everyday items such as keys or cell phones from potential threats by analyzing shape and density. The process is quick, convenient, and requires no removal of personal belongings from pockets or bags unless the system is alerted.
“This is a simple system with minimum interruption to the flow of people coming into the park,” added Patton. “Most won’t even know that they have walked through it unlike a traditional metal detector.”
If the device sounds an alert, guests will first walk through again to verify there is an item in question. If needed, guests will be asked to participate in further screening. Some personal items may alert the system, so patience and understanding from guests is appreciated.
Guests with a concealed carry permit, will be required to present their permit to verify their status with security to continue into the park. Permits must be issued by the state of Colorado or a reciprocity state. The Greeley Stampede in accordance to the concealed carry regulation, recommends guests that are expecting to enjoy alcoholic beverages to leave their concealed carry at home.
The WDS update will be in addition to the clear bag policy currently in place as it does not screen for other prohibited items. Guests entering the park will first walk through the WDS and then proceed to the bag check lanes. It is encouraged that guests bring only the essential items needed with them to quickly move through the bag check lane. If you do not have a bag to check during the event, there will be an express lane where you will be able to skip the line to enjoy the park.
The Greeley Stampede is a private event and reserves the right to deny entrance into the park or remove guests that do not meet guest expectations and event policy. Along with the WDS and clear bag policy, be sure to check out the full list of the Stampede’s event policies by visiting greeleystampede.org/p/know-before-you-go1. For questions about the updated security policy, please email security@greeleystampede.org or message us on Facebook or Instagram.