OUR STORY
The year was 1996 and a young Eric Francis was hungry. But was his standard, go-to pizzeria really offering up the best pie in town? Surely there were better alternatives...but where? That night the Pizza Pigout was born. Why not invite every pizzeria and restaurant in town to offer up its three finest pizzas and enlist the services of local celebs like Jeff Garcia, Bret "The Hitman" Hart, Jarome Iginla, Lanny McDonald, Kelly Hrudey and even TV legend Buck Shot to help determine the very best of Mozza Moguls.
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Over 150 pizzas showed up that first year at Dusty's and it, um, mushroomed from there, becoming the largest gathering of Calgary celebrities every year. What's more, the results are published in the Calgary Sun, giving Calgarians the definitive guide to ordering their next cheesy wheel.
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Every year pizzerias from around the city come together to support KidSport Calgary and our charity partners. AFTER A COUPLE YEARS OFF WE ARE RETURNING TO COWBOYS AS we look to bring our community back together for 2023. You can join as a sponsor, pizzeria, volunteer, pizza lover and food philanthropist.
the man:
who is eric francis
A Sportsnet.ca columnist, and Sportsnet radio and TV analyst the man has covered everything from the Flames and Stampeders to the British Open, Stanley Cup Finals, Super Bowl and Olympics. A best-selling author, game-night analyst on Sportsnet Flames, past Calgary Sun sports columnist where he started in 1994, and former Hockey Night in Canada panelist, Francis is also a loving dad, husband and proud Ambassador for KidSport Calgary.
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Outside of playing for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and owning the CFL record for kicking percentage (100% or 1 for 1) the Pigout is one of his proudest accomplishments as founder of The Pizza Pigout, Francis’ took a classic every day argument in “whose favorite pizza place is better” and morphed it into a community staple, an epidemic, an opportunity for the city to come together and make a difference.
The Cause
Over the years the Pizza Pigout has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for many amazing causes. Through that time KidSport has always been at the crust of this support. Eric has been a huge supporter of KidSport for over two decades now and as we return again this year that won't change.
Stay tuned as we look to highlight the great work KidSport is doing in our community along with who else we may be supporting this year.
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KidSport Calgary provides support to children, removing financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sports. "We believe that no kid should be left on the sidelines and all should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports." KidSport provides sport registration fee assistance and no cost equipment through their Calgary Flames Sports Bank, all with the goal of making it So ALL Kids Can Play!
The Venue
The 21st Eric Francis Pizza Pigout will be back at Cowboys Legendary Dance Hall. The venue is the same, the set up will be a bit different, and the pizza and people will be amazing as always!
Got the best pizza in town?
PROVE IT!
Calling on all pizza spots for this year’s 2019 Pizza Pigout. From big name chains to the hole-in-the-wall down the street, Calgary will be looking for YOU.
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We are looking for new, niche, and creative pizzas in Calgary If you have a special pizza that you’ve been hiding out on us, or an amazing flatbread, we’d love to have it!
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Not only will several TV stations be on hand to capture the event, the Calgary Sun produces a pullout section declaring category winners such as the Top 25, Best Veggie, Best Gluten-Free, Best Dessert Pizza, Most Unique, etc.
Want to see who has participated in the past?
We don't blame you, but we do warn you...
Your hunger cravings will kick into full gear after seeing this list!
Got the best pizza in town?
PROVE IT!
Calling on all pizza spots for this year’s 2023 Pizza Pigout. From big name chains to the hole-in-the-wall down the street, Calgary will be looking for YOU.
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We are looking for new, niche, and creative pizzas in Calgary. If you have a special pizza that you’ve been hiding out on us, or an amazing flatbread, we’d love to have it!
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This year we are back hosting the event at Cowboys Dance Hall! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter following the event as we unveil your Top 25, Best Veggie, Best Gluten-Free, Best Meat Lovers, Most Unique, etc.
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If you are interested in participating in our event this year, please email Lisa at lisap@kidsportcalgary.ca or register your Pizzeria at the link below
This year's pizzerias
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Is your favorite pizza parlour not on the list? No problem, have them connect with us and join in the fun. lisap@kidsportcalgary.ca​​​
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403 Local
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Actually Pretty Good
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Avatara Pizza
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Bow Tie Pizza
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Coco Brooks
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Crispy Crust Pizzeria
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Dillo's Pizza
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Estoria Pizzeria
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Gus's Pizza
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Il Centro
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Inglewood Pizza
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Inglewood Pizza Killarney
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Italian Supermarket
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Matador Pizza
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Melrose
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Michael's Restaurant and Pizza
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Nikos Pizza
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Pauls Pizza Steakhouse & Lounge
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Pizza Bank
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PZA Parlour
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Sammys Worlds Greatest Pizza
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Sinatras Pizzeria
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The Garrison Pub & Easter
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The Rooftop
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Tops Pizza (South)
What to expect
Tasting the best pizzas Calgary has to offer
This year we are back to hosting this event, live at Cowboys Dance Hall! The pizzerias will be back, serving you their top pies to vote on, along with the Celebrity Pizza Eating Contest, Pizza Box Raffle, Silent Auction and much much more!
So bring your hungry belly down to Cowboys on November 2nd to try the best pizza Calgary has to offer and raise some dough for some great charities!
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Pizza Pigout SIlent Auction
A big thanks to all these great businesses that have donated to one of the greatest silent auctions in the city!
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B&P Cycle and Sports
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Wild Rose Brewery
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Kananaskis Golf Course
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Green Drop
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Copperpoint Golf Course
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Spruce Meadows
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The Bike Shop
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Adrenaline Source for Sports
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Cactus Club
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Woodridge Ford
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Karma Campervans
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Ferrari of Alberta
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Cowboys Music Festival
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Silver Springs Golf Club
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Molson Coors​
The Pizza Pigout Auction is proudly hosted online with our partners and Calgary's very own Elevate auctions
2024 sponsors and Partners
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
