Grande Prairie will play host to two major curling events next season: the 2015 Home Hardware Canada Cup in December, and the 2016 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in February.
Warren Hansen, Director of Event Operations for the Canadian Curling Association, says having both events here will mean major exposure for the city from television coverage.
“The Canada Cup brings in probably about 35 to 40 hours of coverage, and the Scotties bring in another 60. So, that’s almost 100 hours of live television coverage that’ll be coming out of Grande Prairie going coast-to-coast in Canada next season.”
All play will be held at Revolution Arena, which has room for 2,800 spectators.
It was also used in 2006 for the World Women’s Curling Championship, the success of which helped show the Swan City can handle events of this size.
Marc Luckwell, Vice President of the Grande Prairie Curling Centre, says this is major news for local curlers.
“Any time we get exposure for curling in the city is great. It’s always good to bring in new curlers; that’s what we’re always trying to do. To see all the up and coming teams curling at such a high level, it’s good to showcase that to the younger generation so that they can come out and know that they have a chance.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the curling club.