Just months before Regina plays host to the 2018 Brier, the city is set to welcome a Grand Slam of Curling event.
The news was announced at the Co-operators Centre Thursday morning with Saskatchewan’s 1998 Olympic Champion Joan McCusker and 2010 Olympic gold medalist Kevin Martin in attendance, alongside Mayor Michael Fougere and other local dignitaries.
“Regina is a natural choice to host an event like (this),” said Fougere, citing Regina’s past successes in hosting major sporting events.
“Our large and extensive volunteer base and our outstanding venues mean that some of the greatest curlers in the world will be experiencing one of the greatest host cities in Canada.”
The Tour Challenge is the first Grand Slam Event of the year and will be hosted at the Cooperators Centre at Evraz Place from Sept. 5-10.
There’s room for 275 curlers to take part in the event, which should generate around $1 million for the city.
“The best curlers in the world will be sharpening their skills in preparation for Olympic qualifications,” said Bernadette McIntyre, the Curl Regina committee chair. “It’s a must-see for curling enthusiasts.”
Tickets go on sale Feb 3.