Supplied by the City of Sault Ste. Marie…
(Sault Ste. Marie, ON) Today, the City of Sault Ste Marie is pleased to announce that the hosting rights to the National, a Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling event, for two consecutive years. Unique to any previous Grand Slam event hosted in the Sault, this event will bring the top 15 men’s and the top 15 women’s teams to compete in 2016 and 2017.
“Our City is looking forward to welcoming the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling back to Sault Ste. Marie as we host the National for a second time. It’s exciting that the event has expanded to include a woman’s field. Now our local fans will be able to watch top women’s teams compete, in addition to cheering for Team Jacobs on the men’s side,” commented Mayor Provenzano.
The Essar Centre will work with the staff of The Community First Curling Centre for the execution of the event, relying on their expertise and volunteers. Leading their team will be Olympic Champion and Community First Curling Centre Manager Brad Jacobs.
“Our team and Curling Centre couldn’t be happier that our hometown is hosting another Pinty’s Grand Slam event! Even better, having it back to back years and right before the 2017 Olympic Trials is an amazing opportunity. This goes a long way to help grow the sport in our community as the Pinty’s Grand Slam events showcase the top curling talent in the world. Moreover, the positive economic impact and exposure it brings to our city is amazing. We hope as a team we can do what’s necessary to make both events an overwhelming success, and provide top notch entertainment for everyone in the stands and watching at home on Sportsnet,” Jacobs said.
The 2016 National will take place December 6 – 11, 2016 and the 2017 National event will run November 14 – 19, 2017. Both events will take place at the Essar Centre: ticket information and schedule details will be released at a later date.