Tankard Times - Canadian Curling Association

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Page 6 2013 Tim Hortons Brier – Tankard Times Montreal named to host Scotties BY JIM MORRIS The Tankard Times The Canadian Curling Association is hoping that by placing the 2014 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Montreal it will be a stepping stone to hold other major championships in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. “Everybody knows Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver are the big three cities in Canada,” Greg Stremlaw, Curling Canada’s CEO, said last week after announcing next year’s Scotties will be held at Montreal’s Maurice Richard Arena Feb. 1-9. “This is really a template to kind of build towards one of the three big cities, see if it can be successful. “I think Montreal, with all the elements that are there, we are going to be really watching closely to see how the bottom line looks. If it works well, maybe we can start to look at some stuff for Toronto or Vancouver as well.” The last time the Canadian women’s champion was held in Montreal was 1979. It was the last year Macdonald Tobacco sponsored The Lassie. It was also the first time the championship used a playoff format and the first time the final game was shown on television. Montreal also hosted the 1977 Brier. Vancouver hosted the 1978 Brier and the 1997 Scotties. The Scotties have never been held in Toronto and the last Brier was 1941. Montreal Scotties organizing committee members Cathy Hughes (left) and Francine Poisson at the announcement the city will host the 2014 Scotties. Besides the Brier and Scotties, the other championships hosted by the CCA are the Canada Cup, the Continental Cup, the Canadian Juniors and the world curling championship. Next year’s Continental Cup will be held in Las Vegas. Stremlaw is excited about the marketing opportunities Montreal presents. “Curling in Quebec is really a diamond in the rough,” he said. The Maurice Richard Arena is a 4,750-seat multi-purpose arena. It was built in 1962 and renovated in 1994. The arena hosted boxing and wrestling at the 1976 Summer Olympic Games. It is located on a metro stop making for easy access. Montreal is also home to Kruger Products, which is now in its 32nd year as title sponsor for the Scotties. “Kruger has a deep-rooted history in Montreal which dates back over a century,” Nancy Marcus, corporate vice-president of marketing, said in a release. “Curling is a part of our company’s heritage. We’re looking forward to Montreal hosting a milestone event.” One of the challenges of hosting a competition in a large city that also has professional sports teams and many entertainment options is making sure your event doesn’t get lost. “We have to activate the brand and make sure people know all about it and get bums in the seats,” said Stremlaw. “If people come we’re golden. We need to activate the brand and excite people, whether that’s through local sponsorship or painting the town red. All the little elements that go into it.” Cathy Hughes, executive vice-chair of the Montreal organizing committee, said 17 curling clubs currently operate on the Island of Montreal. She’s confident the Scotties will draw a large crowd. “We are going to promote it everywhere we can, locally and outside the city,” she said. “The curling clubs are very excited. We are going to make sure everybody knows about it. We are going to tell our tale.” proud sponsor We love curling. @Westeel_1905 We’re proud to support “the roaring game”. MF22509-0113 saveonfoods.com 22509 Westeel Tim Hortons Brier 2013 Tankard Times Ad.indd 1 2013-01-07 10:59 AM Publication Westeel: Brier Ad 2013 Tankard Times: 5.17" x 4.97", 4C, 01 2013
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Tankard Times - Canadian Curling Association

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