It may be a year away yet, but organizers behind the 2012 Scotties Tournament of Hearts are prepping for a breakthrough event for Central Alberta.
“Since the announcement of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts last November, Red Deer has been bubbling with excitement,” said Sherri Ryckman, host committee chair. “2012 is going to be a big year for curling.”
In addition to the ‘Old Classic’ full event pass – for those who crave the excitement of all 22 draws – the 2012 Scotties features three ‘Double Impact’ packages that allow fans to double up on the draws that work best for their personal schedule.
The Opener offers two tickets to each of the first 11 draws for $309.
The Champ has two tickets to each of the final 11 draws for $349 and The Weekender features two tickets to each of the first five draws and the last six draws for $349.
The Old Classic includes one ticket to all 22 draws for $329.
Another new feature this year is online virtual seat selection, said Ryckman. Buyers can go online to www.seasonofchampions.ca/Red Deer and pick the seat that provides the best view of the action in the Centrium.
Ticket purchases can be made by calling 1-877-985-CURL, online at www.seasonofchampions.ca/RedDeer or in person at the Enmax Centrium box office.
During the tourney, autograph sessions will be held daily with members of all the teams taking part throughout the event.
“There are just so many advantages to the full event pass,” said Ryckman. “It’s definitely the best way to experience the 2012 Scotties.”
Meanwhile, the host committee is also putting out the call for volunteers. There are some 450 positions to fill, and applications are available at the web site.
“The volunteers are critical to the success of the Scotties,” said Ryckman. “Over the past few months we’ve been getting phone calls and emails from people anxious to get involved.”
The tournament was last held in Red Deer back in 2004.
According to the web site, two special awards have been created in the memory of two individuals who passed away in the year 2000.
The Sandra Schmirler MVP Award is presented to the top curler in the playoffs of Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Schmirler died of cancer at age 36 after an incredible three Canadian and World titles and an Olympic Gold Medal.
The Joan Mead Builders Award recognizes the contributions of someone other than a curler to the sport of curling. Mead was the producer of curling at CBC until her sudden death. She was instrumental in many of the changes to coverage of the sport that increased viewer interest, including placing mikes on the competitors so that the audience could listen to their conversations.
Check out www.seasonofchampions.ca/RedDeer for more information.
mweber@reddeerexpress.copm
