The best curlers in Canada will compete for $100,000 in prize money next winter at Fenlands Arena as TSN has announced Banff will host the 2014 Dominion All-Star Curling Skins Game on Jan. 11-12.
After six years at Casino Rama near Orillia, Ont., TSN decided to try something new with the Skins Game.
“In a very basic way, we felt it was important to move west. Alberta is an easy choice on so many levels. In terms of passion and all the great curlers who call Alberta home, coming to Banff made so much sense,” said Ian Charlton, TSN events managing director.
Organizers originally envisioned hosting the event on Lake Louise, however, weather and ice conditions scared them away from that idea – for now. They were also pitched an idea to freeze Banff Avenue during Snow Days, but shied away from that proposal as well. Instead, they were charmed by Fenlands Arena.
“Critical to it working is the ice, altitude and proper weather. We looked to Lake Louise, looked to Banff and that brought us to the Fenlands. Once you walk through the doors, it’s easy to fall in love with,” Charlton said.
“This is about going back to deserving venues in the country. We see ourselves in Banff for at least a couple of years.”
The Skins Game pits Canada’s top curlers against one another in more ways than one. Fans vote for who they’d like to see at the event, and then the skips draft their team, an event scheduled to kick off in fall. The tournament has been on TSN since 1984, and attracted 4,000 spectators per game in Orillia. There will be a live audience in Banff, however, the size of the crowd is yet to be determined.
“It’s an interesting year for curling. The Skins kick off the year and the Olympics are only a month away. We’ll respect player decisions and know our event is always a player favourite,” Charlton said.
Fenlands curling rink has received rave reviews and Charlton said they’d also like to use the outdoor sheet behind the Fenlands for community events, with an eye on one day holding the event outdoors on Lake Louise.
“Personally, I think you always want to push the envelope. If we could control the elements, the weather and conditions of the ice, curling would be all for it. That’s the challenge. It’s interesting to see if we can get there. We’re not there yet. It’s a work in progress,” Charlton said.
More details will follow in the coming weeks, and Charlton said the Town of Banff and Banff Lake Louise Tourism is on board, as the nation wide broadcast will showcase the community and attract the attention of thousands of curlers.
“The Town of Banff is pleased to host TSN and The Dominion All-Star Curling Skins Game presented by Pinty’s next winter,” said Mayor Karen Sorensen. “We look forward to welcoming Canada’s top players to Banff and The Fenlands.”
