(by Graham Lloyd) The release of the official schedule for the 2013 Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings, presented by Monsanto, Dec. 1-8 in Winnipeg, means curling fans can now reserve seats for the draws that feature their favourite match-ups.
Chelsea Carey (Photo CCA/Michael Burns)
“Fans can take full advantage of the Flex Pack to choose the games they really want to see,” said Host Committee Chair Mitch Tarapasky. “With four Manitoba teams now in the field, we expect to see another significant surge in new ticket purchases.”
Manitoba’s Mike McEwen and Chelsea Carey teams secured berths in the Roar of the Rings based on standings in the Canadian Team Ranking System (CTRS) at the conclusion of this season’s play. They will join previous qualifiers Jennifer Jones and Jeff Stoughton on the ice this December in the MTS Centre.
The Rachel Homan, Sherry Middaugh, Kevin Koe and John Epping teams also advanced on CTRS point totals. The other four early qualifers are Kevin Martin, Glenn Howard, Heather Nedohin and Stefanie Lawton.
The final four berths in the 16-team field will be determined Nov. 5-10 at the 2013 Capital One Road to the Roar in Kitchener.
The schedule promises excitement from the opening draw, Sunday, Dec. 1, when Jones takes on Carey, followed by a matchup between Martin and McEwen that evening.
Fans can see a rematch of the 2013 Scotties Tournament of Hearts final Thursday evening when Jones takes on Homan. The Friday morning draw will see McEwen attempt to avenge a loss to Stoughton in this year’s Manitoba men’s provincial final. Stoughton faces Howard Friday night in the last draw of round robin play.
The complete schedule is available online by clicking here.
The Flex Pack, priced at $469, consists of a minimum of 18 tickets, and is the perfect option for two or more people to attend the exact draws they wish to see. A maximum of two tickets per game can be used for the two Saturday semifinals and the two Sunday finals.
“You Gotta Be There” for the 2013 Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings when Canada’s top 16 teams compete for the right to represent our country at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Click here to reserve your seats in the MTS Centre right now.
Mike McEwen (Photo CCA/Michael Burns)