TORONTO (June 24, 2013) – Sportsnet today announced that Suncor Community Leisure Centre in Fort McMurray will play host to next March’s The National, completing the list of event locations for next year’s Grand Slam of Curling series.
This marks the first time the Grand Slam of Curling will take place in Fort McMurray, who in partnership with MacDonald Island Park and Fort McMurray Oilsands Curling Club, will welcome 18 of the top men’s teams from around the world competing for a $100,000 purse.
“Curling is an essential part of the Canadian DNA and we’re thrilled to bring this world-class event to the great city of Fort McMurray and the community of Wood Buffalo,” said Greg Albrecht, Executive Director, Rogers Media. “Sportsnet has a long history of producing curling in Canada, and combined with the first-rate facilities at McDonald Island Park, The National will not disappoint.”
“I want to thank MacDonald Island Park, the Fort McMurray Oilsands Curling Club and the organizing committee for their commitment to bringing world class sporting events to Wood Buffalo,” said Mayor Melissa Blake. “The National will offer great entertainment for our citizens while showcasing our community as a great place to live, work, stay and play.”
With all new venues and cities, the 2013-14 Grand Slam of Curling series is now confirmed. Details are as follows:
Masters – October 30 – November 3, 2013
Location: Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre
Draw: Men’s and Women’s draws
Purse: $200,000 ($100,000 spilt)
Canadian Open – November 13 – 17, 2013
Location: Medicine Hat, AB – Medicine Hat Arena
Draw: Men’s draw only
Purse: $100,000
The National – March 12 – 16, 2014
Location: Fort McMurray, AB – Suncor Community Leisure Centre
Draw: Men’s draw only
Purse: $100,000
Players’ Championship – April 15 – 20, 2014
Location: Summerside, PEI – Credit Union Place
Draw: Men’s and Women’s draws
Purse: $200,000 ($100,000 spilt)
Additional details regarding the full 2013-14 Grand Slam of Curling schedule, ticket information and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.
Owned and operated by Sportsnet, the Grand Slam of Curling is an elite series of men’s and women’s curling events which are part of the World Curling Tour and feature the best teams from across Canada and around the world.