Fredericton bids to host curling’s Tournament of Hearts in 2024

Fredericton has officially been invited to host the 2024 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Event bid chair Wayne Tallon made the announcement Monday, saying they’ll be pulling out all the stops to persuade Curling Canada to hold the event at the Aitken University Centre.

Tallon saidThis means Fredericton must be able to fill the venue’s more than 3200 seats. A presale is therefore being held.

Tallon said, “We’re asking people and businesses to support our bid by placing a downpayment on Scotties tickets.” said. “You can show Curling Canada that we all want the Scotties in Fredericton by purchasing a $25 ticket.”

Tallon saidCOVID-19 cancelled both the Canada Cup as well as the Continental Cup that were supposed to be held at Fredericton. However, Curling Canada established an important relationship. said.

He believes that the 2024 Tournament of Hearts will be a major boost to the local economy. said.

“With an economic impact of upwards of $5 million, this event will have a substantial impact on our businesses that were hardest hit by COVID during the last couple of years,” he said.

The skip of Team New Brunswick, whose team won bronze at this year’s Scotties, was excited about Fredericton’s bid.

“I can recall feeling a lump in my throat, just by thinking about how real that could have been,” saidAndrea Kelly.

Kelly said she’s been fortunate to play in 10 Scotties tournaments.

“It’s incredible to think about this event coming in our home province, in our home city, and to play alongside all those who support us, and to create buzz in the city, it is just amazing,” she stated. said.

Kelly anticipated a lot of anticipation if the event is held in Fredericton after the cancellations of other tournaments within the city due to COVID.

Kelly stated, “There will be so much interest at an event like this here.” said.

“There are many curling enthusiasts and supporters in this area, and we have a great base of curling to start with.”

Kelly said she would love to play in front of a hometown crowd, as she did when her team won the Canadian junior curling championship in 2005, but she knows there are no guarantees.

“I’m aware, however, that it is unlikely that we will be able represent our province at the event. The same process that we go through every year to win provincials still applies.

“If the event is happening, there will be more pressure and more weight on us.”

Curling Canada confirmed that other cities are interested in hosting the Tournament of Hearts 2024.

“The bidding process is confidential and we don’t release information on what cities are bidding,” Al Cameron, spokesperson for Curling Canada, saidIn an email

“If cities decide to make their bid public, that is their choice.”