After coming so close to hosting the Brier men's curling championship in 2021, Kelowna will get another chance as the city has been named the 2025 host for the prestigious tournament.
Initially, the 2021 Brier was to be held in Kelowna, but was moved to Calgary because of the pandemic.
Local officials made it clear to Curling Canada that they wanted to bring the event back to Kelowna so a push was made to bid for a future Brier tournament.
“I am so excited, really appreciative of Curling Canada for giving it back to us in 2025 and for Tourism Kelowna and the City of Kelowna for not giving up on curling in Kelowna,” said Jock Tyre, Kelowna Curling Club GM.
The announcement was made Friday afternoon as all sorts of elected officials and business representatives made up the crowd.
“The Brier is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our great city to visitors and the millions of fans watching the competition on TV from sea to sea across our country,” said Mayor Tom Dyas.
For approximately 70 hours, the 2025 event will be broadcast on television and streamed across the world online.
Not only will the city be getting exposure, but an economic impact will be generated by those visiting to compete and watch the event.
“The best part is this is all taking place in early March … early March is a slow season for tourism,” said Tourism Kelowna President and CEO Lisanne Ballantyne.
“So having that injection of economic impact, the energy is something that we're going to see in 2025 and is really unheralded.”
Ballantyne added that the event is estimated to book 9,000 hotel night stays across the city, bringing spending to local establishments and not only in Kelowna.
“That's new spending not only coming into the Kelowna area but also into Lake Country, as well as into other areas and communities in the Okanagan,” explained Ballantyne.
When asked if there were any concerns about Prospera Place, Al Cameron of Curling Canada said there was not a single worry.
“It fits all of our standards, its got lots of room, its got all the lighting, it's a great facility, no concerns whatsoever,” explained Cameron.
Mayor Dyas went on to add that the event will be “supported by all members of the community” after the years of impacts from the pandemic and wildfires.
“Enjoy the 2025 Brier, enjoy the Pan Continental Championships, go Canada go,” added Cameron.
Tickets for the 2025 Brier will be available in the new year, along with volunteer opportunities.
Beginning this Sunday and running through to Nov. 4, is the Pan Continental Curling Championships.
Teams from across the world will be competing at the Kelowna Curling Club for a spot at the World Curling Championships.
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