Curling Canada board governor Donna Krotz  announces London will host the 2020 Continental Cup of Curling at the Western Fair District Sports Centre, March 28, 2019. (Photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News)Curling Canada board governor Donna Krotz announces London will host the 2020 Continental Cup of Curling at the Western Fair District Sports Centre, March 28, 2019. (Photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News)
London

London lands major curling competition

Curling fans rejoice.

For the second time in just three years, London will be hosting the Continental Cup of Curling.

Curling Canada announced on Thursday the all-star championship that draws high-profile curlers from around the world will return to the Western Fair District Sports Centre January 9 to 12, 2020. London previously hosted the Continental Cup January of 2018.

“We saw a thrilling competition in 2018 in London - not only because of the skill level of the curlers on the ice, but also due to the wonderful enthusiasm of the fans, volunteers and host committee in London,” said Maureen Miller, Chair of Curling Canada’s Board of Governors. “I know the athletes always perform at a higher level when they feel that intensity from the crowd, which is why I know they’ll be excited to return to London next year.”

The four-day event pits Team North America against Team World in a variety of interesting formats. Each squad will have six sub-teams competing - three female teams and three male teams. Captains and coaches for Team North America and Team World will be announced later this year.

Director of Sport Tourism for Tourism London Cheryl Finn described once again working with Curling Canada as host city of the major competition as "a privilege."

“These events reinforce the fact that London is a strong, capable and welcoming host community for athletes and fans alike," said Finn. "Our facilities, partners and volunteers are ready to welcome the curling world to our city.”

London has played host to a variety of world-class curling competitions over the years including the 2011 Tim Hortons Brier, the 2006 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, 1981 Air Canada Silver Broom world men’s championship, and the 1974 Macdonald Brier.

Peter Inch, host committee vice-chair and 2018 Canadian Curling Hall of Fame inductee, has been the driving force behind rallying the local curling community to bring these competitions to London.

"The volunteer base will be there and support (the Continental Cup), the ticket base will be there, we will get people from Windsor to Toronto that will travel here to enjoy our city and spend money, but we also know how to run an event and Curling Canada doesn't have to babysit us or worry about us. They give us direction and we go out and make sure it happens," said Inch.

The Continental Cup was most recently held in Las Vegas this past January.

Tickets for next year's competition in London go on sale Friday at 12 p.m. online at curling.ca/tickets or by calling 833-219-9444.

Read More Local Stories