Kevin Martin speaks at Sarnia Golf and Curling Club about Sarnia hosting The Masters at Sarnia Arena (Feb 2020. BlackburnNews.com photo by Colin Gowdy)Kevin Martin speaks at Sarnia Golf and Curling Club about Sarnia hosting The Masters at Sarnia Arena (Feb 2020. BlackburnNews.com photo by Colin Gowdy)
Sarnia

Masters curling on ice until 2021, but Sarnia still host

A major curling event set for Sarnia Arena will not take place as planned this October but the city will still host the world's best curlers next year.

As a pandemic precaution, Sportsnet and the local organizing committee for the Masters, the first event of the Pinty's Grand Slam of Curling season, is now scheduled for October 19-24, 2021 at Sarnia Arena.

The 18 draw event will showcase 30 of the best men’s and women’s teams from Canada and around the globe. It will be the first time any Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling event has taken place in Sarnia-Lambton.

Tourism Sarnia-Lambton Special Events and Sports Marketing Co-ordinator Vicky Praill said previously that similar events in other communities have generated around $1.3 million in revenue.

“Although we are saddened and disappointed that we had to make the difficult decision to reschedule the Masters this year, we look forward to building on the foundation that we had already established,” said Praill. “We know our community will host an unforgettable event and we look forward to welcoming players and fans to Sarnia-Lambton in 2021.”

Vice President, Sportsnet and NHL Production, Rob Corte said the safety and well-being of curlers, volunteers, fans and employees is of utmost importance.

“Following careful thought and deliberation, we made the decision to postpone the season until we could safely deliver the world-class competition and intimate fan experience the Grand Slam series is known for,” said Corte.

For tournament details and ticket information, including refund and roll-over information, click here.

For those individuals requesting a refund, there will be no guarantees that additional tickets will be available for purchase for the Masters in October 2021 and previously committed ticket pricing may be subject to change.

-With files from Colin Gowdy

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