In some ways, the just completed Grand Slam of Curling (GSOC) event, which occurred at the Southeast Event Centre this past week, took many local residents by surprise. Not just that it was happening at all, but the fact that it was such a prestigious event. To be sure, local curling enthusiasts knew what they were in for when it was announced the GSOC was coming to Steinbach. But that only accounts for a certain segment of the community and regent.
This became very apparent to me when I was shopping at a local grocery store early last week amidst a number of the international curling teams that were also in the store. Surprised and inquisitive looks from local shoppers followed the team from Sweden who were proudly wearing their team colours. Many residents expressed surprise to me that curling teams from all over the world, and the best teams at that, were in Steinbach for the event.
As the knowledge of the event quickly grew so did the excitement over the week. The mood at the Southeast Event Centre not only was filled with anticipation, but the international flavour of the event became more and more evident as the week went along. While I would only consider myself a casual curling fan, mostly tuning in for the finale of the world championships or the Olympics, I also was excited to see the Grand Slam of Curling event. Not just the competition, but also how Steinbach and the region would respond. To use a curling term, the city, region, volunteers, organizers and sponsors landed right on the button. It was an incredible success.
Notably, the Event Centre itself, which in its early days has played host to a few social events, some concerts and MJHL hockey, looked spectacular hosting four sheets of curling ice. Whether you were watching in person or taking it in via the Sportsnet television broadcast, the Event Centre and Steinbach looked world class. From the athletes to the many spectators who came to visit the City and saw the facility for the first time, there were overwhelming accolades. In the early days of planning for the Event Centre, there was always the hope that it would open up these types of events to the Steinbach market, in a way the old facility simply could not. To see that come to fruition and with such success should make everyone associated with the facility proud.
Then there were the fans themselves. They showed up! Whether wearing curling rocks on their heads or dressing up as Bananas (I can’t explain that one) the fans were engaged and energetic. And throughout the weekend final draws and playoffs, they filled the stands, nearly 3,000 strong. In fact, Grand Slam of Curling officials said the Steinbach event sold the second most tickets of any GSOC event in history. And they vowed to be back in Steinbach for another event soon.
This is not the first time that Steinbach has done a great job hosting an event and welcoming people from across Canada and around the world. But with a showcase facility and a new generation of volunteers, it feels like it is the beginning of a new and exciting era for the city and the southeast.
