Edmonton’s gearing up for another ‘FANtastic’ Brier!

When the Canadian Men’s Curling Championship returns to the Alberta capital for a sixth time, March 2-10 in Rexall Place, the Host Committee has its sights set on a new standard of excellence.

(Photo CCA/Michael Burns)

The inaugural edition of the Tim Hortons Brier, contested in the same venue in 2005, established a record that stands to this day as the highest attended championship in the history of the game. The fact that the most talented teams in the country will gather to compete for the national title is a major draw in itself. But, the live experience of championship curling extends beyond the excitement that unfolds over nine days of competition in the arena. The unique experience has come to be known as ‘FANtastic’… because, even at the elite level of the sport, the fans share the spotlight with the competitors. Every ticket to the competition includes a host of valued-added benefits – including daily opportunities to meet face-to-face with the athletes. The Original 16 Patch, a short walk from the arena in the Edmonton EXPO Centre, will be the heart of the party for Canada’s curling crowd at the Brier. The Patch rocks all day, every day – and late into the night – with an exceptional lineup of live entertainment and a great selection of beverages and food. It’s also home to the Cool Shots competition, where fans can sign up for free to play for daily cash prizes in the small-scale version of the big-time game. The top shooters each day qualify for the finals on championship weekend, with even more cash on the line! Looking to take home a truly unique memory from the Brier? Just step into the special photo booth designed for group shots including up to 25 people. Right next door, the Purple Heart Lounge is the setting for Team Autograph sessions and Up Close and Personal interviews. The competitors will all be on hand throughout the week to sign programs and memorabilia, and sit down for some entertaining conversations with the fans.

Up Close and Personal session at the Tim Hortons Brier (Photo CCA/Michael Burns)

Friday, March 8 is “Blue Day” – a tribute to Team Alberta, and the chance to show the rest of Canada where the best fans in the country reside. So, get on your best blue and support the home-province team. For the younger fans in the crowd, the school program offers hundreds of local students the chance to be in the stands to see live championship curling for the very first time. And, 24 lucky young curlers from across Alberta have been selected as part of the Junior Stars Program. You’ll see them starting Sunday, March 3 in pre-game ceremonies as honourary members of the 12 Brier teams. There are so many reasons to get out of your living room and into the arena for the full experience of championship curling. Click here for details on everything that will be going on throughout Brier week. “You Gotta Be There” for the “FANtastic” time at the 2013 Tim Hortons Brier. You can still pick up some of the best seats in Rexall Place by clicking here.