Tonight’s the Start of a FANtastic Experience at the Scotties

Fan Appreciation Night marks the official start of the party in Red Deer at the 2012 Scotties Tournament of Hearts and curling fans are ready for one of the biggest celebrations of the year. It’s a week jam-packed with entertainment options that start early every day and carry on ‘til the late hours of the night.  And, every one of them is included in the price of an event pass.

Not all the action is on the ice at the 2012 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Red Deer (Photo Andrew Klaver)

The February 17 Fan Appreciation Night in the HeartStop presented by Original 16 is an exclusive meet-and-greet gathering with the competitors that’s open only to full event ticket holders and those who received tickets through event promotions. The evening will rock to the sounds of Tera Lee and St. James Gate. Starting opening Saturday admission to the HeartStop is complimentary with every same-day event pass.  It’s conveniently located in the Parkland Pavilion, just a few steps away from the competition.  And you can be sure everyone will be there for the appetizing array of food and beverages and live entertainment featuring some of Canada’s best bands. Saturday through Thursday at 5:00 pm, two teams will join fans each day in the HeartStop for Team Autograph sessions.  If you miss any during the week, they’ll be back for an all-team session Saturday, February 27 at 2:30 pm. (excluding the two semi-finalists) The teams will also be there for the Up Close and Personal interviews starting at 4:30 pm opening Saturday and continuing Sunday to Thursday at 5:15 pm.  It’s your chance to get to know the athletes in this lively question-and-answer format. The first round of Cool Shots gets underway Saturday.  Fans can enter for free to compete in the small-scale version of the game played on shuffleboard-style tables with cash prizes awarded to daily winners who advance to the finals on championship weekend. Saturday is also the big day for the finalists in Club Cool Shots.  Eight teams have qualified through competitions at the Innisfail Curling Club and Red Deer Curling Centre.  The grand champions take home a $1,000 prize with $5,000 going to their home club. Click here for the complete schedule of events at the Scotties. “You Gotta Be There” for the 2012 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, February 18-26 at Red Deer’s Westerner Park – it’s one week you’ll never forget!  Great seats are still available – click here to get yours now.