Cape Breton seeks to host Scotties curling event in 2018

A Sydney group is working to bring Canada's biggest women's curling tournament to Cape Breton.

The prospect of hosting the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in February 2018 excites David Muise, the chairman of the local bid committee.

"We're serious about this," said Muise, who points to Cape Breton's significant history of staging successful regional and national events such as Celtic Colours, East Coast Music Awards, Canada Winter Games, and the Vince Ryan Memorial Hockey Tournament.

 "We won't have a problem," he said. "A facility such as Centre 200 in a community this size can handle it."

The idea to host the Scotties came after Sydney successfully held the Canadian senior games, which included curling, about three years ago.

He said another reason for confidence is volunteers always turn out in large numbers to support big events in Cape Breton.

Pre-selling tickets could be key

Bid committee member Tara Hunter says Sydney can bolster its pitch by pre-selling tickets.

"Couple of years ago, St. John's — when they put their bid in — they sent it in with 2,000 pre-sold passes," she said. Though not a requirement, she said it's an effective way to demonstrate what kind of community support exists.

Muise said they're aiming for 1,200 to 1,500 pre-sold passes.

"That means a deposit of $100 each," he added.

June 17 is the deadline for pre-sold tickets while June 30 is the cut-off date for the bid.

Scotties in Cape Breton would draw crowd

Muise is optimistic about securing funds from all three levels of government to help with the cost of hosting the national tournament.

He also expects the event would draw well, including the select group of followers who go wherever the event is being held.

Significant economic spinoffs

The economic impact on the community would be significant, said Muise, estimating an influx of $6 million through ticket sales, hotel rooms, food sales and other purchases.

The committee has also enlisted the support of a world-class curler, he said.  

"Colleen Jones will act as the event's honorary chair should we be successful," said Muise.

Those interested in making a $100 deposit on a week-long pass can go to the Centre 200 box office, or go online.