Curling fans planning to attend the 2012 Scotties Tournament of Hearts — the Canadian women’s championship — at the Centrium will have several options when purchasing tickets.
In addition to the ‘classic’ full-event pass, fans will have the choice of three new ticket packages.
“Traditionally, this is the time of year when we would be making available our traditional full-event pass, and we will be doing that but with a significant twist,” Canadian Curling Association event marketing manager Rod Palson said Thursday during a media conference at the Red Deer Lodge.
Palson was referring to what the CCA has dubbed ‘Double Impact’, three packages that allow fans to double up on the draws that work best for their personal schedules.
“Over the past several years the research that we’ve been able to accumulate through our data base and through surveys we’ve done at our major championship events and just analyzing the customer ticket-buying patterns, there’s no doubt that what used to be the mainstay of our ticket program — the full-event pass — was starting to become less popular with our growing part of the population,” said Palson.
“The full-event pass is still going to be a part of it, but we’re changing things a bit with some pretty exciting options.”
‘The Opener’ will include two tickets to each of the first 11 draws at a price of $309, ‘The Champ’ will feature two tickets to each of the final 11 draws for $349, and ‘The Weekender’, also at a price of $349, will give the purchasing fan two tickets to each of the first five draws and the last six draws. The ‘Old Classic’ package consists of one ticket for all 22 draws at a price of $329.
All four packages will be made available starting Saturday at 10 a.m. Purchases can be made by calling 1-877-985-CURL, online at seasonofchampions.ca/RedDeer or in person at the Centrium box office.
“These new options are derived for people who have different schedules in their lives in terms of their ability to attend our events,” said Palson. “We think that based on the research we have gleaned over the years that we’re now providing what people have been asking for — something different, something which makes it easier for them to attend the event.”
Another new twist will be the opportunity for fans to purchase tickets online and track their seats via an interactive seat map.
Meanwhile, all fans purchasing full-event passes will receive the all new Season of Champions rewards card, a $25 value. The card delivers a wide range of benefits, including savings on roadside assistance, free travel insurance, best prices on car rentals, hotels and airfare, and pharmaceutical and drug discounts. The full-event pass will also provide unlimited access to the HeartStop Lounge and the opportunity to attend a meet and greet gathering with the Scotties curlers.
The host committee is currently looking for volunteers, who can access the application form online. Host committee chair Sherri Ryckman is confident all 450 volunteer positions will be filled in short order.
“I can’t tell you how overwhelming it’s been to have phone calls and e-mails . . . people have tracked me down in the strangest places to say they want to be involved in the 2012 Scotties” she said. “That’s incredible and speaks volumes for our community and the people who represent Red Deer.”
The 2012 Scotties Tournament of Hearts is scheduled for Feb. 18-26.
gmeachem@www.reddeeradvocate.com