More rocks, higher stakes. Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling has confirmed its event dates for the next two seasons, growing to seven events in the 2015-16 season and to eight events in the 2016-17 season. Additionally, the total prize money for the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling events will increase to $1.5 million for next season and a staggering $2.5 million for 2016-17.
"Canada’s appetite for premium curling coverage continues to grow at a great rate," said Scott Moore, President, Sportsnet and NHL Properties. "Sportsnet remains committed to growing the sport in Canada, adding more events to Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling that shine the spotlight on both international and homegrown talent while elevating the profile of curling’s up-and-coming stars in communities across the country."
"I don’t think curling has ever been in such a great position, the strength of this sport has never been where it is today," said Kevin Martin, Sportsnet Grand Slam of Curling analyst. "The Grand Slam model is driven by the players – their input and support has fuelled this growth and continues to strengthen the product. I am truly excited to be a part of such a huge expansion over the next 24 months, it is remarkable."
"The addition of more Grand Slam of Curling events is amazing for us curlers, as the Slams contain the best teams, most prize money, best ice surfaces and most CTRS points," said skip Brad Jacobs, Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games gold medallist. "It’s a win for everybody involved. Not to mention, it give the fans more curling to watch in the arenas and at home."
Confirmed dates for the 2015-16 Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling series:
– GSOC Tour Challenge (men and women) – September 8-13, 2015
– Masters (men and women) – October 27-November 1, 2015
– National (men and women) – November 11-15, 2015
– Canadian Open (men and women) – December 8-13, 2015
– Elite 10 (men) – March 16-20, 2016
– Players’ Championship (men and women) – April 5-10, 2016
– Champions Cup (men and women) – April 26-May 1, 2016
Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling’s next event is the Syncrude Elite 10 in Fort McMurray, AB (March 19-22, 2015), followed by the Players’ Championship in Toronto (April 7-12, 2015). Tickets and additional information for all remaining events this season are available here.
Owned and operated by Sportsnet since 2012, Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling is an elite series of men’s and women’s curling events which are part of the World Curling Tour and feature the best teams from across Canada and around the world. In 2014-15 season, Sportsnet will broadcast up to 200 hours of curling coverage, including all Grand Slam of Curling events, as well as the Alberta, B.C., Manitoba and Ontario Provincial Curling Championships.