Curling must look now at the challenges ahead
Before the pandemic hit, the last great Canadian sporting hurrah was one of the strongest editions of the Tim Hortons Brier in recent memory.
Fans would pack Kingston’s Leon’s Centre for games and then jam “The Patch” party tent across the road afterward, often keeping the festivities going into the wee hours.
It’s one of many grand traditions of the Roaring Game that could be in for a big change when curling eventually returns.
Curlers can say goodbye to pre-game handshakes. Empty stands will be a possibility at top events. International team participation could be at a premium at Canadian tour stops.
There are no firm answers right now and it’s unknown when that will change.
Bonspiel organizer Gerry Geurts, who operates the CurlingZone website that manages world rankings and team point systems, said next season’s uncertainty poses a significant challenge.
“It’s going to be a hit for the (curling) clubs and the events,” Geurts said from London, Ont. “But the teams have to have the expectation that they’re going to take a bit of a hit at the same time, too.”
The current off-season essentially kicked off in mid-March after the women’s world championship was scrubbed. Normally play would pick up again in late summer, but even an autumn start looks questionable at the moment.
COVID-19 developments are forcing the sports world to take a cautious approach to the potential return of competition.
Curling has a few notable challenges to overcome when it’s ready to come back. At the top of the list are sponsorship concerns, travel restrictions and event feasibility.
“Some of those small- and medium-sized businesses that support local teams are going to have a harder time doing it,” reigning Brier champ Brad Gushue said from St. John’s, N.L. “Even some of the higher-profile teams that have the national sponsorships, it’s a hard market to go out and look for that to fund your season. So a whole lot of uncertainty.”
Naturally the safety of athletes, spectators, volunteers and event staff in clubs and arenas will be paramount when play resumes.
But who knows when the ice will even be ready? Many curling clubs may have to delay season openings depending on their location and situation.
Several early-season events on the World Curling Tour’s 2020-21 campaign have already been cancelled and that list could grow.
The first big event of the curling season is the Masters in October. A Sportsnet spokesperson said via email there were no updates to share regarding the 2020-21 schedule. Curling Canada’s Season of Champions schedule kicks off a month after that with the Canada Cup.
The Scotties Tournament of Hearts goes in late February and the Brier is set for early March in Kelowna.
One of curling’s selling points is that unlike other sports, fans get a chance to be “up close and personal” with the athletes. The slogan is promoted on everything from TV spots to autograph sessions. Expect that tagline to be shelved for at least a season or two.
Many WCT bonspiels are held at curling clubs that rely on bar and food sales for revenue. Limited attendance and physical distancing would have a significant impact on their bottom line.
The 2020-21 curling season is a big one as teams continue efforts to lock down berths and accumulate points to qualify for the Olympic Trials in 18 months time.
But when that pursuit will resume remains unknown.