The Grand Forks Curling Club and Ralph Engelstad Arena have partnered to bring the World Men's Curling Championship to Grand Forks, North Dakota April 5-13, 2008.
In early April 2008, Ralph Engelstad Arena will host twelve of the top curling teams in the world as they compete for the chance to be crowned world champion. Teams and fans stretching all across the globe will be flocking to Grand Forks, North Dakota for a week of world-class competitive action and entertainment for the young and old. Of the twelve teams competing in the world championship, the United States and Canada are the only two teams guaranteed a place in the field for the 2008 event. The rest of the field will consist of eight European countries and two Pacific Rim representatives. Thirty European countries will be battling for a spot in the world championship, but only eight of those teams will have the honor of representing their respected countries.
We recognize the rich tradition, excellence, and history in curling our Canadian neighbors are known for, and are passionate about. In the Grand Forks region, curling also enjoys a large local following, fueled by our love of the sport and our proximity to Canada. The Ralph Engelstad Arena and the Grand Forks region promise to provide the grandest curling championship stage in the world, and will also provide world-class amenities and accommodations. Curling enthusiasts and fans throughout the world will say the Ralph Engelstad Arena, the Grand Forks Curling Club and Grand Forks delivered a world-class experience.
RALPH ENGELSTAD ARENA
The 2008 World Men's Curling Championship will take place on four sheets of ice in the beautiful Ralph Engelstad Arena-the finest facility of its kind in the world. The Ralph Engelstad Arena is a world-class state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility that is no stranger to hosting competitions on the world wide stage. In 2005, the Ralph hosted the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship; many claim the Ralph was the finest hockey facility they have ever seen. It is impossible to describe the 104+ million dollar Ralph Engelstad Arena in just a few words, but it is described by many as magnificent, elegant and refined. All 400,000 square feet of the arena is world-class. All of the concourse floors are made of granite which was imported from Italy and India, each seat in the arena is constructed of leather and cherry wood, 48 luxury suites surround the arena and two enormous club rooms at both ends of the arena host the two longest freestanding bars in the state of North Dakota. What you have is more than a world class facility; you have the Ralph Engelstad Arena. For more information on the Ralph Engelstad Arena check out www.theralph.com
WELCOME TO GREATER GRAND FORKS!
Get away to the Red River Valley where the great outdoors meet the friendly cities of Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN. Your two-state adventure will span both banks of the Red River as you enjoy the heritage of the upper Midwest. With a population of approximately 60,000 residents, Greater Grand Forks is big enough to meet everyone's needs, yet small enough to embrace the event and make all players and event attendees feel welcome. You are sure to be welcomed as a guest, but you can also plan on leaving as a friend!
Grand Forks is conveniently located at the junction of Interstate 29 and US Highway 2, only 75 miles south of the Canadian border. In fact, Grand Forks is less than 150 miles from Winnipeg! Accessible by air via Northwest Airlines, Grand Forks is easy to find and easy to get to.
Greater Grand Forks offers a variety of unique dining, lodging, and shopping opportunities. Experience everything from the eclectic to the elegant. When it comes to style, quality and convenience, Columbia Mall is the area's ultimate shopping destination. With more than 1,700 sleeping rooms, our lodging facilities can meet all your room requirements!
For more information about Greater Grand Forks visit www.visitgrandforks.com