2008 WORLD MEN’S CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
DRAWS RECORD ATTENDANCE FIGURE

GRAND FORKS, ND – Curling fans from across the globe attended the 2008 World Men’s Curling Championship at Ralph Engelstad Arena over the past ten days. On Championship Sunday, Ralph Engelstad Arena announced that 51,731 event guests passed through the gates from April 4-13 for all draws and the opening ceremony.

The figure is a record for attendance at a curling event hosted in the United States, surpassing the previous record of 35,544 from the 1976 World Men’s Championship hosted in Duluth, Minnesota.

“We are very pleased with the excellent attendance throughout the event and feel that it is proof positive that the Greater Grand Forks Community is a great host for international events,” said Jody Hodgson, President of the Local Organizing Committee and General Manager of Ralph Engelstad Arena. “Without the support of the local community and the 400 volunteers, this event would not have been successful and we are grateful to all who played a role in the tournament,” Hodgson added.

“Congratulations to the people of Grand Forks and the Red River Valley, throughout the area as far north as Canada,” said Les Harrison, president of the World Curling Federation. “This organizing committee has produced a record for curling spectators in the United States of America and you have also set a record for organizational effectiveness and hospitality. On behalf of the curling world, I offer my congratulations.”