December 27, 2007
GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Only 100 days remain until the first rock will be thrown to kick-off the 50th World Men’s Curling Championship, which will be held in Grand Forks, ND. Ralph Engelstad Arena and the Grand Forks Curling Club are hosting the 2008 World Men’s Curling Championship starting Saturday, April 5, and concluding on Sunday, April 13, 2008. Twelve men’s teams, all national champions from the United States, Canada, Europe and the Pacific Rim, will vie for the title of “World Champion.” The 2008 event will take place on four sheets of perfectly manicured curling ice in the Ralph Engelstad Arena.
FLAG TO BE RAISED
The World Curling Federation flag will be raised to the Ralph Engelstad Arena rafters during the UND men’s hockey game this Friday, December 28, to commemorate the official countdown to the world championship. The World Curling Federation flag will be hung at Ralph Engelstad Arena until the championship closing ceremonies on April 13.
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
All twelve countries have qualified for the 2008 world championship and include the countries of Scotland, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, France, the Czech Republic, Australia, China, the United States, and last year’s champion, Canada.
TICKETING
In addition to the full-tournament ticket package, “mini-packs” are now on-sale. Package details include:
Opening Weekend Package includes the Opening Ceremonies on Friday night plus all five Saturday and Sunday draws. Package prices $50-$75.
Hump Day Package includes all twelve round robin draws Monday through Thursday and tiebreakers Thursday night (if necessary). Package prices: $100-170.
Championship Weekend Package includes all tiebreakers on Friday (if necessary), the Page Playoff games, semi-final, bronze medal, and world championship game. The closing ceremony is also included. Package prices: $60-$90.
Full Event Packages are also still available and include all draws and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Package prices: $175-$275.
**Starting on January 7, Single day tickets will be available. More information will be announced closer to the on-sale date**
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
Applications are still being accepted for volunteer positions for the 2008 World Men’s Curling Championship. Approximately 300 volunteers will be needed for the tournament and a variety of positions are still available. Volunteers will receive access to all event draws as part of the volunteer rewards benefit package. Interested individuals may contact Kendall Fossand at 701-777-0367 or kendallf@theralph.com.
WEBSITE
The official tournament website is www.worldmenscurling2008.com and is now live.
LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
The 2008 Local Organizing Executive Committee includes: President: Jody Hodgson, General Manager of Ralph Engelstad Arena; Senior Vice-President: Jim Satrom: Grand Forks Curling; Senior Vice-President: Don Barcome, Jr., Grand Forks Curling Club; and Senior Vice-President: Chris Semrau, Ralph Engelstad Arena.
***Media Event Logos Usage*** If any media desires to utilize the official tournament logo or the event theme logo (Rock the Ralph), please contact:
Chris Semrau
Ralph Englestad Arena
Director of Media Relations
701) 777-4379
semrau@theralph.com