From Feb. 18 to the 22, the Unity curling club will play host to the 2014 Affinity Credit Union Senior Men's and Women's curling playdowns. Senior curling is for players 50 and over.
It's long been known that Unity has one of the premier curling clubs in the province. CTV's Kevin Waugh himself stated, when attending Men's Northern Curling Playdowns in Unity a few years back, that Unity had a stellar facility and should be hosting a big curling event.
A multitude of bonspiels are hosted each year, including the Saskatchewan Curling Tour Sifto Cash Speil in November. Regional curling playdowns have taken place here as well as various high school playdowns. The venue has always been the envy of those who attend for its large, spacious lounge and seating area that includes big windows and far end cameras on each of the five sheets of ice. The ice conditions are also well respected and appreciated by those who experience them.
The curling club formed a committee and put in a bid to host the playdowns, knowing there was a good possibility Unity would have some players in the event itself.
After the committee was in place and assignments given to committee members, volunteers are sought to help with the many other aspects that are part of a provincial event. To volunteer, contact Bob Abel at 306-228-8505.
The event will host eight men's teams and eight women's teams. Already qualified is Unity's own Wanda Heitt, who is part of Team Darlene Gillies. Heitt has won a provincial title and has played in the last two years of provincial senior women's events. It is believed that other well-known senior teams will be competing such as Eugene Hritzuk and Brad Heidt.
In addition to lounge seating, there will be upper hall viewing. However, there is no reserved seating and only rush seating available. Tuesday's opening ceremonies will take place at 6:30 p.m. with a draw just prior to the ceremony and another draw after. All four sheets will be in action non-stop through round robin play.
Thursday night there will be supper and entertainment upstairs that includes the Celtic band Back of the Bus from Saskatoon. There will be limited number of tickets available to the public and are selling at $25 each for supper and entertainment.
You can watch any of the live curling action for $30 for a week pass; $10 for a day pass and $5 per draw. There will not be advance tickets sold with admittance only at the door of the event. Round robin action begins Tuesday following team practices, and will begin at 3 p.m. Feb. 18. Round robin continues through to Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and the top three teams will move on the playoff rounds. Semifinals will begin Sunday at 1 p.m.
