The Province of Ontario is responding to improving Covid conditions by gradually opening up. Two restriction changes announced in late January have had a large impact on the Port Elgin Chrysler ’22 Ontario Tankard.
The first change allowed the event to proceed at 50% capacity to a maximum of 500. Ticket sales had been curtailed in mid-December, however the event was still oversold relative to the new limits, notably on the weekend. Ticket holders have been approached and offered refunds and numbers are coming down as a result. Local restaurants, bars and facilities will of course accommodate any overflow in a fun environment, complete with streaming of the event on large screens. Ticket refunds may be obtained by emailing janis@oncurl.com or clicking request a refund on the confirmation.
The second regulation change, announced last Thursday, permitted the Tankard to serve food and beverage in the Plex. The original food and beverage plan has been reinstated, albeit scaled down to the 50% level. Spectators will now be able to enjoy a meal in Rotary Hall upstairs in the Plex supplied by The Walker House and enjoy a beverage, including “Between the Sheets”, a beer crafted exclusively for the Tankard by Three Sheets Brewery of Port Elgin.
The field of teams has changed as well. A qualifying event to be held in January was cancelled and rather than three teams being added to the Tankard roster, CurlON deemed the addition of seven teams to be the fairest option. Ontario’s twelve best teams will now playoff in a triple knockout format. The field of course includes former Brier and World champion Glenn Howard and Brier contender John Epping.
Two games will be streamed each draw, allowing the Tankard to be enjoyed in the comfort of home or a local establishment. To access go to CurlONTV.ca then click go live.
For further information, contact Dave Middleton at dmiddleton@bmts.com or 519-270-9023.
