The field for the 2018 World Men’s Curling Championship at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas is all decided except for two teams:  Canada and USA.  And now, it’s all coming down to the final days of competition at the Tim Hortons Brier in Regina SK, and the Curling Nationals in Fargo ND.  As of this morning, here’s how things are shaping up. 

 

At the Brier, three teams have already locked up a spot in the Page Playoffs: reigning world champion Brad Gushue, 2014 Olympic champion Brad Jacobs and Ontario’s John Epping, all with identical 8 and 1 records.  Four other teams are still in the mix for the final spot.

 

In Fargo, Team Greg Persinger of Seattle is locked and loaded for Saturday’s championship final, waiting for the outcome of tomorrow’s semi-final between Todd Birr and Heath McCormick, to see who will challenge for the right to shine on the big stage in Las Vegas.

 

 

WHO WILL HAVE HOME ICE ADVANTAGE?

 

Since our last bulletin on Tuesday, ticket sales are picking up at a steady pace from all over the U.S., with a high percentage coming from Las Vegas and the local region.

 

“It is definitely becoming a factor”, said event manager Jon Killoran.   “For our past three events here, the 2014, 2016 and 2017 Continental Cups, we saw a marginal pick-up of local sales.  For this upcoming World Men’s Championship, it could be significant.  The wave of stars and stripes may very well blow away the red maple leafs.  At the end of the day, we know the fans are going to have a great time with this whole thing”.

 

The traditional “home ice advantage” at a world curling championship always provides a boost for the host country, and with Team John Shuster winning gold at the Olympic Winter Games, it is providing the impetus for what could be an awesome backdrop at the Orleans Arena from March 31 to April 8.

 

Tickets for the World Men’s are priced from just $25 for single draw and 4 day mini packs start at $199.  All tickets can be purchased at the Orleans Arena Box Office, or online at LasVegasCurling.rocks.