Thursday, April 5 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, there might very well be another world record looming, and it would go down in the books as “More USA fans in a World Curling Championship arena than Canadian fans”.

 

At 6:30 pm that evening, Team USA and Team Canada will face off in a round robin match that is highly anticipated, and has all the makings of a classic.  It will be the first time for the two countries to meet in men’s competition since Team John Shuster of USA defeated Team Kevin Koe of Canada at the Olympic Games.  Shuster, of course, proceeded from there to win the gold medal.

 

Since that time, curling craziness has swept the USA and this game is expected to be a hot ticket in the entertainment capital of the world.  That, in itself, says a lot!

 

For Greg Persinger of Team USA, playing in his first world championship since 2013, and having never curled before in Las Vegas, this game presents a whole other dynamic.

“I know that Canadians love to come to Vegas, so if we could pack more USA fans in there, that would be an incredible experience to have that home crowd advantage” he said.   “There’s going to be tons of people that we know throughout the curling world that are going to be coming, and being that’s a destination for people from all over the world, they should get that place pretty packed.  It’ll be the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of, that’s for sure”.

 

With thousands of multi-game ticket packages sold to Canadian fans several months ago, it is still very much up in the air as to which side will win the battle of the fans, as single game ticket sales continue to grow each day.  Organizers are loving it.  “I’m not sure if I’m more excited about welcoming all these world class athletes or seeing how much fun the fans are going to add to it all”, said Jon Killoran, event manager.  “For the new fans, it’s going to be the experience of a lifetime”.

 

Persinger concurred.  “Curling is one of the funnest sports to watch in the world.  The TV ratings prove that, and it will be a life-changing experience for someone who hasn’t come and watched a curling event before in their lives”.

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Tickets for the 361° World Men’s Curling Championship 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.