THUNDER BAY – There will be fans in the stands on the final weekend of play at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
Curling Canada on Tuesday announced up to 348 pre-registered volunteers and youth future stars will be invited inside the event bubble, provided they meet strict COVID-19 protocols and can provide proof of full vaccination.
Free admission for qualified entrants will be granted for the 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. playoff games on Friday, the Page Playoff games on Saturday and Sunday's semifinal and championship final.
There are 348 registered volunteers and 37 Future Stars who could be allowed inside Fort William Gardens.
Curling Canada is permitted to have up to 500 fans inside the arena under current COVID-19 restrictions, but decided to keep the building empty for the round robin and chose not to sell ticket packages for the final weekend.
One parent or guardian will be allowed to accompany each Future Star youth.
Thunder Bay's Krista McCarville said she's thrilled that some will get to watch the action in person.
Now she's just got to find a way to curl her team into the weekend.
“That would be amazing. That's super exciting for all the volunteers that have already put in a lot of hard work to make this event a success. I think this is super exciting for fans,” said McCarville, tied for third in Pool A at 3-2.
“I really want to be in that final weekend to be here and feel the love and energy from all the fans. I think that's really great news.”
