It's not too late to volunteer for the 2020 Women's World Curling Championship.
Speaking to city council on Monday night, CN Centre general manager Glen Mikkelsen said 233 have registered while the total should be in the 350 to 380 range.
Asked by Coun. Cori Ramsay about the $100 fee volunteers must pay and the 30 hours they must commit, Mikkelsen noted that those involved in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, held in the city in 2000, paid $60 and the fee was $50 for the World Para Nordic Skiing Championships when they were held at Otway in February.
The fee for the WWCC pays for a a jacket and uniform, handbook and limited edition volunteer pin, and gives access to the venue when not on shift, access to the Patch beer garden and an invitation to the volunteer appreciation party.
Those interested in becoming full-fledged volunteers can go to volunteer.curling.ca/2020worldwomen. The deadline for applying is Nov. 24 to give organizers time to order the clothing.
Mikkelsen said there may be options available for those who want to help but can't commit enough time, such as volunteering at the Patch in the evenings. Those interested in taking that route can contact Mikkelsen at glen.mikkelsen@princegeorge.ca.
As for fans, enough tickets have been sold so far to reach 52 per cent of the attendance target of 58,360 over the tournament's nine days.
In terms of fans who will take in the WWCC on television, Mikkelsen said a study has show women's curling is more popular than the men's brand. Viewership reached 86 million when the 2019 WWCC when it was held in North Bay, Ont., he also noted.
"You can sense the excitement is building for the event and we have no doubt this will be an unforgettable week in northern B.C.," Mikkelsen said.
Set for March 14-22 at CN Centre, the tournament will feature 13 teams. The winner of the 2020 Scotties in Moose Jaw, Sask. will represent Canada.
Tickets are available at curling.ca/tickets, in person at the CN Centre Box Office, or by calling 1-888-293-6613.
