The four-day Continental Cup curling event drew plenty of people and lots of media attention to Langley, and has again showcased the superb facilities of Langley Events Centre.
While attendance figures have not yet been released, it appears that more than 20,000 people took in some aspect of the event. They were treated to entertaining curling, and for those from outside Langley, an opportunity to check out a first-class facility.
The fact that the Continental Cup was broadcast in its entirety on TSN from Thursday to Sunday also served to put the Events Centre and Langley on the map. This type of wall-to-wall coverage, which is now a staple of sports TV broadcasting, showcases a facility like the Events Centre to a very broad audience, and will almost certainly help draw future events here.
There is plenty of interest in curling in B.C., but much of that interest is in areas outside the Lower Mainland. While there are many curling fans here, a good number have moved here from other areas where the sport is very popular.
Nonetheless, the overall attendance at this event was very good. Considering that weather conditions may have served to keep a few people away, organizers have nothing to feel bad about.
As has been mentioned in this space before, Langley Events Centre serves as a major economic development tool for both Langleys. Those who come to take part in multi-day events here stay in the community; buy meals here; shop here and get to know Langley a lot better.
Many of the curling fans who enjoy the Continental Cup also came from out of town and and spent time and money here. The spinoff effect to the Langley economy will certainly be in the millions.
The most successful Continental Cup resulted in a spinoff effect of more than $7 million being felt in Medicine Hat, and while the effect here likely won’t be quite as large, it will be significant. It also comes at a welcome time of the year, as January is often a slow month for many busineses.
Langley Events Centre has been one of the most important infrastructure investments made in this community in the past decade. Not only does it serve Langley residents well, it is an important catalyst in bringing events like the Continental Cup here.