Controversy Surrounds 2025 Scotties Tournament of Hearts Return to Thunder Bay: Critics Question Venue and Location
As excitement builds for the 2025 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, scheduled for February 14-23 in Thunder Bay, Ontario, growing concerns from curling fans, athletes, and industry experts suggest that the event’s return to Fort William Gardens may not be in the sport’s best interest.
While the Scotties Tournament of Hearts is celebrated as the world’s largest women’s curling championship, the decision to bring it back to Thunder Bay is sparking debate. Despite the event’s historical connection to the region, critics argue that the venue and the location no longer meet the growing demands of a modern, high-profile curling competition.
Venue Challenges: Is Fort William Gardens Enough?
Fort William Gardens, while a cornerstone for local sports, is seen by many as inadequate for hosting such a prestigious national event. The facility, which has hosted previous editions of the Scotties, is under scrutiny for its size and infrastructure. Industry experts point out that larger, more equipped venues in other Canadian cities could better accommodate the growing fan base and the increased media attention that accompanies the championship. With the sport’s popularity on the rise, the need for modern, state-of-the-art venues is more pressing than ever. Thunder Bay’s historical connection to curling, while significant, should not come at the cost of overlooking the sport’s evolving needs.
A Missed Opportunity for National Promotion
The 2025 Scotties Tournament of Hearts is a key opportunity to elevate the profile of curling across Canada. Critics argue that instead of returning to Thunder Bay—where the event has been held multiple times—Curling Canada should be rotating the championship to regions that have yet to experience the spectacle. This could bring the sport to new audiences, raise awareness, and generate excitement in regions that have been historically underserved by national events.
With curling becoming more mainstream, hosting the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in a larger, more accessible city could attract fresh crowds, while also providing regional champions with the opportunity to showcase their talents on a bigger stage. Diversifying locations could ensure that the spotlight is on the athletes and the excitement of the competition, rather than being clouded by logistical concerns over a smaller venue.
Concerns About Representation and Exposure
One of the strongest arguments against Thunder Bay’s hosting is the question of adequate representation. While the community is undoubtedly supportive of curling, there are concerns that the location will limit the exposure of provincial and territorial champions. Larger cities, with more extensive media reach and better infrastructure, would provide a more prominent platform for athletes, ensuring that their hard-earned victories are highlighted in a way that a smaller, more isolated venue cannot. This is especially important as the Canadian Curling Association strives to increase the visibility of the sport and its athletes at a national level.
Volunteers and Community Support: Positive Signs Amidst Criticism
Despite the criticism, there are signs of strong local support for the event. The local organizing committee, led by Rick Lang, is optimistic that the experience will be a success. With over 60% of tickets already sold and a nearly sold-out championship weekend, there is clearly an enthusiastic local fanbase
. Volunteers are still being recruited, with registration closing soon
, suggesting that the community is ready to embrace the event. However, many question whether this enthusiasm alone will be enough to elevate the tournament to the level it deserves.
The Verdict: A Step Backward?
While the 2025 Scotties Tournament of Hearts will undoubtedly be a major event for Thunder Bay, the decision to host it there has drawn sharp criticism. The venue’s limitations, the missed opportunity to rotate the championship to new locations, and concerns about adequate representation for athletes suggest that the Canadian Curling Association’s choice may have missed the mark. With curling’s growing popularity, it may be time for a change that better reflects the sport’s future.
For more details on the event and how to get involved, visit Curling Canada’s official page.
