Event organizers hoping for best as crowds flock to NDCC Arena, Curling Club
By Nelson Daily Staff
Anyone who’s been in downtown Vancouver on a night when the Canucks and Lions are both in action knows what it’s like to find a parking spot.
People in Nelson may get a chance to experience its own gridlock this weekend as people flock to the NDCC Arena area to take in Kootenay International Junior Hockey League action and play at the 2016 Canadian Direct Insurance BC Men’s Curling Championships.
Add into the equation Glacier Gym Club is hosting a meet at the Civic Centre facility Saturday and the fact Sportsnet is bringing in television equipment that’s occupying the lion’s share of parking lot outside the curling club to telecast Sunday’s curling semi final and final.
“We want people to be aware that if they’re coming to watch curling, there’s also a hockey game on at the same time . . . both Saturday and Sunday,” said the chairperson of the local organization committee for the 2016 Canadian Direct Insurance BC Men’s Curling Championships, Brent Pihowich.
To help, Pihowich said the city has offered up parking across Front Street near the YRB lot next to the Chahko Mika Mall.
Pihowich said the 2016 Canadian Direct Insurance BC Men’s Curling Championships, held at the Nelson Curling Club, has three draws Saturday, with the final one of the day starting at the same time as the KIJHL contest between Nelson Leafs and Castlegar Rebels.
Sunday, the 2016 Canadian Direct Insurance BC Men’s Curling semi final is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. with the final going at 4 p.m.
Meanwhile, across the parking lot in the NDCC Arena, the Leafs host Spokane Braves beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Pihowich, very pleased with the ticket traffic at the Canadian Direct Insurance event, is is advising the public, no matter which sport their attending, to be responsible when parking and respect the residents surrounding the NDCC facility.
