On hand to be a part of Tuesday's announcement that the Grand Slam of Curling will be held at the Southeast Event Centre were curling royalty, Jennifer Jones and Reid Carruthers, both of whom were over the moon that the event was coming to Steinbach.
"We're so excited to come to Manitoba," Jones said with a big smile. "It's been a few years since the Grand Slam has come to Manitoba. It's going to bring International curlers, we get to show off this beautiful Events Centre, which is jaw dropping, it's so impressive. We're so excited to come and showcase what southeastern Manitoba is all about."
Curling has always been a sport loved by many in our area, a fact that Jones is well aware of. "It means so much, especially to Canadian curlers. This is where so many of the curling fans are from, we get to connect with them, talk with them and thank them for cheering and supporting and helping grow curling for so many years."
Watching curling on TV is one thing, but Jones says getting to see what goes on around the games in person is going to be a whole new level. "There really is nothing like the Players Championship. You're getting the 12 best men's and 12 best women's teams from around the world. As an added bonus, it's the last event before the Olympics. You're going to have all the Olympic teams that will come and play with their goal of training for the Olympics. This will be the best curling you're ever going to see. The players love it, they'll be interacting with the fans, they'll say hello and sign autographs. You don't get that watching on TV."
Carruthers also couldn't be more thrilled that this event is back in Manitoba. "Honestly, I'm pumped. 24 of the best curling teams in the world, all here one month before the Olympics, what more could a curler ask for? Being from Manitoba, close to home, saves some travel expenses and it's about time we had an event back in Manitoba. Steinbach is great, I think we're going to have great crowds. I'm so excited for Steinbach and Manitoba to showcase why we're such a great curling community. With great crowds, great product, national and world exposure for Steinbach, it's all very exciting."
Like Jones, Carruthers believes that watching games live will be special for everyone that comes to enjoy. "I'd ask people and they'd always say that it's a lot more fun in person. People who are coming, filling the seats, you're really in for a blast. Normally on TV you get to watch one game, why not come down and watch four with the best curling in the world? It's not just about the curling, either, the setup at the Grand Slam is great. There's an after party, we have karaoke and that's a lot of fun, it's such a great time.
Having played all over the world, Carruthers says that when a community really invests in an event, it brings out the best in the curlers themselves. "It's the best, as a curler, there is nothing better than fans in the stands, whether they are cheering for you or against you. As an example, at Kelowna at the Brier, we were playing BC in the first game, I was in the hack about to shoot and I had someone say, 'come on, Carruthers, we need a couple points here.' There is nothing cooler than that as an athlete, to have that interaction, whether it's walking down the street, cheering for or against me, we love it all."
@steinbach_online Manitoban curler #ReidCarruthers is excited to see the Grand Slam of Curling come to Steinbach in 2026! #Curling #SoutheastEventCentre ♬ original sound - SteinbachOnline
Carruthers go-to karaoke song? "It would have to be something Foo Fighters", the bearded wonder says with a smile. "Got to have some rock, for sure."
Jones agrees, the crowd and the noise make an event special. "I've played at home when I've been the fan favorite and I've been on the road when I'm not, all you want is a loud arena. Whether they're cheering or not, you want them engaged. I know people will come out, it's a curling based community, they're going to appreciate the talent and they'll love the talent."
Standing in the Southeast Event Centre, a buzz in the air, Jones says she can already feel how much this community is going to love welcoming many people in January of 2026. "I'm just so proud," she says beaming. "I can't get that across enough. When I found out it was Steinbach hosting, I was so proud. Women have only played in one other Grand Slam Series and in Manitoba, it's been over 10 years. To bring it back, to show people Manitoba hospitality, I'm very excited to show people what it's all about. I can't stop smiling."
Early bird ticket packages are on sale SEC Events - Southeast Event Centre
@steinbach_online #JenniferJones shares her thoughts on the Grand Slam of Curling coming to the Southeast Events Centre in January 2026! #Curling #SEC ♬ original sound - SteinbachOnline