Pinty's Grand Slam of Curling event kicks off in Thunder Bay

Some of the biggest names in curling will be in Thunder Bay this week, to compete in the Pinty'sGrand Slam of Curling Tour Challenge.

The six-dayevent kicks off Tuesday night at the Thunder Bay Tournament Centre, and will feature world-class competition.

• Pinty's Grand Slam of Curling to stop in Thunder Bay

"You know, we're getting to see the Olympic gold medalists, the John Shuster rink will be here," said John Cameron, co-chair of the local organizing committee for the event.

"Everybody wants to see Brad Gushue, Brad Jacobs, Kevin Koe, Jennifer Jones. All the top names are here," he said, adding that players will alsobe coming from countries including Sweden, Scotland and Japan, "so it is a big international event for Thunder Bay."

One of the first players to take to the ice will be Thunder Bay's own Krista McCarville. Herteam will play against Edmonton in the opening draw on Tuesday night.

Cameron said a lot of work has gone into planning the Thunder Bay event, with the Port Arthur, Fort William and Kakabeka curling clubs working together to rally the 250 volunteers needed to help out over the six days.

Benefits for Thunder Bay

The event is expected to generate up to $2 million dollars in economic benefitsfor the city, he said, and will draw a significant number of visitors.

"It draws out of town fans, of course, that want to come in and see these world-class curlers. About 30 per cent of our tickets are from out of town."

Thunder Bay could also enjoy a profile-boost, he said, thanks to thea live national broadcast on Sportsnet. "So Thunder Bay will be showcased across the country, and even around the world, as a lot of games are also streamed internationally."

The event is sold out from Thursday night on, but some tickets are still available for round robin draws on Tuesday, Wednesday and early Thursday.

Attendees should note that parking is limited at the Tournament Centre, Cameronsaid. But once that lot is full, overflow parking will be available at the Loch LomondSki Area, and shuttles will be running from there to the event.