Curling fans from across Canada have descended upon Winnipeg for The Roar of the Rings and there is one place where they can all go to unwind after the matches. The Patch at the Convention Centre always draws crowds and colourful characters.
“We decided we would dress up every night with that so, we've had different hats,” said Ruth Epping.
The mother of Ontario skip John Epping came from Peterborough to cheer on her son.
“Whenever my son is playing, we’re the Epping team,” she said.
They're not the only out-of-towners. Hardcore fans travel from across Canada, like pat smith from Halifax.
"We've been to every Olympic trials since it started,” she said. “Yes, covered them all - Regina, Halifax, Winnipeg."
A veteran of the Patch, she has one point to hammer home in Winnipeg."I just wish there were more directions. We had to ask a whole lot of people, ‘How do you get to the...Patch?’"
Once you find the Patch, you'll see family fun during the day. Fans dress up in old curling uniforms, ask their favourite curlers a question, or try their hand at street curling.
It helps build the buzz, inside the arena.
"I get to watch all the curling,” said Keeley Oshanyk, who was curling with her father.“And I get to see people that I like that curl.”
"Hopefully she'll have a good time and watch the women play,” said Sheodon Oshanyk.“It's been a pretty close game."
After the games, a different crowd comes in. No minors are allowed in after 8:00 p.m.
Fans can enjoy food like pe rogies, drink beer, and listen to live music. "Oh it's great, we're having a good time!” said Sherry Bulmer.
The Patch opens at 11:00 a.m. each tournament day. Roar of the Rings wraps up Sunday, Dec. 8.
- With a report by Meghan Roberts
