Kelowna’s curling connection: City prepares for a rock-solid Brier

[photo: Team BC]

The Cseke family is swept up in excitement as Kelowna gets ready to host the 2025 Montana’s Brier. For them, curling isn’t just a game—it’s a lifelong passion, played and celebrated across generations. From strategy talks over breakfast to late nights at the Kelowna Curling Club, the sport has always been at the heart of their family.

“My grandparents curled competitively, both my mom and dad curl competitively, my brother and I curled as juniors together — it’s definitely something that is in the family for sure,” explains Adam Cseke, the City’s development planning manager, adding he and his wife each try and get to the rink three times a week, admitting it’s not always possible with a toddler at home.

Adam’s brother Paul, a Curl BC staff member and Victoria Curling Club player, will serve as both coach and alternate for Team BC as they compete in the Brier from February 28 to March 9 at Prospera Place in Kelowna. He brings decades of experience in coaching, event organization, and high-level competition, including a BC junior title and three provincial silver medals.

“It’s an exciting time for Kelowna,” adds Adam. “The Brier has a lot of history and nostalgia for curling culture, there are top curlers in the country here competing for the title of Canada’s best.”

The 2025 Montana’s Brier will bring national attention to Kelowna, showcasing our city as a premier destination for major sporting events. It will generate significant economic benefits, boosting local businesses, hotels, and restaurants as fans and teams from across Canada arrive to take in the action. According to Tourism Kelowna, the 10-day event will bring in an estimated $10 to $15 million in economic impact. 

It’s hoped the event will also inspire the next generation of curlers, creating excitement and opportunities for community engagement in the sport. Most importantly, it will unite residents and visitors in a shared celebration of curling, bringing energy and vibrancy to the city while reinforcing Kelowna’s reputation as an “eventful city.”

Chris Babcock, the City’s event development manager, says the City works strategically with community partners to attract high-profile events like the Brier that bring economic benefits, enhance quality of life, and help shape our identity.

“Competing with cities across Canada and sometimes internationally, Kelowna recognizes that successful event hosting requires more than just providing venues,” he explains. “Since 2022, our Kelowna Event Strategy has guided a proactive approach to securing and supporting events that align with community priorities, animate public spaces, and contribute to a vibrant city.”

Developed in collaboration with industry professionals, community stakeholders, and public input, the Kelowna Event Strategy strengthens relationships with partners who are invested in our city. By working together, Chris says we continue to unlock new opportunities and build Kelowna into a premier event destination—one that enhances our community and brings people together, no matter what their game is.

Tickets for the Brier are still available on the Curling Canada website.