New curling challenge in the rough

Team Koe celebrates their win at last year’s Astec Safety Challenge, hosted at the LGCC. Source File Photo

Fresh news about the next Astec Safety Challenge for elite curlers in 2025 proves the golf season won’t last forever.

The second edition of the event with more details to follow, will build on the success of what was one of the most successful World Curling Tour events on the 2023-2024 circuit from all accounts.

It will take place from Jan. 8 to 11 at the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre.

The 2025 Astec Safety Challenge will be presented by Wild Rows Pump and Compression with a huge $125,000 purse and championship trophy at stake involving 24 teams in a triple knockout format.

Astec is hitching its promotional wagon to a new Team Jacobs rink with Brad Jacobs from Manitoba replacing skip Brendan Bottcher who left his team.

“Thanks to our partnership with Team Jacobs and last year’s event won by Team Koe who will be back to defend their title, we are seeing plenty of interest from the top men’s curling teams and our corporate partners in coming together to put on an outstanding show for Lloydminster and curling fans around the world,” said event chair Caitlin Mulligan at Astec.

While curling will be the main attraction, Astec promises there will be something for everyone with the third annual junior curling development session hosted by Team Jacobs with many of the professional curling team players.

“Team Jacobs is proud to be a part of it and we look forward to welcoming the best curling teams in the world back to Lloydminster, where the hospitality is second to none,” said Marc Kennedy, who plays third on the team.

Once again, there will be a memorable kickoff event on Jan. 7 with more details to come now that team registration is open.

“The best field of the season is queuing up for the Astec Safety Challenge as we see many teams charting their path to the 2026 Olympic Games and major 2025 Grand Slam of Curling events,” said Mulligan.

Stay tuned for more announcements later this month with an advertising and corporate sponsorship drive already underway.

“If you would like a corporate partner package or someone from the organizing committee to reach out to your company, please contact us no later than July 31,” said Mulligan.

Information concerning exciting volunteer opportunities and ticket packages will be released as details are finalized later this year.

For more information, contact Mulligan by phone at 780-871-2795 or by emailing cmulligan@astecsafety.com.