Continental Cup of Curling heading back to Sin City in 2016

"What happened in Vegas is coming back to Vegas."

That's the clever line adorning a banner heralding the return of curling to Las Vegas in 2016.

The Canadian Curling Association announced, today, that next year's Continental Cup of Curling will be contested at the Orleans arena, which is adjacent to the Orleans Hotel and Casino. It's the same venue that played host to the event in 2014.

The announcement was made in the midst of this year's Continental Cup, which is being played out between Team Canada and Team Europe, at Calgary's Olympic Park.

Nothing wrong with holding it in one of the sport's hotbeds, for sure. But, the news that the Cup will be reurning to Vegas will be very much welcome news for many, who like the idea of combining their love for the sport with a trip to 'Disneyland For Adults.'

It's an odd marriage (hey, Vegas is known for odd marriages isn't it?) on the surface. It's also a marriage that worked exceptionally well last year. According to the Canadian Curling Association, more than 51,000 fans clicked the turnstiles at Orleans Arena during the four-day competition. It looked good on television, and we're not just talking about the leggy showgirls and beefy showboys that regularly led teams out onto the ice before draws. The stands were well populated.

How does that happen? How do you get good crowds for curling in a desert show town, where casinos and star-studded concerts rule the roost?

Well, there were some curious folk who poked their heads into the arena to see what the hell was going on, sure.

But, it's easy math, really. The place was filled with curling fans from across Canada and the northern States who loved the idea of combining one of their favourite sports with a Vegas vacation. Legions and legions of snowbirds made their way to the strip to see the games and the shows.

“After what took place in 2014 in Las Vegas, we knew we had to bring this event back as soon as possible,” said the CCA's CEO, Greg Stremlaw, in a media release.

The CCA had... um... gambled on the idea in 2014, with some wondering if it might not end up being an embarrassing black eye for the sport. The opposite scenario played out, however, and well before Team North America had defeated Team World in last year's competition, you just knew the sticks and stones set would be heading back to provide its fans with their own "Hangover Part 2" kind of curling adventure.

The players, of course, loved being there, too, and you know they must have all raised their hands and shouted "yes, please," when the idea was brought to them again.

Curling in Vegas. We should really investigate using the getaway destination for more Canadian events.

Las Vegas Brier or Scotties, anyone? Las Vegas Grey Cup, anyone?