Windy City Curling Center to Host First Bonspiel in July with Olympic Gold Medalist Tyler George
OAK BROOK, IL — DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB) Executive Director Beth Marchetti joined State Senator Tom Cullerton, DuPage County Board Representative Sheila Rutledge, Villa Park President Albert Bulthuis, and Windy City Curling Center founder Matt Galas to celebrate the official opening of the facility in Villa Park, IL on June 20, 2019. The Windy City Curling Club is comprised of nearly 100 members. While the Club has been active since 2014, the Center is the first dedicated venue for the Club and the only curling center of its kind in DuPage County.
Pictured from L to R: Nick Cuzzone, Villa Park Trustee; Beth Marchetti, DuPage CVB Executive Director; Sheila Rutledge, DuPage County Board Representative; State Senator Tom Cullerton; Scott Maples; Brian Stoiber, Windy City Curling Club President; Christina D’Arco & Anthony D’Arco; Matt Galas; Villa Park Village President Albert Bulthuis; David Cilella, Villa Park Trustee; Bob Wagner, Villa Park Trustee; Christine Murphy, Villa Park Trustee.
The DuPage Sports Commission, launched earlier this year by the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau, is working to advance sports across the County and provide the best experience to athletes, coaches, and spectators.
“Investing in sports tourism, one of the fastest growing sectors in the travel industry, is a key initiative of the DuPage CVB’s master plan for the future,” said Marchetti. “On behalf of our Board of Directors and our entire team, congratulations to all involved in making the Windy City Curling Center a reality for DuPage residents and visiting teams.”
Founding member Matt Galas expressed his enthusiasm and appreciation for all involved, stating: “We appreciate the tremendous support from Villa Park and the DuPage Sports Commission. It’s a true reflection of the vision for this new Center which is ‘It’s more than curling; it’s community.’”
The first bonspiel, the official term for a curling tournament, will take place at the Windy City Curling Center July 18-21, 2019. Tyler George, who won a gold medal at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Gangneung, South Korea will attend the bonspiel to support the participating 32 teams from around the country. Retired as of May 2018, George was a member of Minnesota’s Team Shuster since the 2014-15 season during which time he supported its three national championship titles and bronze at the 2016 World Men’s Championship prior to USA’s run to the top of the podium.
“I am thrilled to be visiting Windy City Curling Center this July, especially being located so close to Chicago,” said George. “Curlers in the region, and throughout the country, will be excited to hear that the Windy City Curling Club is advancing the sport in the area with this facility and introducing the sport to more people.”
The Windy City Curling Center includes three curling sheets, locker rooms, and beverage services. The Center and Club offer league play, public learn-to-curl events, and corporate outings.