The PCCC event was made possible through strong partnerships among Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR), World Curling, USA Curling, Curl Mesabi Foundation and other local partners, volunteers and residents. U.S. Steel provided a generous sponsorship of $100,000 to help ensure the event’s success, reflecting the mining industry’s deep historical and modern-day connection to the region.

“I am very thankful to the local people, businesses and communities who worked very hard to welcome all of the athletes and spectators to our region. This was the first time the event was held in the United States, and Minnesota’s Iron Range was chosen as the host location. That’s a huge honor. The people and places of our region delivered an excellent experience and outstanding hospitality to nearly 40 teams from 25 nations and thousands of spectators over the eight days,” said IRRR Commissioner Ida Rukavina.

Over 725 local volunteers worked throughout the week with unity and community pride. Hundreds of local school children and curling fans attended the competitions, displaying the region’s rich history and enthusiasm for winter sports competition, whether that be hockey, skiing or curling.

Iron Range native and USA Curling Director of Coaching Phill Drobnick was a driving force behind the local organizing effort. He explained that hosting the PCCC clearly demonstrated that the Iron Range can host large scale, high profile events of all kinds. Drobnick was very pleased with last week’s event and noted the incredible economic opportunities for local businesses and tourism across the Iron Range.

Team Japan visited Greens on Foreteenth in Virginia for a round of mini golf. Team Puerto Rico dined at The Whistling Bird in Gilbert, and Team Canada enjoyed meals at Boomtown in Eveleth.

Steve and Tanya Carlson own Greens on Foreteenth. Steve said, “It was a pleasure to welcome curlers from around the world to the Iron Range. We were thrilled that many athletes enjoyed time in the great northern Minnesota outdoors at Greens on Foreteenth. The PCCC was a wonderful event at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center and Curl Mesabi, and the Iron Range was a wonderful host.”

The local restaurants, hotels and retailors welcomed teams and fans into their establishments, and USA Curling estimates the total economic impact to be around $2 million.

“The entire week displayed the very best of the Iron Range,” said Drobnick. “It was a proud moment in time that will have lasting impacts. I heard countless comments throughout the week about how welcome everyone felt, and how the people of our region are very hard-working and committed to community.”

Local Organizing Committee Chair Ardy Nurmi-Wilberg of Curl Mesabi Foundation said, “With teams, officials and staff from around the world staying in our lodging properties, eating at our restaurants and visiting our local businesses, the Iron Range got to meet the world. And the world got to meet the Iron Range with the games being broadcast live to China, Korea, Japan and available for streaming everywhere around the world.”

Representatives from World Curling and USA Curling praised the Iron Range’s hospitality, volunteer support and facilities—remarking that the Iron Trail Motors Event Center provided an excellent setting for a world-class curling event.