It won't be long until the 2017 Viterra Men's Provincial Curling Championship is here in Portage la Prairie.

Promotions Chair Jared Munro gives an update on how things are going.

"On the curling front, 28 of the 32 teams have already been decided. So there's one from the Brandon Bonspiel, and three from the Manitoba Open that will fill out the field. On the volunteer side, we have 320 signed up. That's great news, an overwhelming response again and we're good shape on volunteer side."

Munro says it won't take long for the ice to be switched from the hockey surface to a five sheet curling rink, as they'll start the Friday before competition and have it ready for Practice during the week.

"Sales are good," says Munro. "I don't have numbers yet for full event passes that were on sale, but there was some interest late in 2016 and early again this year. So we're plugging along there, everything is available at the PCU Centre or through the PRRA's website."

He adds it's a real young field coming in, but it will make for some exciting games and good shot making.

"Manitoba Men's Provincial Junior Champion has qualified along with a number of good local teams. We've got Randy Neufeld from La Salle qualify, so Portager's Dean Moxham and Dale Michie are on that team, so it's nice to see them in. Plus some other familiar names like Mike McEwen, Reid Carruthers, and Willie Lyburn as well."

There's a volunteer night coming up January 26th. Volunteers will be getting a little bit of an orientation, their tickets, as well as apparel for the event.