The Whole City Is Invited: DECC Opens Its Doors for Duluth’s Olympic Heroes

The Winter Olympics have handed out all the medals, and many of the athletes are already looking ahead to the next chance at gold. For Duluth, that future may include a couple of hometown heroes.

Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin arrived back in Duluth earlier this week after winning the silver medal in mixed curling doubles in Milan, Italy. The pair is the most successful duo in U.S. Curling history, and everyone is invited to welcome them home Friday night at the DECC.

READ MORE: A Minnesota Vikings – Kirk Cousins Reunion Now Looks Even More Likely

Known as "Fire and Ice," Dropkin brings the fire with his high energy and fierce sweeping, while Thiesse earns the Ice with her calm, cool personality and her ability to stop opponents cold with unbelievable shots. Thiesse is also the first American woman curler to win an Olympic medal.

Get our free mobile app

How to Attend Friday's Homecoming Celebration in Duluth

The public is invited to welcome the pair home on Friday night from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Harbor Side Ballroom at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, just down the hall from where the pair competes and trains at the Duluth Curling Club, also within the DECC complex.

Doors open at 5 p.m., and the DECC says a cash bar will be available for guests. The event is free, and guests are encouraged to enter via the skywalk or Door A.

Parking Tips Before You Go

The DECC is charging a $10 parking fee, but cheaper or free options are available this time of year. If you are willing to walk a little, the weather looks good on Friday, so consider skipping the ramp and saving a few dollars.