In early April, The Curling Group announced that The Grand Slam of Curling is going to have its first event outside of the Canadian border. This is exciting news for the growth of the sport and even more exciting for such a high profile event. Historically, The Grand Slam of Curling (GSOC) has always been a Canadian event. And rightly so as it brings the best in curling together into the country in which curling is strongest. But, if you want something to grow, you have to set it free. In order for the fan base to evolve and to increase exposure to curling, you have to try new and sometimes unexpected locations. So, here is the 2025-2026 GSOC SCHEDULE:
WFG Masters – London, ON, Canada | Sept 23–28
HearingLife Tour Challenge – Nisku, AB, Canada | Oct 14–19
KIOTI GSOC Tahoe – Lake Tahoe, NV, USA | Nov 4–9
Co-op Canadian Open – Saskatoon, SK, Canada| Dec 16–21
AMJ Players’ Championship – Steinbach, MB, Canada | Jan 6–11
Wait, hold on, didn't one of those say Lake Tahoe, NV? NV as in Nevada? As in Nevada, U-S-A? One would think that is a genius move as many believe that the exponential global growth of curling is somewhat dependent on the success of curling in the United States. That is true if you are looking for a country that could be capable of having the breadth and scope of teams and talent that could rival a curling giant like Canada. But, surprisingly, this idea is not being unanimously welcomed with open arms. Soon after the announcement, there seemed to be a social media uproar about such an endeavor. There are many who are outspoken about this idea. Those at odds say they will be boycotting the Nevada event of the Grand Slam tour and feel it should go anywhere but in the United States.
Okay, so maybe the current political climate isn’t to your liking. Sure, there are things that Canada and the United States do not agree on right now. This doesn’t change the fact that curling needs to grow and needs to do so in the most strategic way possible. This is a genius move by The Curling Group, regardless of the come-what-may politics. Ultimately, it really comes down to one main question: do you want curling to grow or not? There are some who feel that the growth of curling in the United States is somewhat important to the growth of curling worldwide. Actually, it's A LOT of people who think that way. In fact, in order for curling to grow exponentially worldwide, the growth, commitment, development, exposure, and funding that could come through US curling is quite critical to the growth and popularity of the sport. From a spectator’s perspective, it comes down to where one's passion lies, politics or curling. But for those who think The Slam will fail in Nevada because a few Canadians plan to boycott it, well, don't underestimate the US fan base. After all, the All-Star Game in Nashville was well attended and there were many who traveled great distances to see such a unique event in the history of curling. The Grand Slam in Nevada is no different and just as historic.
If The Grand Slam of Curling would have attempted an event in the United States a few years ago it would have been welcomed with open arms on both sides. The fact that this seems to be coming at odds with current personal political viewpoints is very concerning in that this will only aid in the ultimate goal of helping curling continue to grow. With curling being an international and Olympic sport, it is always going to be entering differing political climates and beliefs. One of the great things about this sport is the camaraderie and respect between opposing teams regardless of race, gender, age, language, or beliefs. Let us not ever lose the true spirit of curling.Sep 7, 2025 
The Curling NewsIn order for curling to grow, grow its fan base and grow its athletic pool, especially in the United States, two things are required. Those two things are aspirations and accessibility.
The first is Aspirations. Specifically, Aspirations in the manner of the prospects and potential to be a paid professional. This is the allure of so many fans of baseball, football, basketball and many other sports that have that professional side. Is it a rare shot for most? Yes. But that’s the point. It’s something to strive for and dream. Coming April of 2026, due to efforts of The Curling Group, such aspirations will become a reality with the formation of The Rock League.
Now that aspirations are on the horizon, the next point that is needed for exponential growth is Accessibility. Accessibility, from an inclusion standpoint, is one of the most enjoyable things about the sport of curling. It doesn't matter if you are just getting into it or a long time player. It doesn't matter your age, gender, or capability level. There is a way to get involved and play this amazing sport. Whether it be standard, stick, or wheelchair, this sport is open to all. Because of the various formats and the adjustable balance between athleticism and mental skills, there is a way to include everyone. Not to mention the sport’s various formats that allow for multiple levels of participation. From four-person men’s, women’s, or mixed teams to mixed doubles or triples to formats that combine various aspects of each, there are many ways to build a team and compete.
There is however, one thing in accessibility that curling is truly lacking and that is instant access. This is the idea in that anyone, in the moment, in which they suddenly “feel like” going curling, can just go. The draw of some of the most widespread sports is the ability for anyone to become involved in a moment. Many of these simply require you to grab a ball and maybe some minimal equipment, of which most people own in their household, and you are there. But unlike these, you can’t just go in the backyard and toss about the curling stone (please don’t try).
Other sports, like curling, require a specialized court or facility. This, of course, leads to usage and/or rental fees. For the most part it is nominal and many people are fine with paying $10, $20, $30 of a "one time occurrence" even if that occurrence happens two to three times a month. At this point, it simply comes down to ease of access to a facility. For example, ice skating and hockey have just under 2000 dedicated facilities nationwide. Bowling has slightly over 3000. Golf, if you count all the courses, driving ranges, and putt-putt, has almost 18,000! Most of these are “walk-in” facilities in which no reservation or prior commitment is required. Year round in the US, if you suddenly feel like going bowling or hitting some golf balls you can just go, be involved, and experience the sport, and it can be as simple as a non-competitive leisure activity.
Unfortunately, when it comes to curling, a bit more is involved. In most clubs, due to limited facilities with limited space, some sort of reservation is required and many times that reservation is at least one week in advance. Usually one’s first experience at a curling club is via an open house or learn-to-curl, but once you have done that and you want to keep curling, it is time to join the club and be part of a league in which you are now playing on a regular basis. Honestly, if you love curling and have easy access to the club, the comparative annual cost is usually of great value. But if you ask someone who just “liked” and didn’t “love” curling (yes, hard to believe) to contribute $300+ for access the whole year, that's too big of a commitment. But one can empathize with that as not only have you paid the money upfront but now you are committing to a scheduled time and place in which other people are depending on you to be there for this to happen. STRESS!
But here's the real issue. There are less than 200 dedicated curling ice facilities in the United States. So not only do you have to make a season long commitment, you may find yourself traveling a decent distance.
Okay, don’t misunderstand. This is not trying to discourage anyone from doing what it takes if they find curling to be their passion. However, for most people, curling needs to be more easily accessible. In regards to keeping the game more engaging, ideas around trimming down certain aspects to save time and finding new ways to make it more entertaining are necessary and are being tested. However, this is more from a viewership perspective and less of a participation engagement which will be required to grow the field of competitive athletes. One must also understand the challenges around cost and the idea that maybe clubs should be charging more. But what if a new approach were to be taken? Most clubs have annual dues if you wish to participate on a regular basis. For some, it's like buying the gym membership you never go to. Other sports mentioned in comparison, like bowling and golfing (in its various aspects), in which the genius here with these and similar sports is if someone suddenly feels like they want to go bowling or ice skating or hit some golf balls, all one has to do is go and the cost is minimal. Of course, understand that if someone wants to put in the time and effort to become "good" that this way of paying day by day would be expensive and they should probably join a league. But that's the beauty of this for the club or facility as they should be able to generate additional revenue on those who want to try the sport once in a while on impulse. There needs to be testing of business models in which a curling club has "open sessions" in which curling could be experienced at leisure. This way, a club could find income as they currently do but could also have sessions with individual time slot fees and rentals of brooms and shoes, as well as food and drinks at the bar.
Think about how much fun it would be to take friends who don't understand how curling is a sport and lay down a few lessons. Ultimately, for this to be feasible, the need for more clubs with more sheets and more open hours and staff will be required. Overall, it is a matter of investment. Keep in mind, the continued draw will need to be more than just curling. If one considers the model of The Tee Line in Nashville or any Top Golf location, it has to be made into an experience. Curling must be the focus, but food, beverages, other activities, and the ability to just hang out with friends is critical to sustained success. Being curling is already a highly social sport on which comradery between teams is high, there is no reason this cannot be possible.Sep 7, 2025 The Curling News 
