It may not be curling the way it’s played in the Olympics, but what’s being billed as the Pittsburgh area’s first “competitive, bar-style ice curling rink” is opening in Millvale.
Sliders Curling, a seasonal offshoot of popular axe-throwing business Lumberjaxes, is opening its rink on Nov. 27 and will operate all winter. The venue, located outside of Lumberjaxes, offers a more accessible version of the sport most Americans see only once every four years.
Curling, which originated in Scotland in the 16th century, involves sliding large, smooth granite “stones” across a sheet of ice toward a target. Players stand on the ice, with one team member throwing the stone while others sweep the ice to influence its trajectory.
At Sliders, players will compete in a version of the sport that doesn’t require special shoes. Individual competitors will take turns throwing their Olympic-style stones while standing on rubber mats, rather than walking on and sweeping the ice.
Purists may shudder, but Sliders’ curling sheet, which is smaller than an Olympic style curling sheet, will feature four lanes. Plus it’s outdoors, so guests are encouraged to bundle up.
“Through the success of our axe-throwing venues, we discovered that the people of Pittsburgh are really up for trying new, interactive entertainment,” Lumberjaxes founding partner Corey Deasy said in a news release. “So we figured, since we all have to deal with icy weather in the winter anyway, we might as well take advantage of it and introduce a new outdoor entertainment option that requires cold temperatures.”
Ice curling events, whether reserved or walk-in, cost $30 per person. Participants must be at least 12 years old. For more information call 412-408-2650 or go to axethrowingpgh.com.
