Editor’s note: “Sweeping Palaces” is a new U.S. Curling News feature profiling member clubs across the country. We hope that these profiles will help readers learn more about their fellow curlers and curling clubs in the United States, and that they may also further the sharing of ideas between clubs.
Who: Capital Curling Club
Address: P.O. Box 2453, Bismarck, ND 58501
Web site: www.capitalcurlingclub.org
Club phone: 701-221-6816
Club contact: Roger Smith, club president
History: The club was formed in 1982 by 20 former curlers. The club’s first facility was a warehouse with a warming room. After a successful fund drive, a new facility was built in the mid 1980s. The club’s successful growth has allowed it to play host to several national championships including the 1993 National Mixed Curling Championships, the 1998 Men’s and Women’s National Curling Championships, and the 2002 Ford World Curling Championships.
Number of sheets of ice: 4
Number of members: Approximately 220 regular league members
How often can members curl? “Making room for new members has given a lot of curlers the opportunity to skip new teams,” Smith said. “So far curlers who played twice a week will continue to curl that often. New members who want to curl more than once will find it difficult as all leagues are full. Sunday afternoon open curling will soon have to be reserved as all sheets are generally full.”
Types of programs: The club does not offer traditional men’s and women’s leagues. Instead they have “competitive,” “less competitive” and “beginners” leagues. “Not having traditional men’s/women’s leagues has not had any negative impacts, only positive impact,” Smith said. “We are trying to start a mixed league on Sunday nights, the only remaining evening time slot. We have a Little Rocks program on Saturday mornings and expect 50-60 kids. But if it is anything like what has been happening it could turn into 100 kids.” An afternoon junior league will begin in December and will likely have eight teams. The club also has a stick league designed for seniors.
What is unique about your club? “We are housed in a city Parks and Rec. facility giving us a lot of exposure. Being on the Parks and Rec. fall schedule legitimizes the sport. We had a definite advantage this year, having hosted the 2002 Worlds.”
Community involvement: The club runs a brat stand at a city summer art festival for a fund-raiser; have been invited to schools to talk to physical education students about curling during “Life Time Sports Emphasis Week;” and all senior physical education students spend two weeks on the ice as part of their curriculum.