Curling Club of Rochester leads plans for new facility

Curling Club of Rochester (CCR) CCR is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization managed by a diverse group of community volunteers. The organization is looking to partner to transition to a six-sheet dedicated curling facility. The space would be built and maintained by the CCR. With a dedicated facility, CCR will be able to develop and grow both Adult and Youth Curling Programs.

Mission Statement: “The Curling Club of Rochester strives to foster the growth and enjoyment of the sport of curling for individuals of all ages and skill levels. We are committed to creating a vibrant and welcoming community where members can gather, learn, and compete in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.”

Curling facts of interest - 1998 Olympic Debut, USA Curling has experienced steady growth over the past 26 years. Since 2011, seventeen new dedicated curling facilities featuring 70 sheets of curling ice opened around the country to help meet the growing demand for the sport. This has outpaced infrastructure growth in all of the other 50+ nations that are active members of the World Curling Federation. In 2023, USA Curling reported over 23,500 members across over 200 curling clubs in the country. C

Data from the National Governing Body of the sport shows: 60%+ of curling clubs in the US draw members from population centers of <=100,000; Communities of <=100,000 support dedicated clubs ranging in size from 2‐8 sheets; More curling clubs are found in communities drawing from populations of 10,001‐20,000 than any other range. 2023 Olmsted County population: ~165,000 residents. Recommendation: a six‐sheet curling facility in Rochester, MN.

Why build a curling facility now? A curling facility will: 1. Foster Social Interaction 2. Encourage Fitness 3. Provide Economic Boost 4. Fuel Social Equity & Inclusivity 5. Make Youth Active.

Economic impact data: USA Curling tournaments will bring to the community many benefits; Hotels/Motels: 25 to 100 rooms per night. Added business to local bars and restaurants. Retail - gasoline / clothing / accessories / grocery / other amusement and recreation will see increased use along with transit and ground passenger transportation and more. Additional marketing of the city as well as media attention. Due to the Curling Club’s location and unique relationship with USA Curling, the organization has already guaranteed to host such events with a six-sheet facility.

Summary of what a curling-specific facility will do: Foster and strengthen social connections and community engagement; Provide a welcoming space that delivers physical and mental health benefits to all different people within our community; Stimulate local businesses and drive tourism; Provide opportunities for youth to learn valuable life lessons and build skills; Expand social circles and provide a venue for popular teambuilding events

This document is designed to provide an overview of the plan developed by the Curling Club of Rochester to expand the opportunities for the residents of Rochester Minnesota, to participate in the lifelong, winter sport of curling.