Introducing a New Era in Curling
Fans in costume, spectacular pyrotechnics, and pounding walk-on music are not typically associated with curling. However, a new professional competition aims to transform the sport's traditional image.
Rock League, set to begin in Canada on Monday, seeks to infuse curling with the energy of professional wrestling and the vibrant atmosphere of darts.
Among the 60 male and female athletes participating are Scottish curlers, who are integral to this innovative format. The pilot project has high hopes of evolving into a fully established league next year.
The launch follows the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, where interest in curling surged due to controversial moments in the men's and women's tournaments.
Team GB's men's team, composed entirely of Scottish athletes, secured silver in the final, while the mixed doubles team of Jennifer Dodds and Bruce Mouat reached the bronze medal match.
Energy and Entertainment at the Forefront
Nic Sulsky, founder of Rock League, expressed optimism that the competition would build on the Olympic-driven popularity spike.
Speaking on BBC's Radio Scotland Breakfast programme, Sulsky emphasized that the "energy" off the rink is as crucial as the on-ice drama.
"One of the things that really drives sports fans to loving sports and loving the athletes is their desire to have fun," Sulsky said.
"But what has held curling down to a certain degree is that it has suffered a little from the stereotype of being quiet and being tame.
"A sport like darts, there's a real fun and energy where people show up in costumes.
"You look at other properties like wrestling and WWE is one that really puts a highlight on telling stories of who those incredible entertainers are, whether that is walk-ups and music.
"It's those types of things that help emphasise the excitement and the fun of the sport."
Scottish Players Prominent in the Pilot
Five of the six franchises participating in the pilot competition at the historic Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto from 6-12 April include Scottish players.
Bruce Mouat will captain Northern United, joined by Jennifer Dodds and former junior rink member Robin Brydone.
Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead serves as general manager of the Alpine Curling Club, with Hammy McMillan Jr among her players.
Grant Hardie, Ross Whyte, and Bobby Lammie represent Frontier Curling Club, Maple United, and Typhoon Curling Club, respectively.
The winning team will share a $250,000 (£189,000) prize pot.
Innovative Match Format and Fan Engagement
Each team consists of five men’s and five women’s players.
Two teams will compete simultaneously across three rinks in men’s fours, women’s fours, and mixed pairs.
The customary fourth rink will not be used for play but will instead be converted into a VIP bar, allowing fans to experience the action up close.
Fan Culture and Atmosphere
Hammy McMillan shared with The Saturday Show that some fans have already attempted to bring the lively atmosphere of the Darts World Championship at the Alexandra Palace to curling events.
Some fans have dressed as bananas to represent the "peel"—a shot designed to knock an opponent’s stone out of the way.
Others celebrate the "draw," a shot where the rock is thrown to remain in play, by dressing up as crayons.
"We do really hope the Rock League kicks off," McMillan said.
"The owners of the league see it a bit like darts, they are encouraging fans to dress up in costumes.
"I think we are going to see some cool, inventive things from the fans."
Modernizing Curling to Attract New Fans
Curling joins other sports in introducing revamped, condensed formats to attract a younger audience.
Cricket’s The Hundred, a limited-overs variant of Twenty20, has gained popularity since its 2021 launch.
Logan Gray, curling commentator and former player, acknowledged that the new format might unsettle some traditional fans but emphasized its potential to sustain interest beyond the four-year Olympic cycle.
"Every four years, there is curling on the telly.
"The public gets to know the players, they work the game out as it goes along.
"But it only happens every four years, you don't have the time every weekend to invest in that and go on that journey.
"This is something that is short, sharp, more exciting."
Gray also highlighted the challenges faced by curling facilities worldwide, particularly regarding utility costs.
"Across the world, there's facilities out there that are struggling, especially with utilities issues.
"We need to try something different to get new people in the door and to keep the sport affordable."
