With the United States curling team having taken home a gold medal that same year, more and more local people took interest in the sport it seems. With such demand, coordinators at the arena have continued expanding the games to allow the opportunity to members of the community.

Executive Director Keith Martin stated that the team was hoping to fill more ice time initially, bringing more activities to the space that more community members of the area can enjoy. Martin noted that the price was one of the largest challenges to tackle when coordinating the event, as the curling stones are typically made from Scottish granite. Martin noted that Craig Hinderleider, Director of Operations, was a key component in researching how the group could create curling stones at a lower price. Hinderleider would eventually be connected with Rex McCray, from Weber Knapp Co. McCray offered to take a look at the prototype that Hinderleider had developed, and try to see if there were any potential improvements that could be made. McCray would build a second prototype that would go on to be the stones that are still used by the leagues.

Martin stated that the first year of the league saw 40 teams, far beyond the anticipated goal of 14. Currently, Martin stated that this number has grown to 104 teams that participate each week, which include adult and special Olympic unified leagues. This event alone brings about 400 people together each week that come together to celebrate in the downtown community.

Martin also noted slight modifications that have been made to allow the inclusion of more teams and more inclusion. Martin noted that a typical curling house is about 140 feet, but that the modified games play cross ice which is about 40 to 45 feet. Additionally, the scoring is slightly modified as well. Martin stated that in traditional curling the team closest to the center of the button gets one point. In the arena leagues, various circles offer differing amounts of points, with the points tallied at the end. Martin also noted that training is available for those that would like to learn the various techniques, but that sticks can be used in the league if somebody does not know the proper curling side technique. This also makes the game more available for all those in the community, even if they cannot squat to push the stone.

Martin stated that anybody interested in signing up for the league can contact keith.martin@northwestarena.com or call 716-484-2624. While a season is currently active, Martin stated that another will begin March 9.