Curl the Zoo

Live Nationals scoring now available

Eric — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:04:07 +0000

The scores from the U.S. Nationals are been updated LIVE at the USA Curling Nationals website. You can find them by following this link.

Of course, this is no substitute for coming to see us live, but it’s the next best thing. :-)

Day one is a wrap….

Jason — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:57:50 +0000

Hanging out in Bell’s Broom closet at the close of day one… listening to Rock and Roll and hanging out with Team Farbelow!

Here are today’s results…

WOMEN’S DRAW – D1
Horn 2 Lank 16
Coleman 2 Hamilton 11
Walker 7 Wapola 10
Brown 8 Heisler 7
Hambley 2 Wright 14

MEN’S DRAW – D2
Wight 3 Brown 10
Farbelow 5 Kakela 6
Birr 3 Hames 9
Johnson 5 Morton 4
Stevens 4 Fenson 9

Opening Ceremonies in the News

Jason — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:36:54 +0000

Here’s a story from the Kalamazoo Gazette, which highlights some folks who will be highlighted themselves in the opening ceremonies today.

Opening ceremonies start in less than an hour… time to get out here… and watch some good curling!

ON THE ICE!!

Jason — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:17:57 +0000

Opening day of the 2010 US Curling National Championships is less than 24 hours away, and the Kalamazoo Curling Club is testing out the Nationals ice… the ice is “fast.” The ice is “cold.” It is “stupendous.” Chip says “thumbs up.” Kent says the ice is “fantastic.” Tom says the ice is “sweet.” Ben says the ice is “awesome.”

It’s official!

Jason — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:28:47 +0000

The Kalamazoo Gazette just keeps the hits coming… Today’s paper features an article focused on the good people who have volunteered their time to help with the officiating at the Nationals.

Guide to the Nationals

Jason — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:09:44 +0000

People have been asking about specifics… who’s playing when, etc… The USCA has posted the complete schedule [Microsof Excel file] on their web site. Ticket prices vary, and you’ll find all the details here.

For people interested in coming out on the opening day, here are the facts that you’ll want to know:

Saturday, March 6 — Opening Ceremonies @ 2:30 p.m.
All the women’s teams play at the same time. All the men’s teams play at the same time. The starting time for all of these matches is called a draw. The women will be playing in the first draw of the day, which is set for 4:30 in the afternoon. Find out more about the women’s teams here.

WOMEN’S DRAW – D1
Sheet 1 – 4:30 – Horn vs Lank
Sheet 2 – 4:30 – Coleman vs Hamilton
Sheet 3 – 4:30 – Walker vs Wapola
Sheet 4 – 4:30 – Brown vs Heisler
Sheet 5 – 4:30 – Hambley vs Wright

The men’s first draw is at 8:30 p.m.
Learn more about the men’s teams here.

MEN’S DRAW – D2
Sheet 1 – 8:30 – Wight vs Brown
Sheet 2 – 8:30 – Farbelow vs Kakela
Sheet 3 – 8:30 – Birr vs Hames
Sheet 4 – 8:30 – Johnson vs Morton
Sheet 5 – 8:30 – Stevens vs Fenson

People interested in trying this silly and wonderful game themselves will have that opportunity from 5-9 p.m. on Friday and from 9-11 on Saturday. Find more details here.

Our good friends at the Kalamazoo Gazette have put together a concise guide for people curious to know more about the sport of curling, but also for people who have questions about the nationals. You’ll find ticket prices, schedule of draws, and information about the game. Check out their interactive guide to curling and the 2010 US Curling National Championships in Kalamazoo. It’s all underway in one day!!

From the Twitter…

Jason — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:12:44 +0000

A little something that was seen on the old fashioned “Twitter” thing:

Making the Ice

Jason — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:24:55 +0000

Here’s a great article (by Kalamazoo Curling Club’s own Kris Kinkade!) about the ice preparation going on inside Wings Stadium

Two days, people!!

[UPDATE] A little glimpse of the stadium as of about 3 o’clock on Thursday.

Learn to Curl at the Nationals

Jason — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:51:42 +0000

Come and learn what this funny game is all about. $10 for an hour of instruction and curling. If you want to just go on the ice and throw a rock or two, that’s free. Registration required. To register, email this address with your date and time preference, or just stop by the KCC merchandise table near the Annex and sign up.

All you need are some loose fitting clothes to allow for flexibility and some rubber soled shoes, like running shoes. We have everything else. We’ll have you curling in no time. Arrive 15 minutes early for off ice prep.

LEARN TO CURL SCHEDULE
Friday, March 5, 5-9pm
Saturday, March 6, 9-11pm
Sunday, March 7, 9-12pm
Monday, March 8, 8:30-12:30pm
Tuesday, March 9, 10-12pm
Wednesday, March 10-12pm
Thursday, March 11, 10-12pm
Friday, March 12, 7-11pm

Times are subject to change depending on demand and instructor availability. Just keep your eye on our website calendar or check in at our Merchandise table near the Annex at Wings Stadium.

Building the Houses

Jason — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:14:32 +0000

The ice preparation has begun… it’s really happening! Over the next few days, we’ll post some pictures as Wings Stadium grows into its role as the host of the 2010 US Curling National Championships. Here’s what the houses looked like as of about 8 o’clock last night. Still a little painting yet to be done, but it’s really taking shape.

Here is a video that shows how they ground out some grooves to help distinguish the different circles in the houses. (Quicktime MOV file)

We can’t wait to see you folks out there. Opening ceremonies are to be held on Saturday, and there’s word on the street that there may be a few curling celebrities in attendance!

[UPDATE] Here’s a picture from Tuesday evening…