Interest in Curling Surges During Winter Olympics in Maine

Clubs in Portland and Belfast aim to capitalize on new fans of the sport

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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With the 2026 Winter Olympics sparking renewed interest in curling, Maine's two public curling clubs - the Pine Tree Curling Club in Portland and the Belfast Curling Club - are seeing a spike in inquiries and new members. The clubs are offering learn-to-curl sessions and watch parties to introduce the sport to potential new players and turn once-every-four-years fans into lifelong curlers.

Why it matters

Curling has seen a surge in popularity during the Winter Olympics, and Maine's curling clubs are working to capitalize on this momentum by introducing the sport to new participants and building a lasting community of curlers in the state. The clubs' efforts to engage both experienced players and complete beginners highlight curling's inclusive nature and potential to become a popular winter activity in Maine.

The details

The Pine Tree Curling Club in Portland was founded in 2015 and now has over 70 members, while the Belfast Curling Club has been around since 1959 and has over 300 members. Both clubs are offering learn-to-curl sessions and watch parties during the 2026 Winter Olympics to introduce the sport to new participants. The clubs emphasize curling's accessibility, with equipment and instruction available for beginners, as well as the social aspect of the sport, with post-game gatherings at the club's bar.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are currently taking place in Italy.
  • The Pine Tree Curling Club will host watch parties for upcoming Olympic games on Thursday at Maine Beer Company in Freeport, and on Wednesday and Friday at the Allagash Bungalow in Scarborough.
  • The Pine Tree Curling Club will launch another six-week Tuesday morning league starting on February 24, 2026.
  • The Belfast Curling Club will host an open house on March 14, 2026 that is specifically designed for people who use wheelchairs.

The players

Dianne Ballon

A 72-year-old Portland resident who started curling at the Belfast Curling Club nearly 30 years ago after becoming interested in the sport during the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Sierra Dietz

The 50-year-old president of the Belfast Curling Club, who initially thought curling was "for old people" but later joined the club as an adult and has been an active member for 25 years.

Andrew Burbank

The president of the Pine Tree Curling Club in Portland, which was founded in 2015 and now has over 70 members.

Craig Gray

A wheelchair curler who lives in Scarborough and competed in cross-country skiing in the 1998 Paralympics.

Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse

American curlers who just won a silver medal in the mixed doubles event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“My phone is blowing up with people who are asking me questions about curling.”

— Craig Gray, wheelchair curler (pressherald.com)

“It does build interest, but not always in a way that's sticky.”

— Andrew Burbank, president of the Pine Tree Curling Club (pressherald.com)

“It is hard, and you're not going to do it at the same level as the Olympians are doing it, but it is something anybody can try.”

— Sierra Dietz, president of the Belfast Curling Club (pressherald.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The surge in interest in curling during the Winter Olympics highlights the sport's growing popularity and the efforts of Maine's curling clubs to introduce the game to new players. By offering learn-to-curl sessions and community events, the clubs are working to turn casual fans into lifelong curlers and build a lasting curling culture in the state.