Sioux Falls Brings Curling to Downtown Plaza

Jacobson Plaza offers Olympic sport without the ice during Winter Games

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation has introduced curling to Jacobson Plaza, allowing visitors to try the Olympic sport without the need for ice. The new curling setup is part of the plaza's efforts to bring winter activities downtown during the Winter Games in Italy. The curling equipment is free to use during regular skating hours, and the city is partnering with the local Curling Club for events during the upcoming Summit League Basketball Championships.

Why it matters

Bringing curling to a downtown public space allows more people to experience the sport, especially those who may not have access to traditional curling facilities. This introduces the Olympic sport to new audiences and helps grow interest and participation in the Sioux Falls community.

The details

The curling setup at Jacobson Plaza features two separate lanes for people to try the sport. The new addition comes fresh off the success of the Olympic Trials in Sioux Falls, which sparked more interest in the sport locally. Curling club member Jennifer Farke says the downtown setup is "a great way for people just to try it out, learn the sport, and to fall in love with it." Parks and Recreation expects increased traffic and interest in the coming weeks, especially during the Summit League Basketball Championships.

  • The curling setup debuted in late January 2026.
  • The Olympic Trials were previously held in Sioux Falls.

The players

Jacobson Plaza

A public plaza in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota that offers various winter activities.

Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation

The department responsible for bringing the new curling setup to Jacobson Plaza.

Jennifer Farke

A member of the Sioux Falls Curling Club who is excited about the new downtown curling opportunity.

Sioux Falls Curling Club

A local organization that is partnering with Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation on the downtown curling events.

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What they’re saying

“Having the curling trial here definitely did add to the interest and the spark of what curling really is and how people can get involved. And so we see ourselves as a way for beginners to really learn, decide if it's something they enjoy and decide if it's something they want to continue on.”

— Jackie Nelson, Recreation Manager (KELO)

“It's a great way for people just to try it out, learn the sport, and to fall in love with it.”

— Jennifer Farke, Sioux Falls Curling Club Member (KELO)

What’s next

Parks and Rec. will partner with the Curling Club for events during the Summit League Basketball Championships in March.

The takeaway

By bringing curling to a downtown public space, Sioux Falls is making it more accessible and introducing the Olympic sport to new audiences. This helps grow interest and participation in the community, showcasing how cities can creatively offer unique winter activities.