Sioux Falls Brings Curling to Downtown Plaza

Jacobson Plaza offers curling without ice as part of Olympic-inspired activities

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota has brought the Olympic sport of curling to its downtown Jacobson Plaza, allowing visitors to try the game on a non-ice surface. The new curling setup, which debuted in late January, is part of the city's effort to bring Olympic-themed activities to the public following the success of the U.S. Olympic Curling Trials held in Sioux Falls. The curling equipment is free to use during regular plaza hours, and the city is expecting increased interest and participation in the coming weeks with the 2026 Winter Olympics underway in Italy.

Why it matters

Bringing curling to a downtown public space allows more people, especially families, to try the sport in a low-pressure, accessible environment. This helps grow interest and participation in curling, which can be a barrier for many due to the specialized equipment and facilities typically required. Sioux Falls is leveraging the momentum from hosting the Olympic Trials to further engage the community in winter sports and activities.

The details

Jacobson Plaza in downtown Sioux Falls now features two dedicated curling lanes where visitors can try the sport for free. The setup is part of the city's Parks and Recreation department's efforts to offer Olympic-inspired activities beyond just ice skating. "We actually have two different runs for people to use. It's brand new, and we encourage people to come out and try it," said recreation manager Jackie Nelson. The curling addition comes after Sioux Falls successfully hosted the U.S. Olympic Curling Trials in January, which sparked more local interest in the sport.

  • The curling setup at Jacobson Plaza debuted in late January 2026.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are currently underway in Italy.

The players

Jacobson Plaza

A public plaza in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota that now features dedicated curling lanes as part of the city's Olympic-themed activities.

Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation

The city department responsible for bringing the curling setup to Jacobson Plaza and offering the equipment for free public use.

Sioux Falls Curling Club

A local curling club that is partnering with the city to host events and help introduce the sport to new participants during the Winter Olympics.

Jennifer Farke

A member of the Sioux Falls Curling Club who got involved in the sport four years ago and is now helping promote it to the community.

Jackie Nelson

The recreation manager for Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation overseeing the new curling setup at Jacobson Plaza.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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, Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation (wkbn.com)

“I did a Learn to Curl and after the Learn to Curl, I got so excited about it I joined the league. And then I joined the board, and I just keep showing my love for the sport with other people and get to get people to enjoy it as much as I do.”

— Jennifer Farke, Member, Sioux Falls Curling Club (wkbn.com)

What’s next

Parks and Rec. will partner with the Sioux Falls Curling Club for events during the Summit League Basketball Championships in March, providing more opportunities for the public to try curling.

The takeaway

By bringing curling to a downtown public space, Sioux Falls is making it easier for families and beginners to access and try the Olympic sport. This grassroots approach to growing interest in winter activities could inspire other cities to find creative ways to engage their communities in unique athletic pursuits.