Chattanooga's Annual Skillet Curling Championship Raises $90K for Food Bank

Costumed teams slide cast-iron pans toward a moving 'bacon' target on the ice

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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In Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Annual Skillet Curling Championship features 32 teams sliding cast-iron frying pans toward a moving 'bacon' target on the ice, following standard curling rules but with distinctly local details like a 'stovetop' four-point round and 'turtles' for upside-down pans. The three-day charity event raised $90,000 for a local food bank.

Why it matters

The quirky event combines the sport of curling with the local culture of Chattanooga, drawing crowds and raising money for a good cause. It showcases the city's creativity and community spirit, highlighting how unique traditions can bring people together.

The details

Teams of four 'athletes' take turns sliding cast-iron skillets down the ice rink toward a moving 'bacon' target, which is actually a grill press chucked down the rink at the start of each round. Scoring follows standard curling rules, but the event has its own local flair, with a 'stovetop' being a four-point round and 'turtles' referring to upside-down pans. Team names range from the Wu-Tang Pans to Cornbread & Butterbeans.

  • The Annual Skillet Curling Championship takes place over three days in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
  • The 2026 event was held from February 4-6.

The players

Chattanooga

The city in Tennessee where the Annual Skillet Curling Championship takes place.

Chattanooga food bank

The local charity that received the $90,000 raised from the 2026 Skillet Curling Championship.

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What they’re saying

“Olympic curling it isn't, but in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the hottest thing on ice right now is a flying cast-iron pan.”

— Jenn Gidman, Author (newser.com)

The takeaway

Chattanooga's unique Skillet Curling Championship showcases the city's creativity, community spirit, and commitment to supporting local charities, blending a quirky tradition with a meaningful fundraising effort.