The Fairbanks Curling Club was founded in 1905 and is one of the oldest sporting organizations in the state. The first curling in Fairbanks was done directly on the Chena River, and the original curling club stood closer to downtown Fairbanks. This facility was built in 1962, which is commemorated in the address (1962 2nd Avenue).
Curling was an instant hit with Alaskans when introduced by our neighbors in Canada as a fun winter pastime. There are currently 250 members in the Fairbanks Curling Club (an organization run entirely by volunteers). Teams from Fairbanks still match up against Canadians at annual bonspiels on both sides of the border.
The curling season runs from the first week of October to the first week of April. Spectators are invited to watch an average of twelve teams in league play, starting at 7:00PM on weeknights. The Fairbanks Curling Club also hosts major events on weekends throughout the season, including Yukon Title in November and International Bonspiel in the spring.
If you do visit, your vantage point will be from a heated lounge overlooking the teams on six sheets of ice. There is no charge to enter and visitors need not have any affiliation with the Fairbanks Curling Club. The lounge also features ping pong, foosball, and a gas fireplace. Historical photos, curling puns, and trophy cases adorn the walls.
Limited snacks are available, or you can always bring your own food. On Fridays, you can often purchase dinner as part of a fundraiser. A full bar boasts cheaper prices than most any other bar in town. Curious about what you see on the ice? Buy a round for the next table, and ask your new friends to explain it to you.
To be eye level with the action, take the stairs on the right side of the bar to the lower level of the club. A second lounge offers additional seating for curlers, junior curlers, and spectators. This is also where teams step off the ice.
Not satisfied with being a bystander? Try your hand at curling during the Rookie Spiel in November of each year. If you get hooked, you can always sign up to be a member and gain 24-hour access to the club.
Handicap accessible. Call the Fairbanks Curling Club at (907)452-CURL.
