REGINA -- The Tartan Curling Club is showcasing curling in a different light.
The 10-sheet facility has introduced Glow In The Dark Curling, which uses the magic of black light and neon to add a new look to the roaring game. The dividers and rocks are lit up with neon. Music enhances the overall atmosphere. It’s still curling but unlike any game that has been seen around rinks in Regina.
“It’s something new,’’ said Scott Comfort, the first-year general manager of the Tartan. “The reason we did it is we wanted to get different people in the building. We don’t have as many club members as we used to and our costs are going up. We want to get them in the building and hope that they have fun. If they do, then they might come back.’’
Glow curling is similar to glow bowling, which takes place at many bowling facilities. The first Saskatchewan glow curling event was held last year at the Prince Albert Golf and Curling Club. Comfort heard about the promotion, presented it to the Tartan board and the inaugural event was held Oct. 18. The second was staged Saturday. There are others scheduled for Feb. 14 and March 21. They are open to the public. The entry fee is $20 per person.
The promotion shuts down the facility. The bright lights are turned off and the black lights enhance the effect. Glow-in-the-dark rope is used to help outline the rings and the dividers. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets, all of which contribute to an eerie sight in the curling club.
Skips have a glow-in-the-dark stick on their brooms, which curlers can see from the other end of the ice. There are neon sticks on the rocks but it’s still tricky to pick them up.
“You have to trust where the skip is putting the broom because you can’t see all of the rocks,’’ said Comfort. “You can see the handle but it’s hard to see the rest of the rock. Anything white really shows up. There are times when you can’t see anyone except for the white stripe on their jackets. You can definitely tell when someone is smiling.’’
Comfort said there are a lot of smiles in the event, which attracts all levels of curlers.
“The atmosphere is totally different from regular curling,’’ said Comfort.
“The music is blasting and it’s all fun and games. No one is serious because it’s more social than the other events we have.’’
Other curling clubs have picked up on the promotion. Comfort has fielded inquiries from North Dakota and across Saskatchewan. The Grenfell Curling Club has a glow curling event scheduled for Feb. 28.
“I’ve been sharing whatever I have because it’s all for the good of the sport,’’ Comfort said.
There was a time when curling clubs could open their doors and members would come marching in. That has changed over the years as people have more recreational options and demands on their time.
Events like glow curling may attract businesses looking for a fun group activity. The Tartan also offers a Tuesday league for young adults and an instructional league for adults.
The club has also started a sweep-and-eat promotion where people receive instruction in the game and then have something to eat. The Tartan also offers a babysitting service for parents to use while curling.
“We want to keep the place busy,’’ said Comfort. “We have to pay for the ice to keep it frozen so we might as well use it as often as we can. We have a great club atmosphere and everyone has fun when they are here.’’
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