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7 Shocking Facts That Make Four Seasons Curling Club The Undisputed Epicenter Of U.S. Curling

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The Four Seasons Curling Club (FSCC) in Blaine, Minnesota, is not just a local sporting venue; it is a global powerhouse and the true heart of the United States' competitive curling scene. As of December 22, 2025, the club is buzzing with preparation for a major international championship, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for elite athletes and casual curlers alike. This facility is unique, boasting features that set it apart from nearly every other curling center in North America, making it a crucial training ground for Team USA and a host for major national and international bonspiels. Located within the Fogerty Ice Arena, the FSCC is a dedicated, six-sheet facility that provides world-class ice conditions year-round, a rarity that has attracted curlers from across the globe. From its status as a former U.S. Olympic Training Site to its packed calendar of 2025 events, the club continues to drive the sport's growth and competitive excellence in the United States.

The Leadership: John Benton, Director of Curling Operations

The success and international reputation of the Four Seasons Curling Club are closely tied to its leadership, particularly its Director of Curling Operations, John Benton. Benton is a highly respected figure in the sport, bringing both competitive experience and operational expertise to the club.
  • Current Role: Director of Curling Operations at the Four Seasons Curling Club, U.S. Olympic Training Site.
  • Olympic History: Competed as an Olympian for the United States.
  • World Championship Experience: Appeared in the World Championship in 2009.
  • Club Association: A long-time member and leader at the Four Seasons Curling Club in Blaine, MN.

The FSCC Advantage: 7 Unique Facts That Define the Club

The Four Seasons Curling Club is far more than just a place to throw rocks. Its history, facilities, and programs have cemented its status as an elite training and competition hub. These seven facts highlight why the FSCC is considered the epicenter of American curling:

1. Home to North America's First Year-Round Curling Ice

The most significant feature of the FSCC is its ability to offer world-class curling ice 365 days a year. Constructed in 2012 within the Fogerty Ice Arena, the FSCC was the first club in North America to provide dedicated, year-round curling sheets. This capability is crucial for elite athletes who require continuous, high-quality training, distinguishing it as one of only two clubs nationwide to maintain a year-round operation.

2. Former Official U.S. Olympic Training Site

In the summer of 2015, the Four Seasons Curling Club was officially designated as the United States Olympic Training Center for Curling. While the designation may have shifted, the club continues to operate as a National Training Center and Olympic Training Site, attracting top-tier Team USA members and international teams for intensive training camps, especially in the lead-up to Olympic Trials.

3. A Magnet for International Olympic Training

Due to its year-round ice and world-class facilities, the club draws international attention. Leading up to major global competitions, including Olympic Trials, teams from around the world frequently choose the Four Seasons Curling Club as their pre-competition training base. This influx of global talent creates a uniquely competitive and high-stakes training environment for American curlers.

4. Six Sheets of Dedicated, World-Class Ice

The facility features six dedicated curling lanes, or "sheets," which are maintained to the highest standards. The quality of the ice is paramount in curling, and the FSCC's dedicated infrastructure ensures conditions suitable for championship-level play, a necessity for hosting national qualifiers and major bonspiels.

5. A Hub for Grassroots and Corporate Curling

Beyond its elite status, the club is a massive community resource. From fall to spring, the FSCC runs a packed schedule of two or three leagues every night, seven days a week. It also offers extensive "learn-to-curl" sessions and hosts numerous corporate events, serving as a vital entry point for new curlers and ensuring the sport's continued local growth.

6. Host of Major National Championship Qualifiers

The FSCC is a frequent host for critical competitive events that shape the national landscape of the sport. It has hosted major events like the 2022 U.S. Olympic Trials for Mixed Doubles and regularly holds the FSCC Junior Bonspiel & National Qualifier, providing young curlers a direct path to the Junior National Championship.

7. A Vision Born from Hockey and Curling Veterans

The club’s existence is a testament to collaboration. It was established through the foresight of the staff and directors of Fogerty Arena (known as "The Ice House"), a group of hockey enthusiasts, and a handful of dedicated, life-long local curlers. This partnership ensured that the facility was designed to meet the rigorous demands of both elite and recreational curling.

Upcoming Major Events and Bonspiels in 2025

The Four Seasons Curling Club continues its tradition of hosting premier events, with a packed schedule of high-profile competitions slated for 2025 and beyond. These events not only bring international attention but also provide crucial competition for curlers at all levels.

World Deaf Curling Championships 2025

The highlight of the club’s calendar is its role as the official venue for the World Deaf Curling Championships 2025. Hosting this prestigious international event underscores the FSCC's ability to manage major, global-scale championships and its commitment to inclusivity within the sport.

Key 2025 Bonspiels and Competitions

The bonspiel—a curling tournament—calendar at FSCC is always robust, featuring events that cater to competitive teams and those looking for a fun social experience:
  • The 2025 Pro-Am Lupus Spiel: A significant charity event that combines professional and amateur curlers for a good cause, scheduled for 2025.
  • Minnesota “Sweep off the Cobwebs” Bonspiel: Scheduled for October 24-26, 2025, this event is a popular early-season tournament hosted in conjunction with College Curling USA, marking the beginning of the competitive calendar.
  • FSCC Junior Bonspiel & National Qualifier: This event remains a critical fixture, offering berths to the Jr. National Championship for youth curlers, ensuring the pipeline of American talent remains strong.
The Four Seasons Curling Club is a powerful entity in the world of American winter sports. Its combination of year-round ice, Olympic pedigree, world-class leadership under John Benton, and a relentless schedule of high-stakes events ensures that it will remain the essential training ground and competitive stage for the future of U.S. curling for years to come. Whether you are a novice looking for a "learn-to-curl" session or a professional aiming for the Olympic podium, the FSCC in Blaine, Minnesota, is where the action happens.
7 Shocking Facts That Make Four Seasons Curling Club the Undisputed Epicenter of U.S. Curling
four seasons curling club
four seasons curling club

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