10 Facts to Bring Up in Casual Curling Conversation

Before the Tim Hortons Brier kicks off on February 28, learn some facts about this sport.

This year, one of the biggest events in curling, the Tim Hortons Brier, comes to the Scotiabank Saddledome from Feb. 28 to March 8. In an effort to make your curling conversation between ends more factual, here are a few interesting numbers about the roaring game.

1.5

Weight, in tonnes, of the world’s largest curling rock, erected in Arborg, Man., in 2005. It measures 4.2 metres across and stands 2.1 metres tall.

4

Percentage of curlers injured in the 2010 Winter Olympics, making it more dangerous than speed skating, luge and biathlon.

19.1

Weight, in kilograms, of an average curling stone.

66

Years between curling becoming an Olympic demonstration sport in 1932 and 1998, when it became an official Olympic sport.

208

Years since the Royal Montreal Curling Club was founded in 1807, the first in North America.

504

Estimated age of the Stirling Stone, the world’s oldest curling stone, which was found in Scotland, where the game is thought to have originated in the 16th century.

1,000

Approximate price of a new curling stone (in dollars).

1924

First year curling was played at the Olympics.

7,000

Number of curlers who attempt to qualify for the Brier each year.

1.5 million

Number who curl at more than 1,200 curling clubs across Canada, according to the Canadian Curling Association.

For more information on the Tim Hortons Brier including ticket information and live scoring, visit curling.ca.