A temporary, ice-free curling rink was installed meters from the Colosseum in Rome during July 2026 [1, 2].
The installation allowed people to experience a traditionally winter-based sport during the height of the Italian summer. By removing the need for ice, the organizers made the sport accessible to a wider audience in an urban setting.
The rink featured three lanes [3]. Curling tutors guided participants, including local Romans, and international tourists through the basics of the game. The event aimed to introduce the sport to those who had never played it and to showcase that the activity could be enjoyed regardless of the weather.
Participants navigated the lanes under the shadow of the ancient amphitheater. The contrast between the summer heat and the winter nature of the sport drew curious crowds to the site.
"What's brilliant about doing it here in Rome in the summer is precisely that you can enjoy all this," Pietro Valli said.
The event served as a public demonstration of how modified equipment can bring niche sports into the public eye. Tutors remained on-site to ensure that beginners understood the mechanics of the stones, and the strategy of the game.
“A temporary, ice-free curling rink was installed meters from the Colosseum”
The use of ice-free surfaces allows winter sports to be marketed and taught year-round, removing the high cost and energy requirements of maintaining ice. By placing the rink at a global landmark like the Colosseum, organizers used high tourist traffic to increase the visibility of curling outside of its traditional cold-weather strongholds.
