curling kettle photo courtesy of Sliders

Don’t hibernate on the couch this winter; embrace the icy weather.

Sliders Curling opens Nov. 27, bringing a bar-style, modified version of this increasingly popular Olympic sport to Millvale. The premise is simple: one player stands on a rubber mat and slides a granite “stone” across a sheet of ice while their teammate sweeps the ice to guide the game piece toward a target.

The chilly fun takes place outside of LumberjAxes, the axe-throwing arena on Sedgwick Street. The 30-foot-by-40-foot rink at Sliders will have four curling lanes for up to four participants per lane. There are safe areas on each side for customers to stand on while participating in the game, which lasts approximately 55 minutes.

The rink, which is covered by a large tent, will be open through the winter and early spring. Non-alcoholic refreshments will be served inside LumberjAxes, which is a BYOB establishment until their pending liquor license is approved and they open a full-service bar.

Matthew Peyton, a founding partner in LumberjAxes and Sliders, says he first tried traditional curling at the Pittsburgh Curling Club located at the Robert Morris University sports complex on Neville Island.

“We are always on the lookout for new fun and exciting experiential entertainment that we can bring to our customers,” he says. “Although curling isn’t new, we believe our spin on the popular Olympic sport will leave our customers satisfied and yearning to come back.”

If curling generates enough interest, Sliders will run tournaments and leagues.

Still confused about exactly how to play? Experts from Sliders Curling will be on hand to teach you basic techniques as you begin your game. Peyton is confident locals will catch on to the sport, which originated in 16th-century Scotland.

“Pittsburghers have shown an eagerness to try new and exciting experiences on their nights out,” he says. “We pride ourselves on being on the cutting edge of the immersive entertainment industry.”

Kristy Locklin

Kristy Locklin is a North Hills-based writer. When she's not busy reporting, she enjoys watching horror movies and exploring Pittsburgh's craft beer scene.