East Rutherford, NJ – The 2024 Men’s & Women’s National Championships were hosted at The Rink at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey, marking a unique setting for the country’s top domestic curling competition from January 29 to February 4. The American Dream Complex, spanning over three million square feet, encompasses an array of attractions, including an indoor theme park, water park, ski slope, and luxury shops, with The Rink serving as an NHL regulation size ice rink for the event. This championship also set a precedent as the highest level of curling competition ever held in the New York City area.
Dean Gemmell, CEO of USA Curling, expressed his enthusiasm about the event’s location and its potential to attract casual fans and provide significant exposure for elite players in the nation’s largest media market. The championship offered fans three levels of viewing options: Premium on the second floor Mezzanine, Ice Level for close-up action, and Upper Level Standing for an affordable, high vantage point perspective.
The competition saw sixteen teams, eight each in the men’s and women’s categories, compete for the national titles. The opening ceremonies took place at 5:45 p.m. on January 29, with the first Women’s Session commencing at 7 p.m. that evening. The event culminated in the championship finals on February 4, with the women’s final at 12 p.m. and the men’s final at 4 p.m.
Victory in this championship carried the weight of qualification for the 2025 Olympic Team Trials for both men and women. Additionally, the winning women’s team was slated to represent the United States at the 2024 World Women’s Curling Championships in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, and the men’s champion at the 2024 World Men’s Curling Championships in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
The tournament featured high-caliber competition, including 11 Olympians and the 2018 Olympic gold medalists. Among the competitors was Jared Allen, a former All-Pro NFL player who turned to curling after retiring, representing Team Ruohenen.