[EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, January 17, 2025] — For the first time since 2008, the USA Curling Men’s & Women’s Nationals will unfold in the state of Minnesota, as the city of Duluth hosts the event at the DECC Arena. Qualifying round play starts on January 27th, with playoff and championship games on February 1st and 2nd.

Early ticket sales have been strong, reflecting the city’s longstanding enthusiasm for the sport.

“It’s no surprise that Duluth and the state of Minnesota are embracing this opportunity to see the nation’s top curlers compete in a championship setting, with a national title and a berth in the Olympic Trials on the line,” noted USA Curling CEO Dean Gemmell.

Single-session, full-day, and all-access tickets can be purchased online and in person at the box office. In addition to individual tickets, three private ice-level boxes are available during each session, and each one accommodates up to 12 people. To purchase ice-level boxes, call the DECC Arena box office at 218-727-4344.

“The boxes give people a chance to be right next to the teams as they compete, offering fans a chance to hear in-game conversations,” Gemmell added. “It’s a great choice for a company or client outing, or just a way to bring a group of friends together for an evening.”

Fans will see plenty of local curling talent on the ice. 2018 Olympic gold medalist John Shuster and his team of Chris Plys, Colin Hufman, Matt Hamilton, and John Landsteiner will look to defend their 2024 title. Plys and Landsteiner are also Duluthians.

Duluth resident Korey Dropkin leads another top contender in the event. His team (Dropkin, Thomas Howell, Andrew Stopera, Mark Fenner) finished runner-up to Shuster in 2024 and will look to move one place higher this year.

On the women’s side, Team Benson brings an all-Duluth lineup to the event. The team features Courtney Benson, Aileen Geving (throwing fourth), Lexi Daly, and Sarah Olson, and comes into the championship off a major win at the Duluth Cash Spiel in December. Duluth native Cory Thiesse is also in the field, playing third for Team Peterson, looking to win their third straight Women’s Nationals.

Along with the box seating, the venue will feature an ice-level Dale’s House bar area. Dale’s, recently named the Official Beer of USA Curling, will officially kick off their sponsorship of the sport at this event.

Thursday evening at the championships is College Night. Students with a college ID get a 50% discount on tickets purchased in person at the box office. The game time on Thursday evening is 7 PM.

“The atmosphere in the arena is going to be terrific,” said Gemmell. “It’s exciting to bring a marquee championship to a city that has such an appreciation for the sport.”

Women’s Field

• Team Peterson: Tabitha Peterson, Cory Thiesse, Vicky Persinger, Tara Peterson, Taylor Anderson

• Team Giroux: Allie Giroux, Tessa Thurlow, Ella Fleming, Savannah Koch, Brooke Giroux

• Team Strouse: Delaney Strouse, Sarah Anderson, Sydney Mullaney, Anne O’Hara

• Team McMakin: Christine McMakin, Miranda Scheel, Jenna Burchesky, Rebecca Rodgers

• Team Benson: Courtney Benson, Aileen Geving, Lexi Daly, Sara Olsen, Clare Moores

• Team Cousins: Elizabeth Cousins, Annmarie Dubberstein, Allison Howell, Liz Janiak

• Team Johnson: Allory Johnson, Gianna Johnson, Morgan Zacher, Bailey Vaydich

• Team Rhyme: Caiti Flannery, Kim Rhyme, Libby Brundage, Katie Rhyme

Men’s Field

• Team Shuster: John Shuster, Chris Plys, Colin Hufman, Matt Hamilton, John Landsteiner

• Team Wendling: Wes Wendling, Daniel Laufer, Nick Cenzalli, Shaheen Bassiri, Dylan Ciapka

• Team Dropkin: Korey Dropkin, Tom Howell, Andrew Stopera, Mark Fenner

• Team Casper: Danny Casper, Luc Violette, Ben Richardson, Aidan Oldenburg, Rich Ruohonen

• Team Dunnam: Scott Dunnam, Cody Clouser, Lance Wheeler, Andy Dunnam

• Team Sinnett: Sam Strouse, Kevin Tuma, Chase Sinnett (Skip), Connor Kauffman, Caden Hebert

• Team Sampson: Ethan Sampson, Coleman Thurston, Jake Zeman, Marius Kleinas

• Team Hodek: Tim Hodek, Evan Workin, Josh Moore, Nate Parry

About USA Curling

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, the Dale’s family of beers, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Toyota, Ice, Sports & Solar (ISS), Rock Solid Productions, Jet Ice, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of World Curling and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.