PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania – (Nov. 10, 2020) While the arrival of winter will bring an end to many outdoor activities Pittsburghers have relied on for socially-distanced recreation, one business is gearing up to turn the cold weather into a lot of fun. Back for its second season, Sliders Curling is America’s first competitive, bar-style ice curling rink and a seasonal offshoot of popular axe-throwing business LumberjAxes. The venue, located outside of LumberjAxes in Millvale, offers a more accessible version of the sport many people encounter only once every four years while watching the winter Olympics. The rink re-opens on November 25, with stringent COVID-19 measures in place, and will operate all winter.
Curling involves sliding large, smooth granite “stones” across a sheet of ice toward a target. Traditionally, players stand on the ice, with one team member “throwing” the stone while others sweep the ice to influence its trajectory.
At Sliders, guests play a “bar-style” version of the sport that’s easier to learn (and doesn’t require special shoes). Individual competitors take turns throwing their Olympic-style stones while standing on rubber mats, rather than walking on and sweeping the ice. Based on observations from its first season, Sliders has enhanced the experience by shortening the rink to promote faster, more exciting matches. Guests will also get more slide for their buck with longer time slots, extended to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Accommodating four lanes, Sliders’ curling “sheet” is outdoors, so guests are encouraged to bundle up – though there will be a tent to provide weather protection, and guests are always welcome to come inside and warm up at the LumberjAxes full-service bar.
To ensure a safe experience, Sliders has implemented a set of COVID-19 safety guidelines. The business has amped up its cleaning protocols, with frequent and thorough disinfection of work areas, common areas and customer areas. Hand sanitizer will be provided to all customers and staff, and staff will also be provided with face masks, which they will be required to wear at all times while on site. Sliders continues to monitor and follow CDC guidelines.
These measures are also in place at Sliders’ parent operation, LumberjAxes, which is currently operating all of its locations at 50% capacity. The competitive axe-throwing venue, the first of its kind in Pittsburgh, also has locations in Mt. Lebanon, Cranberry and Monroeville.
“Many of our treasured holiday traditions can’t happen this year because of COVID – everything from big Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings to Light up Night,” observes LumberjAxes Founding Partner Matthew Peyton. “At Sliders, we’re lucky to be able to continue operating safely, and we hope folks will take the opportunity to get out of the house and create a new holiday tradition here.”
Here’s how Sliders works: Book an event for two to 16 participants. During the first 10 minutes of your session, a Sliders coach will provide training on safety and technique. Next, your coach will keep score and guide your group through preliminary matches before a final tournament for gold, silver and bronze medals.
Ice curling slots, whether reserved or walk-in, can be made Mon.-Sun., 11 a.m.-11 p.m., cost $35/person and last 1 hour and 15 minutes.
To set up interviews with ownership or an on-site photo or video shoot, please contact Liz Fetchin at 724/612-9921 or liz@elmink.com.
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About Sliders Curling: Sliders Curling is America’s first competitive, bar-style curling rink, where adults and teens of all experience levels can try their hand at an easier-to-learn version of the winter Olympics staple. A Pittsburgh winter tradition in the making–and a welcome break from cabin fever–Sliders makes winter fun. Located outside of LumberjAxes in Millvale: 2 Sedgwick St. Open from November 25 through the cold months.
About LumberjAxes: LumberjAxes is Pittsburgh’s first axe-throwing venue, where adults of all skill levels can try their hand at the cutting-edge entertainment phenomenon. LumberjAxes’ expert staff aims to provide the ultimate axe-throwing experience for groups of friends, families, private parties, team-building events, and leagues. We’re serious about customer service, so you can focus on having some serious fun. So round up a crew, take aim, and let go. Millvale: 2 Sedgwick St.; Mt. Lebanon: 1689 McFarland Rd.; Cranberry: 20111 Rt. 19, Room 302-B; Monroeville: 5030-D William Penn Hwy. Must be 13 or older; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 412/408-2650, http://axethrowingpgh.com.
