SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) The U.S. Olympic Curling Trials is drawing a loyal fan base from across the country to Sioux Falls this week.
Seeing the U.S. Olympic Trials in-person is the ultimate fan experience for people at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.
If you have an opportunity to go out and watch that kind of Olympic-level event, you should, because its an experience, its a huge experience, Melissa Waddell of Mitchell said.
Even novices to the sport are excited to see the action.
Theres probably a lack of awareness on what really is happening in the sport of curling. So I think its an opportunity for people to get educated and then get behind the team that ends up in the Olympics, Jackie Payne of Sioux Falls said.
Family ties connect many people in the curling community. Connor Oldenburg of Mankato, MN is here to watch his brother compete.
Ive been watching him do it for a long time and its fun to see him competing at the highest level and getting a chance to do it in front of a lot of people at a great venue, Oldenburg said.
Curling fans shouldnt feel reluctant about letting loose when supporting their team.
I feel like its a little more like golf. Its a little etiquette. Although, I did, when we pulled into the parking lot today, I did remember I forgot my cowbell, so I was a little disappointed, Waddell said.
Cowbells are not only allowed during the Olympic trials, but theyre encouraged! And curling headwear is always fashionable.
So maybe its a trend. Everyone get them. Theyre really fun and you just have to make sure nobodys sitting behind you so youre not blocking the action, Corinne Gransee-Paral of Eau Claire, WI said.
A true curling fan appreciates the sportsmanship among the players and the teams.
Theyre fierce competitors, dont get me wrong. But they applaud each others good shots and all of that, so its just really a great game, Gransee-Paral said.
Curling fans say hosting an Olympic-level event like this is quite a feather in the cap for the city. Not to mention a stone on the scalp.
The curling fans attending the Olympic Trials Thursday also included 4th graders from Discovery Elementary who visited the PREMIER Center as part of a field trip.
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