The beehive. The state emblem of Utah symbolizes the state motto of industry. What could be more perfect for the work and dedication it takes to put on a bonspiel. Curlers from the Utah Olympic Oval are industriously planning for their first ever bonspiel, aptly known as The Hive. “We are excited to get this going,” says Bonspiel Committee organizer, Travis Hair. “We hope that this will grow in the future.” This inaugural year the event may be an intimate 16 team event but the Committee hopes to reach 32 teams in the future.
The four game guarantee also includes Saturday lunch and banquet. “We got special approval from the Rink to have a bar set up too. That is unusual for Utah.” The six sheet facility also boasts the use of the stones from the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. The handles were replaced but they are the same stones. Curlers will be able to play using the same stones used by famed curlers Kevin Martin, Pul Trulsen, Torger Nergard, Rhona Martin, Debbie McCormack, and Ann Swisshelm to name a few.
But how is this spiel different than others? “We plan to have a mini Cosmic curling spiel on Saturday night.” Cosmic curling? Picture this: the lights go dark, the rings are illuminated in psychedelic colors and you shoot a stone lite with a glow in the dark light. “It’s harder than it looks because you don’t see the lines” says Travis, adding, “anyone who registers for the bonspiel is automatically signed up for the mini spiel. We want everyone to try it.” There is no separate registration fee for those playing in The Hive. The mini spiel will be a two end event with the winner getting bragging rights to, well, cosmic curling glory.
And it appears there will be teams throughout the US coming to The Hive and vieing for cosmic curling greatness. Teams from Minnesota, Georgia, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Idaho and California are expected to attend. If you want to grab your spot, registration links are found on The Hive’s Facebook page. See you at the Oval!
