Rome hosts curling initiative near the Colosseum

An initiative by the public agency Sport e Salute has brought curling to Colle Oppio in Rome, located near the Colosseum. The project aims to increase public interest in the sport following the momentum from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Italy’s recent bronze medal in mixed doubles curling.

To accommodate the summer heat, the outdoor track uses a plastic surface rather than ice. The specialized track measures approximately 12 meters long and 3 meters wide, which is smaller than a regulation course. Participants use lighter stones and modified equipment to make the discipline more accessible to the general public.

Diego Nepi Molineris, CEO of Sport e Salute, stated that placing the tracks in such an iconic location highlights how a niche discipline can become something magnificent. The project has gained international attention, including coverage by the New York Times, and there are discussions regarding a potential return in November with a proper ice rink.