

Perth, Scotland - The World Curling Federation, United States Curling Association and Omaha Sports Commission can confirm that the Ralston Arena, in Omaha, Nebraska, United States will host the North American leg of the new Curling World Cup.



Omaha will host the second stop in the four leg series, which will run from 5 to 9 December 2018, in the first season.



Another major milestone is reached in the implementation of the new series, with this being the first venue to be revealed for the Curling World Cup.



World Curling Federation President Kate Caithness said: "Following the United States' men's gold medal success at the Olympic Winter Games, and with a fast-growing interest in our sport from people new to curling in the United States, having Omaha host a leg of our Curling World Cup is a significant step for the series.



"The World Curling Federation is pleased to reach this milestone and over the coming months looks forward to working with the organising committee to ensure an impressive event in December."



The Ralston Arena, which opened in 2012, is a 4,000 seater venue in Ralston, which is a suburb of Omaha, in Nebraska. It is the home of the United States Hockey League team, Omaha Lancers and the Champions Indoor Football side Omaha Beef.



Josh Todd, Omaha Sports Commission President and Executive Director said: "The Omaha Sports Commission is very pleased to bring another international sports competition to Omaha. The 2018 Winter Olympics showcased the sport of curling like never before, and the U.S. men's gold medal performance has significantly raised public interest in the sport.



"Bringing the World Curling Federation's Curling World Cup to Omaha will further strengthen Omaha's reputation as a great city to host international competition, and we look forward to offering curling fans around the country a chance to see the best teams in the world compete in Omaha."



Donna Kush, Omaha Sports Commission Board of Directors Chair, said: "Last year the Omaha community demonstrated tremendous support for the U.S. Olympic Curling Team Trials and Curling Night in America. As a result, we continue to enhance our reputation as a premier sports destination and draw more interest from organisations who know our community will enthusiastically embrace their sports and athletes."



Omaha and the United States Curling Association will be guaranteed a place on the Curling World Cup schedule for the first four years.



Chief Executive Officer for the United States Curling Association, Rick Patzke, said: "The Curling World Cup has a ton of potential, and we appreciate the WCF's confidence in allowing us to host the first-ever North American leg in the United States.



"I can't think of a better city for this than Omaha, given the healthy public and private partnerships that were so evident during the wildly successful hosting of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Curling and NBC's 'Curling Night in America' last year. It will be good to be back in Omaha."



The remaining venues are expected to be announced shortly.



The event dates for 2018-2019 are:

China: 10-16 September

Ralston Arena: Omaha, United States: 5-9 December

Europe: 28 January-3 February

Beijing China: 6-12 May