Olympics-Curling-What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong, says US curler Ruohonen

American curler Rich Ruohonen voiced strong criticism regarding the current state of professional curling facilities in Minnesota during a public address this week, following the controversial decision by regional sports authorities to reduce dedicated ice time for the sport. Ruohonen, a prominent figure in the U.S. curling community, expressed his frustrations from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, arguing that the lack of infrastructure and rising costs are stifling the development of elite athletes and casual players alike. The outcry comes as several historic clubs face potential closures or conversion into multi-purpose venues, a shift that the veteran athlete believes undermines the legacy of the sport in its traditional American heartland. The core of the grievance lies in the shifting economic priorities of local sports complexes, which have increasingly favored high-revenue activities like hockey and public skating over dedicated curling rinks. Ruohonen emphasized that the precision required for high-level curling necessitates specific ice conditions that cannot be maintained in shared-use facilities. By treating curling as a secondary priority, administrators are effectively pricing out local clubs and making it impossible for Minnesota to remain a premier training ground for future Olympic contenders. This decline is particularly jarring given that the region has historically produced the majority of the United States' international talent. Beyond facility management, the controversy highlights a broader tension within the sports economy of the Midwest, where the rising costs of utilities and real estate are forcing non-profit clubs into difficult financial positions. Ruohonen noted that without intervention or a shift in how municipal leaders value niche sports, the accessibility of curling will vanish, leaving only those with significant financial means able to participate. He called for a renewed commitment from local governments and the U.S. Curling Association to protect existing rinks and invest in specialized infrastructure that ensures the sport remains viable for the next generation of athletes.