STATELINE, Nev. – The Curling Group (TCG), the driving force behind the evolution of curling through strategic investment and fan engagement, today announced that Pro Football Hall of Famer, and Lake Tahoe resident, Jared Allen will lead a featured team at the KIOTI Grand Slam of Curling (GSOC) Tahoe, taking place November 4-9, 2025, at the Tahoe Blue Event Center.

The event marks the first-ever U.S. stop for the Grand Slam of Curling, bringing the world’s top 16 men’s and women’s teams – including Olympic medalists and global fan favorites – together for a week of elite competition, entertainment, and fan experiences set against the backdrop of Lake Tahoe. Allen will be joined by two-time Olympic gold medalist John Morris, who will serve as skip, and Jason Smith, U.S. Men’s Champion (2009), U.S. Mixed Doubles Champion (2016), and Olympian (2010). A fourth teammate will be announced soon.

Allen’s curling story began in 2018 after watching the film Eddie the Eagle and making a bet with friends to see if he could make the Olympics in a sport he’d never played. Since then, he’s formed the All-Pro Curling Team, competed at U.S. Nationals, and beaten top-ranked teams in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

“I started curling on a dare, but it didn’t take me long to see how demanding and rewarding this sport really is,” said Allen. “I’ve played in Super Bowls and Pro Bowls in front of massive crowds, but the level of focus and precision curling requires is unlike anything I’ve experienced. Now fans in the U.S. can experience the same world-class competition I’ve grown to love, instead of waiting every four years to see the sport on the Olympic stage.”

This event is part of The Curling Group’s larger mission to grow the game beyond its traditional strongholds. By hosting a Grand Slam in the United States, organizers aim to reach new audiences and inspire the next generation of players. 

“When you bring the best curlers in the world to a stage like this, you give fans a reason to fall in love with the sport,” said Morris. “I can remember watching Jared play for the Vikings and thinking that he’s such a force – such a gamer. I’m looking forward to seeing how some of that killer instinct translates onto the curling ice. Needless to say, I am pumped to be playing with him and Jason in Tahoe. It’s going to be a blast!”

The KIOTI GSOC Tahoe marks the start of a new chapter for curling in the United States, bringing world-class talent and competition to a region known for hosting some of the country’s most memorable sporting events. Weekend and full-event packages are now available at GSOCtickets.com, with single-draw tickets going on sale on Friday, September 12.