The former site of a McDonald's restaurant in downtown Erie will be the area's newest spot to try out curling.

The Erie Downtown Development Corporation will host the Flagship City Curling League (FCCL), Erie’s first curling league, starting Jan. 16.

Teams of four will play every Thursday evening for eight weeks. It will culminate in a championship tournament.

Games will be held on synthetic rinks instead of ice, so participants will be able to play regardless of the weather or temperature.

The FCCL Commissioner will coordinate the timing of games, rankings and week-to-week league operations.

The league is open to the public, and no prior experience is required.

You can sign up online here starting Jan. 8.

"Since construction on the former McDonald’s site is not scheduled until late 2020, the EDDC team wanted to find a fun way to activate the space in the short-term," said Nicole Reitzell, EDDC vice president of community engagement and social impact. "The Flagship City Curling League is a great opportunity for Erie-ites to bundle up, get outside and embrace the winter season.”

The EDDC bought the property at 5th and State St. in the fall from McDonald's.