Sweeping success: MNF production crew members compete at Green Bay Curling Club

When ESPN’s Monday Night Football production team saw Green Bay on the 2014 schedule, the crew knew it was in for two games in one weekend.

Before producing tonight’s Falcons-Packers game (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Lambeau Field, the MNF team members renewed their tradition of competing against one another at the Green Bay Curling Club.

“Green Bay is the most unique setting in the NFL,” said MNF producer Jay Rothman. “The sport of curling is unlike anything we all do. Besides being an absolute blast, it is the ultimate team bonding exercise. Four to a team, throwing stones, sweeping, and harassing the opponent! The food and flavor too is all Green Bay…brats, cheese curds, and the now infamous MNF ‘Cheese Belt’ trophy.”

Two-year champion Joe Smiley, a content associate for MNF, highlighted the importance of teamwork in curling.

“Everyone on the team plays a role in your success; in each throw of a stone, all four team members can be involved or have an impact,” Smiley said. “It’s a unique experience that brings a large amount of the crew together. . . I love that it has a great mix of teamwork, competition, learning, and fun.”

Speaking of curling, ESPN recently announced that it has acquired U.S. rights to Seasons of Champions curling events through March 2015.

Video produced by Jim Dove