Portland to Host 2018 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships in February

Portland, OR. Portland is set to host the 2018 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships on February 22-24 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.  The event, organized by the nonprofit Oregon Sports Authority, will bring more than 1,600 figure skaters from 89 of the nation’s top synchronized skating teams, and serve as the U.S. selection event for the 2018 World Synchronized Skating Championships. Tickets, starting at $25 per day plus applicable service fees, are now on sale at rosequarter.com.

Synchronized skating consists of teams of eight to 20 skaters on the ice performing routines in unison.  Teams are judged on their ability to work simultaneously, choreographing circular, linear, block, wheel, and intersection elements to music.  Teams are required to perform difficult step sequences involving a number of complicated turns and movements.  Skaters range in age from 9 to 65.  Teams will qualify for the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships at two sectional competitions taking place this week in Estero, Florida, and next week in Wichita, Kansas.

“We are honored that U.S. Figure Skating has entrusted Portland to host this prestigious event,” said Bill Cloran, president of the Oregon Skating Council and co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee.  “The amazing athleticism and artistry displayed by synchronized skating teams is truly an awesome sight to witness in person.”

This will be the first time that Portland has hosted the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, after hosting the 2016 Midwestern and Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships and the 2005 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.  The event is expected to attract more than 5,000 visitors, generating approximately $2.3 million in economic impact for the area.  U.S. Figure Skating will work with the Oregon Skating Council, Oregon Sports Authority, Travel Portland and Rose Quarter to produce the championships.  Local sponsors include Bank of the West, Morel Ink and Providence Sports Medicine.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome so many skaters to Portland,” said Jim Etzel, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority.  “This is a national championship event that will be very exciting for Oregonians to witness, as well as a tremendous economic impact for our hotels, restaurants and retail businesses at the perfect time of year.”

More information about the championships, including a schedule of events, can be found at ussynchrochampionships.com.

Oregon Sports Authority
The Oregon Sports Authority has served as the state’s sports economic development arm for more than two decades, injecting more than $200 million into Oregon’s economy through sports tourism. Supported by more than 150 annual members, the non-profit organization works relentlessly to enhance the state’s economy and quality of life by attracting sports events and franchises.

U.S. Figure Skating
U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union. U.S. Figure Skating is comprised of more than 750 member clubs, collegiate clubs, school-affiliated clubs and more than 1,000 registered Learn to Skate USA programs representing more than 184,200 members. U.S. Figure Skating is charged with the development of the sport on all levels within the United States including athletes, officials, sanctioning of events and exhibitions, and establishing the rules and guidelines by which the sport is governed.