Wichita Selected for 2018 U.S. Figure Skating Qualifying Season
WICHITA, Kan. (Nov. 3, 2016) — U.S. Figure Skating announced last week the selection of host cities for the 2018 regional and sectional championships and synchronized sectional championships. Wichita, Kansas, was selected for the 2018 Midwestern and Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships, which are slated for January 24-28, 2018, with all competitions being conducted at INTRUST Bank Arena and practices taking place at the Wichita Ice Center.
The qualifying teams from the Midwestern/Pacific Coast sectional championships will take on the qualifying teams from the Eastern competition being held in Fort Meyers, Florida.
“After years of conversation with Wichita, U.S. Figure Skating is thrilled to bring the synchronized skating sectional championships to the community for the first time,” said U.S. Figure Skating Events Manager Mia Corsini. “We look forward to hosting our athletes, coaches, officials and fans in one of the Midwest’s preeminent cities. INTRUST Bank Arena is a premier, award-winning venue, and we are confident our entire athletes will have a great competitive experience there.”
Providing local support to host the competition is the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission, Visit Wichita and the Wichita Figure Skating Club.
“Wichita is very excited to welcome U.S. Figure Skating to the community in 2018,” said Bob Hanson, President & CEO of the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission. “In collaboration with Visit Wichita, INTRUST Bank Arena and the Wichita Figure Skating Club, the Sports Commission is thrilled to have these athletes compete in our city.”
The competition will attract more than 160 teams and 6,000 athletes, coaches and their families to Wichita and is estimated to generate more than $3.4 million in local economic impact. Those competing will range in age from 7 to 70.
“Wichita will provide a fantastic and energetic welcome to sports fans from across the country,” said Susie Santo, Visit Wichita President and CEO. “Visitors will not only enjoy mesmerizing synchronized skating competitions while they are here, but also the city’s numerous amenities and well-known hospitality. This is a huge win for Wichita, solidifying that we are a tremendous sports city capable of hosting sporting events of all magnitudes.”
President of the Wichita Figure Skating club Jolene Taylor says she is looking forward to bringing a U.S. Figure Skating qualifying event to Wichita. "It's an opportunity for our club to showcase synchronized skating to the Wichita community while displaying to U.S. Figure Skating the excellent hospitality and ice facilities our city has to offer.”
Synchronized skating features teams of up to 20 skaters performing themed routines, lasting less than five minutes and set to music that ranges from Disney classics and Broadway tunes, to jazz, hip-hop and classical.
The Midwestern and Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Championships, hosted by U.S. Figure Skating, is the largest annual qualifying competition in its category. The top four teams from each division will earn a berth to the 2018 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships; location and date will be announced by U.S. Figure Skating at a later date.