‘26-27 Site Rumors Nationals & Skate America

[peibeck]

I looked up photos of the rink in Henderson, and it looked like it just has bleachers? Wasn’t sure if that was the smaller of the two ice surfaces. There’s no way they can have SA at a rink without real seats.

They just hosted Pacific Coast Sectionals, but I don't recall what seating was like watching it on Peacock.

Again, I reported only what I was told possible locations being considered were. I never said they were gospel. I was loathe to say anything as I don't know why four different places would still be under consideration, which is why I didn't report anything more solid when I first mentioned possible sites. 9 months out, I'd think a contract would already be signed.

 

[waltzonice]

I looked up photos of the rink in Henderson, and it looked like it just has bleachers? Wasn’t sure if that was the smaller of the two ice surfaces. There’s no way they can have SA at a rink without real seats.

They just hosted Pacific Coast Sectionals, but I don't recall what seating was like watching it on Peacock.

If it's in Henderson, NV, it would likely be at Lee's Family Forum - a 5,567-seat facility where the Silver Knights (AHL) play. Pacific Coast Sectionals was at America First Center, which is the practice facility of the Silver Knights with 2 ice surfaces.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

If it's in Henderson, NV, it would likely be at Lee's Family Forum - a 5,567-seat facility where the Silver Knights (AHL) play. Pacific Coast Sectionals was at America First Center, which is the practice facility of the Silver Knights with 2 ice surfaces.

Thanks! I just searched for rinks since I knew Sectionals had been there. The arena looks nice, but we’d have to do something about their bag policy.

 

[tracyeliott]

New Orleans has two arenas, but the chances of us seeing skating here are slim and none lol.

We can dream though, right? Between the two adjacent arenas and the convention center, we could legit handle it.

 

[azcalder]

I looked up photos of the rink in Henderson, and it looked like it just has bleachers? Wasn’t sure if that was the smaller of the two ice surfaces. There’s no way they can have SA at a rink without real seats.

We were at that rink in Henderson for the recent Ice Dance Final. No way it could support a Skate America.

 

[AnnM]

We can dream though, right? Between the two adjacent arenas and the convention center, we could legit handle it.

I would buy a ticket so fast if NOLA ever hosted an event.

 

[crzesk8dad]

We were at that rink in Henderson for the recent Ice Dance Final. No way it could support a Skate America.

That rink would be the practice rink, the Arena would most likely be Lee's Family Forum, as stated earlier, if SKAM was held in Henderson. Much better than the Orleans, if for other reason than it's new.

 

[wilsonskatefam]

Omaha has two, possibly three. But it would be tremendous amount of work to clear a 7-10 days.

CHI which could hold 17,000 plus. Could have the practice arena held in the convention center. However.. Creighton men's basketball home court, SuperNova's home court, Nebraska High School State Wrestling Tournament.

Baxter Arena, has a practice ice in the same building, beautiful facility. Seats about 7,000-9,000. However it is the home hockey arena of the UNO Maverick hockey team

Liberty Arena smaller. Home court for Omaha Lancers Hockey team, Omaha Beef Indoor Football and Omaha Lov3 Volleyball Team

All have games or tournaments in Jan. Besides Nats have been in Wichita and St Louis.

But @Karen-W is right, for arenas especially large ones, are hard to schedule.

Of course when Nats was in Omaha, not great attendance, Worlds was in Canada, USFA didn't help much with advertising, Omaha didn't either. Not many direct flights, although more are being added

Omaha definitely has the ice for it, but I am not sure it has the fan base locally. The proximity of all of those arenas is within 20 minutes to any one place (and really shorter). Outside of the arenas, there are 3 other facilities with ice- 2 one sheet facilities and a 2 sheet. Again, all in the same 20 minute bubble. Contending with Volleyball and UNO/ Lancer Hockey is a whole nother scheduling nightmare.

 

[Capt. DeSoto]

Omaha definitely has the ice for it, but I am not sure it has the fan base locally.

That is certainly a consideration. I don’t have actual numbers, but based on YouTube videos Wichita seemed under-attended compared to recent years in Columbus, San Jose, and St. Louis. I’m sure some of you all who went to these events can chime in with first-hand observations. While the population of the Omaha metro area is a little bigger than Wichita, it’s still half that of the other recent host cities I mentioned. Beyond the population of a city itself, I wonder how much regional drivability plays into attendance as well. There’s just so many people who will not put up with the hassle and added expense of flying.

 

[Karen-W]

That is certainly a consideration. I don’t have actual numbers, but based on YouTube videos Wichita seemed under-attended compared to recent years in Columbus, San Jose, and St. Louis. I’m sure some of you all who went to these events can chime in with first-hand observations. While the population of the Omaha metro area is a little bigger than Wichita, it’s still half that of the other recent host cities I mentioned. Beyond the population of a city itself, I wonder how much regional drivability plays into attendance as well. There’s just so many people who will not put up with the hassle and added expense of flying.

The most recent Nats in San Jose was horribly attended. Wichita had much better attendance over the course of the entire week.

 

[Capt. DeSoto]

The most recent Nats in San Jose was horribly attended. Wichita had much better attendance over the course of the entire week.

Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned San Jose, I think that might have been holdover trepidation coming out of the pandemic.

 

[peibeck]

San Jose hosted 3 times in 12 years. I think that was a bit of over-exposure on top of it being a more expensive destination. Greensboro and Vegas also had drops in attendance after several short repeat visits for big events.

 

[SidelineSkater]

San Jose hosted 3 times in 12 years. I think that was a bit of over-exposure on top of it being a more expensive destination. Greensboro and Vegas also had drops in attendance after several short repeat visits for big events.

SKAM Vegas part 2 (3 comps, 2 in person) was fall of 21 and post-pandemic season, which might explain a lower attendance.

 

[Coco]

Milwaukee...Milwaukee...Milwaukee...just sayin'

 

[alizadavida]

Any update next year on Eastern Synchro Sectionals now that it is less than a year out and auditions are being held now? Or even the block schedule for TOI nationals in 4 months!

I heard when I was in MI that TOI nationals next year is SCOB which is great for me!

 

[Spareoom]

Milwaukee...Milwaukee...Milwaukee...just sayin'

I've been wondering why USFS hasn't come to the Chicago-area more often (I'm guessing $$$); I wonder if Milwaukee could be a good compromise...it's close enough that you could absolutely see people driving up for a day or two. I drove to STL from the Chicago suburbs and I know I wasn't the only one by a long shot; and that's a couple hours further away than Wisconsin...

 

[Plusdinfo]

I've been wondering why USFS hasn't come to the Chicago-area more often (I'm guessing $$$); I wonder if Milwaukee could be a good compromise...it's close enough that you could absolutely see people driving up for a day or two. I drove to STL from the Chicago suburbs and I know I wasn't the only one by a long shot; and that's a couple hours further away than Wisconsin...

Word of warning to anyone who might ever drive to Milwaukee for skating or any other reason: be wary of stopping and parking your vehicle if it's a Kia or Hyundai (though other brands have had issues, too). Milwaukee originated the rash of Kia car thefts, and even all these years later, I have read/I have just recently told by locals that the issue persists. Criminals even just smash out a line of twelve cars' windows in a row for fun. But yes, Milwaukee is an attractive city with a lot to like besides that issue.

Hoffman Estates, IL in the Chicago area did get two Skate Americas recently, right? But for nationals in Chicago, let me check. Not since 1946! There must be some reason(s). Chicagoland produces so many top skaters, and many renowned coaches live and work in the area, so it's not as though there are no skating clubs or no arenas. Does anyone have insight?

 

[lexeoe]

Word of warning to anyone who might ever drive to Milwaukee for skating or any other reason: be wary of stopping and parking your vehicle if it's a Kia or Hyundai (though other brands have had issues, too). Milwaukee originated the rash of Kia car thefts, and even all these years later, I have read/I have just recently told by locals that the issue persists. Criminals even just smash out a line of twelve cars' windows in a row for fun. But yes, Milwaukee is an attractive city with a lot to like besides that issue.

Hoffman Estates, IL in the Chicago area did get two Skate Americas recently, right? But for nationals in Chicago, let me check. Not since 1946! There must be some reason(s). Chicagoland produces so many top skaters, and many renowned coaches live and work in the area, so it's not as though there are no skating clubs or no arenas. Does anyone have insight?

maybe no chicago based clubs is simply backing the bid. though United Center won't be bad for nationals but it might be too big. any idea when usfs wil make the announcement? i remember the columbus announcement was made like a year prior. Wichita was announced April.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

maybe no chicago based clubs is simply backing the bid. though United Center won't be bad for nationals but it might be too big. any idea when usfs wil make the announcement?

Soldier Field should be vacant. Flood it and freeze it.

 

[lexeoe]

Soldier Field should be vacant. Flood it and freeze it.

in january? that'll be too cold.

 

[barbk]

Milwaukee...Milwaukee...Milwaukee...just sayin'

I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Milwaukee last May. Definitely worth a repeat visit.

 

[kirkbiggestfan]

It would be smart to capitalize on Alissa’s gold medal and bring one of these events to California. I’m an East Coaster so I’ll go to Skate Canada.

 

[gaduchess]

maybe no chicago based clubs is simply backing the bid. though United Center won't be bad for nationals but it might be too big. any idea when usfs wil make the announcement? i remember the columbus announcement was made like a year prior. Wichita was announced April.

A large number of US Figure Skating staff was in Milano. I think that we need to give them a chance to fly home and unpack.

 

[tony]

I’ve heard SLC for Nationals. Don’t think it’s official but probably just about.