2026 Skate America in Everett, WA; Salt Lake City for 2027 U.S. Nationals - info/planning thread

[Sylvia]

Announced today (March 19, 2026), along with 2027 U.S. Synchro Nationals in Henderson, Nevada:

U.S. Figure Skating Announces Locations of 2027 U.S. Figure Skating and Synchronized Skating Championships, 2026 Skate America - U.S. Figure Skating

U.S. Figure Skating today announced the dates and locations for the 2027 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, the 2027 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships and

usfigureskating.org

Copying out the full press release:

The 2027 U.S. Figure Skating Championships return to Utah for the first time since 1999 with championship events taking place January 5-10, 2027, while the 2027 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships will travel to Henderson, Nevada, February 22-27, 2027.

Kicking off the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series in the fall, 2026 Skate America will head to Everett, Washington, October 22-25, 2026.

The U.S. Figure Skating Championships, held in partnership with the Utah Sports Commission, host the nation's best figure skaters from the women's, men's, pairs and ice dance disciplines – including many 2026 Olympians.

This will mark the event's fourth appearance in Utah.

Championship-level practices and competition will take place at the Maverik Center, the site of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and the upcoming 2034 Olympic Winter Games.

All-session tickets for championship-level competition will go on sale Thursday, March 26 at 12 p.m. ET.

Junior competition will occur at the Salt Lake City Sports Complex, which was the official figure skating practice venue for the 2002 Games.

In addition, the Salt Lake City Sports Complex will host the U.S. Figure Skating Development Team Championships, which includes competition at the juvenile, intermediate and novice levels. Preserving the legacy of the National Development Team, these events, as well as junior events, will occur Jan. 2-5, 2027.
Tickets for juvenile-junior will be available for purchase in the fall.

For more information on the 2027 U.S. Figure Skating Championships and U.S. Figure Skating Development Team Championships, visit /usfigureskating.org/feature/2027USChamps.

The first of six stops in the Grand Prix Series, Skate America journeys to Angel Of The Winds Arena as fans will have the experience to watch top athletes from around the world in women's, men's, pairs and ice dance. Entries will be announced in summer 2026.

This is the first time since 2018 that Skate America heads to Everett and the fifth time that the event will be held in the state of Washington. All-session tickets will go on sale Thursday, March 26 at 3 p.m. ET.

For more information on 2026 Skate America, visit usfigureskating.org/feature/2026SkateAmerica.

Rounding out U.S. Figure Skating's domestic synchronized skating calendar, the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships head to Henderson, Nevada, and Lee's Family Forum, which opened in 2022 and is home to the Henderson Silver Knights, the AHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights.

While this will be the first time the event is held in Henderson, the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships were contested in Las Vegas in 2024.

At the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, the top synchronized teams from across the country vie for U.S. titles in eight levels: senior, junior, collegiate, novice, intermediate, juvenile, adult and masters.

 

[Sylvia]

SLC Sports Complex is where the U.S. International Figure Skating Classic/(domestic, now defunct) U.S. Novice & Junior Challenge Skate was held for many years (near the University of Utah): https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/park...-and-golf/ice-centers/slc-sports-complex-ice/

ETA links - to the website for Maverik Center in SLC:

Home - Maverik Center

Where Entertainment Takes Center Stage From Olympic glory to sold-out shows, our state-of-the-art venue blends big-arena energy with small-theater intimacy—offering top-tier sound, stunning views, and an unbeatable atmosphere. Whether you’re […]

maverikcenter.com

Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, WA (there's an NHL regulation 200' x 85' ice rink that is located inside):

Angel Of The Winds Arena

www.angelofthewindsarena.com

 

[jkl]

I called the Salt Lake Sports Complex just now. They confirmed they only have bleacher seats for skating viewing. Thanks USFS.

 

[Debbie S]

^ I was just about to ask if it was the same rink.

That was a nice rink, although I wonder if the setup will change any since it's Nats and not a Senior B/Challenger. The secondary/practice rink is accessible and viewable from the walkway in the main rink area and overall, the atmosphere was very low-key, skaters warming up as spectators were walking past. The LOC sorta tried to restrict spectators to one side of the rink but gave up quickly.

 

[Debbie S]

I called the Salt Lake Sports Complex just now. They confirmed they only have bleacher seats for skating viewing. Thanks USFS.

You could get something like this: https://www.target.com/p/home-compl...n/-/A-93579822?preselect=93579821#lnk=sametab

 

[YukiNieve]

Both will go on sale on March 26!?
While some of us will be in Prague!?

 

[Taso]

I called the Salt Lake Sports Complex just now. They confirmed they only have bleacher seats for skating viewing. Thanks USFS.

Can you bring stadium bleacher seats in like you can at say an NCAA football game?

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Can you bring stadium bleacher seats in like you can at say an NCAA football game?

I used to bring my bleacher seat to SLC for the Senior B, but it took up a ton of suitcase space. It wasn't bad in September since I didn't have to bring winter layers. For Nats it would be more cumbersome.

 

[acraven]

I have a thin bleacher seat I bought a bunch of years ago to attend summer competitions in training rinks. I remember it took a good bit of shopping around online to find it. It has an REI logo on it. The REI website currently has some similar-looking items, unfortunately at much higher prices than I probably paid.

https://www.rei.com/search?q=stadium+seat

With patience, I hope folks can find something workable at a more reasonable price. For me, it's essential to have something to lean against if I'm going to be spending three days sitting on bleachers. At least the REI offerings aren't terribly bulky.

 

[jkl]

Here’s hoping some youth group rents out seat backs for old folks like me. I would happily give the Boy Scouts $10 to save my back. I have seen that before at events.

 

[Skaterbob]

I used to bring my bleacher seat to SLC for the Senior B, but it took up a ton of suitcase space. It wasn't bad in September since I didn't have to bring winter layers. For Nats it would be more cumbersome.

This is smart. I remember going to Glacier falls quite a few years in a row and I just had to stand up between skaters or I would not have made it. lol

 

[YukiNieve]

Can someone post the dates of all GPS?

Did 2018 Skate America take place at the same rink?

 

[crzesk8dad]

I called the Salt Lake Sports Complex just now. They confirmed they only have bleacher seats for skating viewing. Thanks USFS.

This is the same rink used many times for US Autumn Classic, Jr. Nationals, Pac Coast sectional. Nice facility, yes it bleacher seating, but they do have some patio tables and benches next to the snack bar, which was good if I remember.

It is near University of Utah, if memory serves me right, there is a Marriott close by, and within a mile or two are other hotels..we have stayed at Hyatt and Holiday Inn Express.

There is lots of parking, however if there is a swimming event or something going on at University of Utah, the lot can get full.

 

[Karen-W]

Can someone post the dates of all GPS?

Did 2018 Skate America take place at the same rink?

What we know so far is 2026 SkAm is the first GP, which makes 2026 GPdF the 3rd GP this coming season. We don't know the locations or order of the rest of the GPs.

And, yes, this is the same venue that hosted 2018 SkAm.

ISU Grand Prix series confirmed dates/locations known so far:

Skate America in Everett, Washington, October 22-25, 2026 (announced today, March 19): https://usfigureskating.org/feature/2026SkateAmerica
All-session tickets for Skate America will go on sale Thursday, March 26 at 3 p.m. ET.

Oct. 29-Nov. 1: Skate Canada International ?

Nov. 5-8:

Grand Prix de France in Angers, November 13-15, 2026 (announced on March 12): https://www.ffsportsdeglace.fr/troi...26-de-patinage-artistique-et-danse-sur-glace/

Nov. 19-23:

Nov. 26-30:

 

[kwanfan1818]

It’s also the same venue where the first Skate America in Everett was held, but Comcast owned the naming rights at the time.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

I think the top row of the bleachers opposite the judges at the SLC Sports Complex has a railing behind it, so if you can snag those seats you'll have something to lean against. The Corner Bakery a few blocks from the arena will be the happening spot. Every time we'd go in there during the US Classic we'd see multiple skaters and coaches lol.

 

[kwanfan1818]

As an FYI, light rail in Seattle is opening the connection between the North-South main line — Federal Way -> SeaTac (airport) -> Seattle -> Lynnwood — at the International District station in Seattle to go to the Eastside (Bellevue/Redmond) on March 28 (2026). It will be the “2” line.

It won’t make a difference traveling north, but going south to the airport, you want to be on the “1” (Federal Way) train, not the “2.”

Also, on transit, you can take light rail from the airport to the end-stop, Lynnwood City Center, walk three minutes to the bus depot across the play area, and take a bus to Everett station. (Or possible closer to the arena, because it’s a local.) Those buses are on an all day, not a commuter schedule.

Also, Everett is a small city in its own right, not the burbs.

 

[bobmcm]

I think there seems to be confusion, the SLSC is only being used for the Development Camp thru Junior competition. This is similar to the facility in St Louis that served the same purpose.. and in my view was excellent. Yes, it also had bleacher seating, but seemed fine for the limited # of people, including me who went there every day.
The primary rink for Nationals is the Maverick Center, with regular stadium seating.

 

[Debbie S]

I think there seems to be confusion, the SLSC is only being used for the Development Camp thru Junior competition. This is similar to the facility in St Louis that served the same purpose.. and in my view was excellent. Yes, it also had bleacher seating, but seemed fine for the limited # of people, including me who went there every day.
The primary rink for Nationals is the Maverick Center, with regular stadium seating.

There is no confusion. Many of us want to see the lower level events that are at the secondary rink.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

If anyone receives an email from FOFS with the date we’ll be able to buy tickets please let me know. I don’t trust them to have me correctly on the mailing list. It’s taken an act of Congress to get my member package the last few years.

 

[alizadavida]

Still no announcement for sectionals for synchro

 

[waltzonice]

The SLC Sports Complex hosted Adult Nationals several times -- I was there in 2019. It's a very nice facility. It was also featured in an episode of Secret Celebrity Renovation after the 2022 Olympics, where "Olympic gold medalist ice skater Nathan Chen gifts his hometown's Salt Lake City Sports Complex a brand-new figure skater lounge area."

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21355616/

 

[waltzonice]

And as someone else already pointed out, the Maverik Center hosted Synchro Nationals a couple of weeks ago. The facility was pretty nice, though there were very limited arena food options open for Synchro Nationals. Seats are fairly comfortable, but no cupholders.

 

[Tinycities]

@Karen-W to continue what you said in the locked thread, look into Amtrak cascades too. I’m also in portland and it’s 5 hours flat from union station to Everett. Not terrible for I’m assuming a fairly easy ride, at least easier than dealing with Tacoma/Seattle traffic.

The train station seems to be a 10 minute walk to the arena too.

 

[ice coverage]

There is no confusion. Many of us want to see the lower level events that are at the secondary rink.

For sure!

... This is similar to the facility in St Louis that served the same purpose.. and in my view was excellent. Yes, it also had bleacher seating, but seemed fine for the limited # of people, including me who went there every day.

Centene had stadium seating in the competition rink for junior/novice at St. Louis Nats.
As seen here, for example: https://photos2.ice-dance.com/2025-26/26USN/Jr/RD/26USN-JrRD-9696.jpg

(I did not enter practice rinks at Centene. Maybe they had bleachers?)

 

[TanithandBenFan]

And as someone else already pointed out, the Maverik Center hosted Synchro Nationals a couple of weeks ago. The facility was pretty nice, though there were very limited arena food options open for Synchro Nationals. Seats are fairly comfortable, but no cupholders.

Are the seats at Maverik plastic?

I was checking out the synchro vids and it looks like the first few rows in some of the sections are folding chairs, so heads up to those who usually buy those seats.

 

[Lanie]

welp guess I'm going to Seattle and Salt Lake City with @Firedancer

bleacher seats seem miserable, thanks USFS. 2022 GPF in Torino was horrible on my back.

 

[overedge]

@Karen-W to continue what you said in the locked thread, look into Amtrak cascades too. I’m also in portland and it’s 5 hours flat from union station to Everett. Not terrible for I’m assuming a fairly easy ride, at least easier than dealing with Tacoma/Seattle traffic.

The train station seems to be a 10 minute walk to the arena too.

It's an uphill walk, if that's a factor for anyone in deciding.

 

[waltzonice]

Are the seats at Maverik plastic?

I was checking out the synchro vids and it looks like the first few rows in some of the sections are folding chairs, so heads up to those who usually buy those seats.

Yes the seats are plastic. And yes, the first two rows were folding chairs, though I can't say for sure if they did that just for synchro nationals. I also can't tell from the pictures I took if it was the first 2 rows for all sections, or only some of the sections. Maybe look for some other photos/videos from hockey games?

 

[Firedancer]

welp guess I'm going to Seattle and Salt Lake City with @Firedancer

bleacher seats seem miserable, thanks USFS. 2022 GPF in Torino was horrible on my back.

Already got my dog sitter for nationals!