Colorado Springs Offers Sports Events Coinciding with Winter Olympics

In 1977, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) selected Colorado Springs, CO as its national headquarters and established the Olympic Training Center on 35 acres that was formerly known as Ent Air Force Base. In 2007, the USOC reaffirmed its commitment to Colorado Springs by signing a 25-year agreement. Visitors can easily catch the Olympic spirit before or after the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, cheer on Team USA and spot future hopefuls in the state’s second largest city.

The Olympic Training Center, located just a few miles east of downtown Colorado Springs, is home to hundreds of athletes who live and train at the facility on a permanent or temporary basis. Free public tours are conducted year-round by USOC Ambassadors. The tour includes a 12-minute film and 45-minute walking tour of the complex. View athlete training facilities and life-size figures with narrative panels adorning the Irwin Belk Olympic Pathway. www.teamusa.org.

Colorado Springs Downtown Olympic Celebration – February 7, 2014: Join the Olympic Downtown Celebration beginning at 5:00 p.m. MST to celebrate the opening of the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. The highlight of the evening, the NBC broadcast of the Opening Ceremony from Sochi on a 17-foot wide LCD television unit, is the best way to enjoy the magnificent opening ceremonies and the arrival of the powerful 245-athlete United States Olympic Team at the 40,000-seat Fisht Olympic Stadium. www.coloradospringssports.org.

Rocky Mountain State Games Dog Sled Race – February 8 & 9, 2014: In nearby Divide, this brand new competition, produced by the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation and organized by the Colorado Mountain Mushers, is not the famed Iditarod in Alaska, but promises two days of enjoyable entertainment for fans of the sport. Races range from one to eight miles over the course. While the main portion of the Rocky Mountain State Games will be held on two weekends, July 18-20 and July 25-27, organizers jumped at the chance to produce the first winter sport ever held in the 13-year history of Colorado’s largest sports festival. www.coloradospringssports.org.

2014 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships – February 26 – March 1, 2014: In addition to being the primary selection event for the World Synchronized Skating Championships, the U.S. Synchronized Championships crowns the U.S. champions at the juvenile, intermediate, novice, junior, senior, collegiate, adult and masters levels. The 2014 event, hosted by the Broadmoor Skating Club, will be held at the Colorado Springs World Arena. Together the Broadmoor Skating Club, U.S. Figure Skating, world-renowned coaches and the World Arena Ice Hall have a history of producing U.S. champions such as Rachael Flatt and Ryan Bradley. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.2014synchrochampionships.com.

Train like an Olympic Athlete on the Manitou Incline Trail: What began as a railway to transport material for an old water line, is now recognized as one of the most popular trails in the U.S. Gaining nearly 2,000 feet in elevation over one mile, the Incline is, perhaps, the most unique and challenging trail in the country, attracting runners, Olympians, cyclists and other athletes for the ultimate training experience. The trail is also used by military personnel, student athletes, weekend warriors and even soccer moms. More than anything, the Incline is famous for dishing out a tough workout. www.visitcos.com/incline.

About Colorado Springs, CO: Founded as a resort town in 1871, Colorado’s second largest city has drawn travelers from around the world for decades offering unrivaled natural beauty, ample sunshine, a mild climate and more than 55 man-made and natural attractions. Home to iconic landmarks including the U.S. Olympic Training Center, U.S. Air Force Academy and Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, the city and surrounding region is a popular destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts and couples. Find out more and order a free Official Visitor Guide at VisitCOS.com.