U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships to be Held in Rockford

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to host the 2017 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships February 23-25, 2017, at the BMO Harris Bank Center. 

An estimated 94 teams comprised of more than 1,500 skaters will compete for national accolades with 5,000 visitors expected to be in attendance. Skaters ranging in age from 9 to 65, participants and spectators will travel to the Rockford region from all across the country for the three-day event. The event is projected to fill 3,500 room nights and generate an estimated $630,000 of economic impact to area hotels, sites, attractions and businesses.

Synchronized skating consists of teams of eight to 20 skaters performing high speed, intricate formations and challenging step sequences. Teams are judged on their ability to work simultaneously, choreographing circular, linear, block, wheel, and intersection elements to music. The teams are required to perform difficult step sequences involving a number of complicated turns and movements.

Senior-level teams will compete to represent Team USA at the 2017 World Synchronized Skating Championships, set for April 7-8 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Teams at the junior and senior levels will also compete for the opportunity to be placed in the 2018 International Selection Pool.

“We’re excited to welcome the coaches, skaters and spectators for the 2017 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships to the Rockford region for the first time. It’s certainly an honor to have nationally-recognized skaters from so many areas of the country here competing for international accolades,” said Lindsay Arellano, RACVB director of sales and servicing. “We are looking forward to ensuring their experience in our community is memorable both on and off the ice.”

“On behalf of the Starlights Synchronized Skating Teams, we are excited and proud to welcome nearly 100 of the nation's top teams to Rockford for this prestigious event. We're honored that U.S. Figure Skating chose us to serve as host and have been working very hard to make this a memorable event for all attendees,” says Sally-Anne Kaminski, Local Organizing Committee marketing chair.

The public is welcome to attend the event. General admission is $28, senior/active duty $20 and children 3 or under are no cost. More information about the championship, including a schedule of events, can be found at www.ussynchrochampionships.com. 

Additional Championship Information:

Practice Makes Perfect: Carlson Ice Arena and Riverview Ice House, facilities of the Rockford Park District, will serve as practice rinks and Revolution Synchronized Skating Team, representing the Rockford Skating Club, will perform during the Opening Ceremony.

“We are thrilled to support the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships by providing a world class practice facility and are thrilled that athletes who shine on ice will be in the national spotlight. It’s great to skate and the Rockford Park District offers a variety of lessons, clinics, and camps to fit the needs of all our citizens. Skating is a skill you will use your entire life,” said Monique Bailey, Figure Skating Director.

Traffic and Parking Advisory: All downtown businesses and commuters are advised that traffic will be heavy during the championship event. RACVB is collaborating with the City of Rockford and the BMO Harris Bank Center to help direct traffic and minimize delays for both commuters and visitors.

Parking will also be impacted by the championship event. All city lots and on-street parking will operate according to the posted time restrictions and daily rates (parking fees may apply to some lots and decks). For visitors, suggested parking locations available throughout the three-day event include the Metro Deck/State and Main Parking Garage (301 West State Street) and the Concourse Deck connected to the event venue (200 South Church Street.) For more information and directions see the parking map attached separately.

Important Safety Note for Competition Attendees: For safety reasons, all guests are subject to search upon entering the BMO Harris Bank Center. In the event that prohibited items are revealed during the search, the guest will be permitted to dispose of the item or return it to their vehicle. The BMO Harris Bank Center reserves the right to confiscate any prohibited items and/or escort the guest from the building. The BMO Harris Bank Center will not safeguard any personal belongings or items of any type.

For more information about the BMO Harris Bank Center, arena policies and a full list of prohibited items during check-in, visit www.thebmoharrisbankcenter.com/arena-info/policies. 

RACVB exists to drive quality of life and economic growth for the citizens of Rockford and Winnebago County through tourism marketing and destination development. gorockford.com