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March Madness may be grabbing the headlines right now but ice skating is always cool.US Figure Skating has an RFP for its Sectional High School Finals - Midwest, Pacific Coast & Eastern. You have between now and June 1 to submit a bid for the 2026 edition of the event. All the information you need is right here. If your destination has wanted to get into the ice event hosting game, this is a great opportunity.
The RFP is available at this link.
Note: All events are the property of US Figure Skating and destinations must adhere to the requirements set forth in the RFP. The information contained in this article is a short summary of the event and its needs. Full information can be found in the RFP, as well as from US Figure Skating.
About the Sectional High School Finals
High School skating encourages student-athletes to continue to compete in figure skating through their high school years. Further, it provides them with an opportunity to compete in their sport on a recognized team for their school or region.
The Sectional High School Finals will be open to all registered U.S. Figure Skating High School Skating Teams. Teams align with the traditional U.S. Figure Skating sectional structure. The intention is to provide a competition in each section (Eastern, Midwest and Pacific Coast) or a combined sectional event (Midwest/Pacific Coast) in the event that the number of teams in the Pacific Coast does not warrant its own event.
In 2024, the inaugural Sectional High School Finals were held in Evanston, Illinois (Midwest/Pacific Coast combined Sectional) and Burlington, Vermont (Eastern Sectional).
2026 Sectional Final Dates Available for Bid:
- March 20-22, 2026
- March 27-29, 2026
- April 10-12, 2026
June 1, 2025 – Deadline for bid submission for 2026 dates.
July 1, 2025 – LOCs notified for 2026 bid decisions; provision agreement provided.
Fall 2025 – Public announcement of event locations and dates, upon signing of provisional agreement.
Facility Requirements
- The Americans with Disabilities Act, which went into effect January 26, 1992, requires that public establishments offer equal access and services to people who are physically and mentally disabled. The facility must be in compliance with all applicable cities, state or federal regulations concerning access and seating for people with disabilities.
- The facility should have a comprehensive security/emergency-situation plan.
- Ice Surface(s) o Ice surfaces must be 85’ x 200’ or 100’ x 200’
- Notes: At least one dedicated ice sheet for competition throughout the event required, more than one sheet may be utilized. Additional surfaces may be utilized for practice ice throughout the competition. However, all priority should be given to the competition surface(s).
- At least one (1) ice resurfacing machine must be available per competition surface.
- Officials Platform: Officials’ seating rink side, with minimal obstructions. Glass may be removed to provide better visibility. Access to house audio for
connectivity of music systems - Skater Ready Areas: Off-Ice Warm Up-Open space should be available in the facility to allow skaters to warm up and stretch prior to practicing or competing.
- Ready Rooms/Locker Rooms: Space must be available for athletes to put on skates prior to competing/practicing.
- If locker rooms or ready rooms are being provided, they must abide by the most recent edition of the U.S. Figure Skating SkateSafe® guidelines.
Technology Requirements
- Strong, ideally dedicated, Wi-Fi available to the designated accounting, music and announcing room(s).
- Reliable, ideally dedicated, Wi-Fi throughout the facility for general event operations and officials use. May be the same dedicated Wi-Fi as the accounting, music, and announcing room(s).
Housing Needs
Housing must be provided through the LOC for all officials. Transportation between this hotel and the competition facility must be provided. Projected room nights can be made available upon request.
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