U.S. Figure Skating announced the selection of XFINITY Arena in Everett, Washington as the host for the 2018 Skate America, Oct. 19-21, 2018. The international event will be the first of six stops on the International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series.
The competition will mark a return of Skate America to Everett for the first time since 2008 when it set an all-time Skate America attendance record that still stands today. In addition to hosting sporting, concerts and other types of performances, the arena hosts the Everett Silvertips, a franchise in the Western Hockey League.
“U.S. Figure Skating is excited Skate America will return to Everett after the event set a record for attendance in 2008,” U.S. Figure Skating President Sam Auxier said. “We saw a truly passionate fan base and skating community, and we believe the athletes and officials will enjoy that experience again next fall.”
“On behalf of the city of Everett, we are excited to welcome U.S. Figure Skating and the world’s best figure skaters back to town next fall,” said Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson. “We look forward to hosting guests from all over the world at our hotels, restaurants and shops when Skate America comes to XFINITY Arena.”
The event will feature three days of competition in ladies, men’s, pairs and ice dance. The field will include 60 competitors, including Olympic and World-level athletes.
“It is an honor to be selected to host the 2018 Skate America,” Snohomish County Sports Commission Sports Development Director Tammy Dunn said. “With the great partnership we have with Xfinity Arena, City of Everett and Snohomish County as well as the support from our community, we look forward to welcoming the world’s best figure skaters and passionate figure skating fans from around the world and making this a successful and memorable Skate America.”
“Ten years after hosting the successful 2008 Skate America, we’re honored to have been selected by U.S. Figure Skating as the host venue for 2018,” said Rick Comeau, XFINITY Arena general manager. “We look forward to showcasing Everett on national TV and welcoming thousands of guests to downtown Everett.”
Past Skate America titlists include five-time World champion and two-time Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan and Olympic champions Kristi Yamaguchi, Scott Hamilton, Evan Lysacek and Meryl Davis and Charlie White.
The complete list of athletes selected to compete at the 2018 Skate America and the rest of the 2018 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events will be announced in June.
Recent Skate America events were held in Hoffman Estates, Illinois (2014 and 2016) and Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2015). 2017 Bridgestone Skate America is set for Nov. 24-26, 2017 in Lake Placid, New York.
The 2018 Grand Prix Series will include stops in Canada, China, France, Russia and Japan. Skaters earn points throughout the Grand Prix Series to qualify for the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final each December. The 2018 Grand Prix Final will be held Dec. 5-9, in Vancouver, Canada.
Courtesy of XFINITY Arena
