MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- U.S. Figure Skating is headed to Milwaukee! The UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena will host the 2015 "Skate America" event this fall! The international event is the first of six stops on the International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series. Competition will take place October 22nd-25th.
The competition will mark the first time that Milwaukee has hosted a major international figure skating event. The UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena is one of three facilities comprising the Wisconsin Center campus, which also includes the Wisconsin Center and the Milwaukee Theatre. The arena hosts the Milwaukee Wave (MASL), Brewcity Bruisers (WFTDA) and UW-Milwaukee’s men’s basketball team (NCAA).
“U.S. Figure Skating is excited to bring Skate America to Milwaukee,” U.S. Figure Skating Executive Director David Raith said. “We look forward to hosting a world-class figure skating competition in the area for the first time and hope ticketholders have an excellent experience whether attending their first or 50th skating competition.”
The Hilton Milwaukee City Center will serve as the official hotel for the Skate America delegation.
The event will feature two days of competition in ladies, men’s, pairs and ice dance. The field will include 56 competitors, including Olympic- and World-level athletes.
“Milwaukee is very excited to host its first international event with U.S. Figure Skating and to welcome current and future Olympians to the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, a totally renovated facility that has featured everything from the Beatles to ice hockey,” said Paul Upchurch, president and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee.
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 2015 Skate America and the rest of the 2015 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events will be announced June 15th. The 2015 Skate America website, which will be live May 12th, will include event and All-Event ticket package information. All-event ticket packages go on sale May 13th. Please visit www.2015skateamerica.com for more information.
Other stops on the 2015 Grand Prix Series include Skate Canada, Cup of China, Trophée Eric Bompard, Rostelecom Cup and NHK Trophy. Skaters earn points throughout the Grand Prix Series to qualify for the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final each December. The 2015 Grand Prix Final will be held December 7th-13th, in Barcelona, Spain.