2017 Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships

GRAND FORKS, North Dakota- The 2017 Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships is a major amateur sporting event that will bring more than 5,000 people to Grand Forks over the course of the three-day event. Participants will travel to Grand Forks from as far away as Alabama, Alaska, and California to compete.

The 2017 Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships is the world's largest synchronized skating competition with more than 170 teams from around the United States taking part. Each team is comprised of 8 to 20 skaters, plus alternates, coaches, and team managers.

This event, sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating, is both a qualifying event and a non-qualifying event for the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships. This weekend, teams at the highest competitive levels will be competing for spots at the U.S. National Synchronized Skating Championships. Synchronized teams compete in 14 different levels according to the age and skill level of the team members.  

“The majority of the participants will be between the ages of 8 and 22,” said Karen Peterson, Co-Chair of the Local Organizing Committee. “This event provides the opportunity for the people of our region to see some of the best synchro teams in the country. This is going to be a huge event for Greater Grand Forks and we couldn’t be happier to have our Northern Lights Figure Skating Club from East Grand Forks as the host association for this event. It is going to be a great weekend of skating.”

Ralph Engelstad Arena will be open to the public on Thursday, January 26 from 8:00 AM to 5:30PM so fans can watch the teams practice before the official competition starts at 7:30 AM on Friday. Thursday’s practice sessions are FREE and open to the public. Tickets are required for the competition Friday and Saturday. For complete event schedule and details visit www.midwesternsynchrosectionals.com. 

Synchronized skating uses the same judging system as singles, pairs and dance and is characterized by teamwork, speed, intricate formations and challenging step sequences. As with the other figure skating disciplines, all teams perform a free skate with required well-balanced program elements. In addition, teams at the junior and senior level perform a short program consisting of required elements.   

“This will be a great event for the Greater Grand Forks community as the economic impact from this event is anticipated to exceed $3 million,” said Jody Hodgson, GM of Ralph Engelstad Arena. “What a great way to showcase our communities to the more than 5,000 people who are expected to travel here from all over the country. The Northern Lights Figure Skating Club should be commended for submitting the bid to secure this event and they should also be commended for the hundreds of hours that their volunteer group has put into preparing for this event. More than 200 event volunteers are ready to welcome athletes and fans to the Grand Cities as we once again showcase our community’s ability to host world-class sporting events. ”

Tickets for this event can be purchased at the Ralph Engelstad Arena box office, online at ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at 800.745.3000. Single-day passes are $20 Adult, $15 Senior, and $10 Youth. A two-day pass can be purchased for $30 Adult, $25 Senior, and $15 Youth. All seating is General Admission. Competition will occur in both the Main Arena and Olympic Arena.

For complete event schedule and details, visit www.midwesternsynchrosectionals.com.