U.S. Synchronized Skating Championship is Coming to Rockford

Given the amount of incredibly accomplished skaters that Rockford has produced over the years, it's fair to say that Rockford is a skating town. Well, this skating town is about to get a treat.

Our friend Andrea, from the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB), gave us the rundown this morning on the  2017 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, going on 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.

"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."

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.