Figure skating nationals moved from San Jose due to virus fears
LAS VEGAS — The U. S. Figure Skating Championships are being moved from San Jose to Las Vegas.
The national federation said Monday the switch was based partly on the successful coronavirus bubble environment used for Skate America last month at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. San Jose now will get the 2023 nationals. The 2022 event, which serves as the Olympic trials, will be in Nashville.
The championships were to be held at SAP Center, with practice sessions at nearby Solar4America Ice. San Jose had been awarded the 2021 nationals in October 2019.
San Jose previously hosted the national championships in 1996, 2012 and 2018.
Nationals will take place Jan. 1121 in Las Vegas. Nathan Chen, a twotime world champion who has won the past four U. S. titles, will lead the field. He won Skate America.
“This has been a season unlike any other, and we’re appreciative of our local organizers and the skating community in San Jose for their willingness to be flexible during these challenging times,” U. S. Figure Skating President Anne Cammett said.
“We are also confident that the proven bubble concept we will implement at the Orleans Arena will ensure the 2021 Toyota U. S. Figure Skating Championships are a successful event for all competitors, coaches and officials.”
Senior competition will take place Jan. 1117, and junior competition Jan. 1921. As with Skate America, no spectators will be allowed.
“While certainly disappointed, we understand the difficult but necessary decision made by U. S. Figure Skating to move the U. S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose to 2023,” said John Poch, executive director of the San Jose Sports Authority. “As always, the care and safety of the athletes, staff and fans is our top priority.”
For fans who had planned on attending nationals in San Jose, refunds will be issued to all existing ticket holders to the original form of payment.
“SAP Center at San Jose was prepared to safely and successfully host the U. S. Figure Skating Championships in
January 2021,” added Jonathan Becher, president of Sharks Sports & Entertainment and SAP Center at San Jose, in a statement. “While we are disappointed to wait, we are excited to host the Championship in 2023 and showcase the City of San Jose and SAP Center to a national audience.”