Skaters, region going for the gold
2020 contest at Times Union Center expected to drive about $4.1 million into local economy
A regional skating competition slated for 2020 in the Times Union Center could mean a blast of cold cash for the Capital Region, according to the chief of Albany County tourism.
The five-day Eastern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships are expected to push about $4.1 million in spending, and bring athletes and guests to some two dozen different hotels in the region, said Jill Delaney, president and CEO of Discover Albany.
Scheduled for Jan. 15-19, 2020, the event is a “huge coup” for the TU Center, she said. Discover Albany was formerly known as the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Featuring teams of between eight and 24 ice skaters who perform synchronized routines, the event is expected to draw teams and fans from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and other New England and southeastern states, she said.
Delaney said the competition is expect--
ed to draw about 160 of the 600 teams nationwide. That should generate 10,000 hotel room nights in the region, as well as more than $327,000 in sales and motel tax revenue for Albany County, she added.
“Being chosen to host Easterns is a great honor and important milestone for our team, which has grown into one of the largest synchronized skating organizations in the world,” said Skyliners Synchronized Skating Team President Lawrence Cooke.
Formed in 2001, the Skyliners organization includes the Skating Club of New York in New York City, Springdale Figure Skating Club in Stamford, Conn., and Essex Skating Club in New Jersey.
Cooke said that “Albany offered ease of access by air, car and rail, a fabulously refurbished host facility in the Times Union Center, conveniently located hotel accommodations and restaurants in close proximity to the main venue, fun office activities, and a great ally in the responsiveness and assistance of Discover Albany.”
This year, the eastern regional contest was held in Estero, Fla. In 2019, it is scheduled to be held in Worcester, Mass.
In 2015, the eastern championships were held in Lake Placid. Past regionals have also been held in Hershey, Pa., and Richmond, Va.