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Skating spectacular returns to Kalamazoo

Brian Persky, Discover Kalamazoo, says the city is honored that U.S. Figure Skating will again hold one of its most prestigious championships locally.

Brian Persky, Discover Kalamazoo, says the city is honored that U.S. Figure Skating will again hold one of its most prestigious championships locally. (Watershed Voice file photo)

Get ready for a dazzling display of ice skating as Kalamazoo plays host to the 2025 Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships. The event, sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating, will take place from January 27 to February 2, 2025, at Wings Event Center.

The competition will feature teams from across the Midwest and Plains states, showcasing the beauty and athleticism of synchronized skating. The Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association (GKSA) will host the event, welcoming approximately 175 teams and 4,000 attendees, including skaters, coaches, officials, and fans. Synchronized skating features teams of 8-20 skaters flowing together at high speeds over ice.

“Our club is honored to have once again been selected to host this premiere synchronized skating event for the Midwest,” said Kelly Felton, president of the GKSA. The event is expected to generate significant economic impact for the Kalamazoo area, with an estimated $2.79 million in visitor spending.

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This prestigious event marks a return for Kalamazoo, which has successfully hosted similar championships in 2013, 2019, and 2022. The 2019 Midwestern and Pacific Coast Synchronized Sectional Championships brought in $3,307,633 in direct visitor spending, while the 2022 event generated $3,542,492.

The Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships is one of three qualifying events for the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships. Synchronized skating teams, ranging from juvenile (13 and younger) to masters (35+), will compete in eight competitive divisions.

“We are honored that U.S. Figure Skating has once again selected Kalamazoo and Wings Event Center as the site of one of its most prestigious championships,” said Brian Persky, director of business development at Discover Kalamazoo. “The Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association has a long-time proven track record of delivering top tier events and experiences for skating clubs, event officials, and spectators alike, and we look forward to supporting them in the preparations and hosting of this event in 2025.”

For more information about the event and the Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association, visit skatekalamazoo.org.

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