Skate America tickets now on sale

U.S. Figure Skating announced today that individual session tickets for 2010 Skate America are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased at the Rose Garden Box Office by calling 877.789.7673 or online at www.2010skateamerica.com.

The competition, presented by U.S. Figure Skating, the Oregon Sports Authority and the Rose Garden, with support from Travel Portland, will take place Nov. 11-14 at the Rose Garden, which also served as the site of the 2005 State Farm U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Session 1:
Nov. 12 – Pairs short program, men’s short program

Session 2:
Nov. 13 – Ladies short program, short dance

Session 3:
Nov. 13 – Men’s free skate, pairs free skate

Session 4:
Nov. 14 – Free dance, ladies free skate

Session 5:
Nov. 14 – Skating Spectacular (exhibition)

Skate America is part of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series. Now in its 16th season, the Grand Prix series consists of six international events in a cumulative point-scoring format. Approximately 300 athletes from 30 countries are expected to participate in the series. Each athlete is eligible to score points in two of the six scheduled events. The top six point-earners in each of the disciplines qualify for the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Beijing, China, Dec. 9-12. Athletes will be vying for a total of more than $1.35 million in prize money throughout the series.

Medalists from three of the four disciplines at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games will take the ice at the Rose Garden. Leading the way are American ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White, who captured the silver in Vancouver. The pairs field is highlighted by two-time World champions and Olympic bronze medalists Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany. Reigning World champion and Olympic bronze medalist Daisuke Takahashi of Japan will shoot for his third Skate America title; he previously won the gold at the event in 2005 and 2007.

Other international competitors of note are 2008 World silver medalist Carolina Kostner of Italy, 2010 World bronze medalist Laura Lepistö of Finland and 2006 Skate America champion Nobunari Oda of Japan. Three of the four reigning U.S. champions will compete in Portland as well. In addition to Davis and White, who have won the last two U.S. ice dancing titles, Rachael Flatt and pairs team Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett will take the ice.