Kearns, UT (December 2016) – In partnership with U.S. Speedskating and the Utah Sports Commission the Utah Olympic Oval will be hosting the U.S. Speed Skating Championships on January 6, 7 and 8, 2017. For the first time, both Short and Long Track U.S. Championships will be at the same venue on the same dates. Race officials anticipate a field of 160 of the best U.S. short and long track speed skating athletes to race in hopes to qualify for a spot representing the U.S. in the prestigious World Cup and World Cup Sprint circuits. Admission to this world class event is free.
In addition to all the action, there will be a series of Short Track races the U.S. skaters do during the season called the American Cup Series. “AmCups” are held throughout the season each in a different city. Points from the U.S. Championships will count towards the “AmCup” series.
Long and Short Track Quick Explanation:
All long track races are held in pairs, for which two lanes on the track are used. Skaters wear bands around their upper arm to identify which lane they started in. The colors are white for inner lane and red for outer lane. On the back straight, the skaters switch lanes, which causes them both to cover the same distance per lap.
Different from long track speed skating, short track features a mass-start with up to six skaters and high-paced, high-contact skating action. The competition takes place on an international-sized ice hockey rink measuring 60 meters by 30 meters.
Competition Schedule:
Friday, January 6: Long Track (Doors at 8 a.m.; Trials 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MST)
Short Track (Doors at 8 a.m.: Qualifiers 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. MST)
Saturday, January 7: Long Track (Doors at 8 a.m.; Competition 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST)
Short Track (Doors at 8 a.m.: Competition 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. MST)
Sunday, January 8: Long Track (Doors at 8 a.m.; Competition 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. MST)
Short Track (Doors at 8 a.m.: Competition 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. MST)
Spectators will be invited to participate in a community festival on Saturday held inside the Oval arena. The community festival will open at 12 p.m. MST on Saturday. Family-friendly activities include bounce houses, corn hole, and sponsor pop up stores as well as food and beverage offerings. The community festival is held in partnership with U.S. Speedskating.
“We are always excited to host part of the U.S. Speed Skating Championships but having both Long and Short Track here at the same time makes this event even more special,” said Derek Parra, Utah Olympic Oval Sport Director. “This event will also give the public a preview of Olympic Trials and the road to the 2018 Olympics.”
Home to the 'Fastest Ice on Earth,’ the Olympic Oval has set over 86 world records since 2002.
For more information on this event, race schedules, or other events please visit UtahOlympicLegacy.org.
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About Utah Olympic Oval
Built in 2001 just in time for the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Utah Olympic Oval is located in the community of Kearns, just 16 miles west of Salt Lake City, Utah. The five‐acre venue houses Utah’s only 400‐meter speed skating oval and two international‐sized ice sheets as well as a state‐of‐the‐art four‐lane 442‐meter running track. Today, Utah Olympic Oval is a dynamic multi‐use facility focused on developing and growing participation in ice sports in the state of Utah. Designated an official U.S.Olympic Training Site by the United States Olympic Committee, the venue is headquarters for U.S. Speedskating, ensuring a legacy of continued growth and international success for the sport. With 10 Olympic records and eight world records, the venue stands uncontested as the ‘Fastest Ice on Earth.’ For more information about the venue, please visit UtahOlympicLegacy.org or call 801‐968‐6825.
About US Speedskating
From Pond to Podium, we are US Speedskating. We grow and nurture a sport where all ages can experience the thrill of speed and the camaraderie of the skating community. US Speedskating is responsible for the development of speed skating from grassroots to the highest elite racing programs. US Speedskating is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union as the governing body for the sport of speed skating in the United States. The Organization has won 86 Olympic medals to-date, making it one of the most successful sports in U.S. Olympic history. US Speedskating is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, on Facebook and at www.usspeedskating.org.
About Utah Sports Commission
The Utah Sports Commission, a not-for-profit 501c6 business league and Utah Sports Commission Foundation, a not-for-profit 501c3 charitable organization, is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees consisting of statewide sports, business, community, and government leaders. The Sports Commission was created to be a catalyst for Utah in its Olympic legacy efforts and to help enhance Utah's economy, image and quality of life through the attraction, promotion and development of national and international sports. The Sports Commission works closely with communities, sports entities, and organizations to provide event services ranging from the bid process, on-site logistics, volunteer coordination, sponsorships and promotional opportunities and other related services. For more information, visit www.utahsportscommission.com
