EVERETT — The world’s best figure skaters are expected in Snohomish County a year from now when the city hosts the 2008 Skate America championships, officials announced today.
Some 60 athletes from 15 nations are anticipated to perform in the internationally televised event at the Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center.
Everett’s selection to host the competition was announced at a press conference this morning.
The event is expected to bring thousands of visitors and produce up to $2.6 million in local tax revenue, Snohomish County Council chairman Dave Gossett said.
U.S. Figure Skating and local officials and community leaders announced the selection.
Mountlake Terrace-based Production Sports was invited to bid on the 2008 event, scheduled to kick off Oct. 23, 2008, with practice for the skaters. Competition will begin on Oct. 24, a Friday, and continue through that weekend.
Co-owner Steve Baker said Everett won the competition partly because Snohomish County put up $100,000 in hotel tax revenue for promotion of the event.
Community support for the competition and the fact that the Everett Silvertips and Everett Home Show shuffled their schedules enabled booking the 8,000-seat arena for Skate America.
Athletes will be housed at the new Tulalip Resort Casino, which is expected to open in June.
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