2018 Skate America is the first event in the 2018 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series. The event at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett this weekend, will feature 60 athletes, 20 of who are 2018 Olympians, representing more than 16 nations competing over three days in ladies, men’s, pairs and ice dance.
On New Day, former U.S. Pairs Champion Brooke Castile discusses her career as a skater as well gives insight into the 2018 Skate America lineup. Now a skating coach and a mother, Castile says witnessing Skate America live greatly differs from watching skating on television.
"One of the things that's really great in the live event is that the music's really loud," says Castile. "U.S. figure skating has an in-house DJ, so when the judges are sitting there coming up with their scores, it's a party atmosphere, which is really fun."
Not only is the ambience more energetic at the live skating events, Castile says that you get a much different feeling by physically being there.
"With the throws especially, you can see the distance that they take on the ice," says Castile. "On TV it looks good, but in person you can see it goes from end to end."
Being a live spectator also gives the viewers an opportunity to truly witness the emotional experiences the skaters have both on and off the ice.
"You can see them pacing backstage, you can see what they're doing to prep to be on the ice...instead of just seeing them skate out with a smile, you get a little bit more of the reality of it all," Castile explains.
Bronze Olympic Medalist and World Champion Nathan Chen leads the pack for the U.S. men's skating.
"He's probably the most exciting skater that we have had or seen in years," says Castile.
Other favorites include 17-year-old Olympian Vincent Zhou, 2018 U.S. national champion Bradie Tennell, ice dancers and World silver medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue, and pair skaters Alexa and Chris Knierim, who are 2018 Olympic team bronze medalists.
Tickets for 2018 Skate America are still available, starting at just $20.
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