This weekend Utah will welcome the world back to the Olympic Oval for the World Cup Short Track Speed Skating competition. With over 180 competitors representing 34 countries, the competition will be held in conjunction with a community festival on Saturday and Sunday. With a daily ticket or weekend family pass, community members are invited to participate in winter sports-themed booths, bounce houses, food and beverages and, of course, cheer on the skaters.
Held in partnership with the International Skating Union, Utah Sports Commission and US Speedskating, the Utah Olympic Oval features an international-sized hockey rink where the match will take place. “We are thrilled to have the ISU World Cup Short Track Speed Skating back at the Utah Olympic Oval,” said Ted Morris, Executive Director of US Speedskating. “The Utah community has always supported short track speed skating, making the Oval the perfect place to showcase the sport. We know the fans will come out and see the world’s top skaters competing on the Fastest Ice on Earth.”
Short track speed skating was adopted by the union in 1967 and they began competitions in 1976. Becoming an official winter Olympic sport in 1992, the event is much different than long track speed skating where athletes compete in pairs. Short track speed skating features a mass-start with up to six skaters and high-paced, high-contact skating action.
“This event positions Utah as a leader in the national and international sports community and is a vital part of the state’s Olympic legacy efforts,” said Utah Sports Commission president and CEO Jeff Robbins.
The competition is the second in a series of World Cup competitions with Shanghai, China; Gangneung, Republic of Korea; Dresden, Germany; and Minsk, Belarus to follow.
Competition Schedule and Pricing:
- Friday, November 11: Qualifying Round (Doors at 9 a.m., Trials at 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) Cost: $3
- Saturday, November 12: Competition Round (Doors at 5 p.m., Racing 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) Cost: Adults $10, Kids (3 to 12) and Seniors (65+) $3
- Sunday, November 13: Competition Round (Doors at 1 p.m., racing 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) Cost: Adults $10, Kids (3 to 12) and Seniors (65+) $3
Weekend Family Pass Pricing:
Two adults and two children $40, with an additional $5 per person
The historic Utah Olympic Oval was built in 2001 for the 2002 Olympic Games and is located at 5662 Cougar Lane in Kearns, Utah. For more information, click here.
-Brieanna Olds
