Albuquerque, NM – More than 4,600 pairs of roller skates will come through the Albuquerque Sunport over the next three weeks. Albuquerque welcomes the USA Roller Sports National Championships in Speed Skating, Rink Hockey and Figure Skating July 14-August 4. This group will bring 3,000-4,000 athletes, coaches and spectators to our city producing between $6-9 million in direct spending.

Below is a list of stats and facts for your reference. Competitions will which take place in the East Hall of the Albuquerque Convention Center. Speed skating, rink hockey and figure skating competitions are free and open to the public and the schedules are available at www.ItsATrip.org/rollersports.

• 3 weeks of national competition - July 14 – August 4, 2013
• USA Roller Sports is a huge sports event expected to bring in 3,000-4,000 athletes, coaches and spectators to Albuquerque
• Expected direct spending between $6-9 million in our local economy over three weeks (numbers are tentative until final registration)
• One of the reasons Albuquerque was chosen is because of the family friendly nature of our city. Competitors and their families will have a variety of activities to experience during their time in our city.
• USA Roller Sports National Championships are returning to Albuquerque in 2015
• The theme of this year’s championships is “Rolling on Route 66.”
• There will be approximately 4,600 pairs of skates that go through the Sunport over the next three weeks
• Approximately 4,800 figure skating costumes will be in Albuquerque
• Approximately 2,000 racing suits will travel to Albuquerque
• Competitors will range from 4 years old to 70+ years old
• Speed skating and hockey competitions begin this Sunday, July 14th
• Figure skating begins July 21st
• USA Roller Sports are official Team USA sports http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Roller-Sports

Speed Skating - July 14-20
USARS speed skating is a non-contact sport, requiring skaters to display their skills to maneuver cleanly through the pack and into winning position. Skaters are disqualified for pushing, blocking, forcing another racer out of position, or using their arms, legs, or hands in any way that impedes the progress of other competitors.
Contact: Ricci Porter, 307-214-5128

Rink Hockey - July 14-19
Two five-man teams (four skaters and one goalkeeper) try to drive the ball with their sticks into the opponents' goal. The ball can only be put in motion by a stick. The game has two 25-minute halves (for adults), with the clock stopping when the ball becomes dead. Each team has a one-minute timeout in each half. Each team has a minimum of six players (a backup goalie is required) and a maximum of ten.
Contact: Brent Benson, 402-802-6613

Roller Figure Skating - July 21-August 4
The breadth of roller figure skating is reflected in the diversity of its members. Skaters of all ages can take an active part in the sport, finding any number of challenges to inspire them to reach their individual goals - from a beginner class to world-class championship competition. This diversity, both in appeal and participants, has made roller figure skating the largest division of competitive roller skating in the United States. Skaters enter events in one or more categories - Singles, Pairs, Figures, Solo Dance, Team Dance, Precision, or Show skating.
Contact: Jane Wojnarowsky, 440-725-7766

Visit Albuquerque will distribute media story ideas throughout the three weeks of competition, which should offer some great visuals.