PHOENIX, AZ — Downtown Phoenix is about to become the center of the gymnastics world.
Thousands of athletes, coaches, families and fans are expected to descend on the city this week as the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships and the USA Gymnastics National Congress & Trade Show come to downtown Phoenix from Thursday through Sunday.
It's the first time either event has been held in downtown Phoenix, bringing one of the nation's premier gymnastics competitions to the city's core.
Competition will take place at Mortgage Matchup Center, while the National Congress & Trade Show will be hosted next door at the Phoenix Convention Center.
The championships will feature many of the country's top artistic gymnasts, including Olympians, world champions and rising stars, all competing for national titles and spots on the U.S. National Team.
Performances in Phoenix will also help shape Team USA's roster for the 2026 World Championships in Rotterdam and serve as an important step on the road to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Fans can expect four days of junior and senior men's and women's competition, offering a chance to watch both established stars and the sport's next generation compete on one of gymnastics' biggest stages.
For Phoenix, the championships add another marquee sporting event to the city's growing resume. In recent years, the Valley has hosted events including Super Bowl LVII, the NCAA Men's Final Four, the NCAA Women's Final Four and WNBA All-Star Weekend, continuing its push as a destination for major national sporting events.
City officials also expect the championships to provide a boost for downtown businesses as thousands of visitors fill hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the four-day event.
Residents planning to attend are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and consider taking Valley Metro Light Rail or reserving parking before heading downtown. With triple-digit temperatures expected, organizers are also reminding visitors to stay hydrated while traveling to and from the venues.
The championships run Aug. 6-9, with competition taking place throughout the weekend in downtown Phoenix.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Phoenix Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.