HARTFORD, CT — Thousands of gymnastics fans visiting downtown Hartford for the 2026 USA Gymnastics U.S. Classic will have more to explore beyond the competition, thanks to a series of special events and promotions planned for Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18.
PeoplesBank Arena, the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau (aka "CTMEETINGS"), the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, the Pratt Street Merchants Association, and the City of Hartford have partnered to offer activities and discounts aimed at encouraging visitors to spend time downtown between competition sessions.
The U.S. Classic, considered the premier domestic women's elite gymnastics competition outside the national championships, will serve as the final qualifying event for the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, scheduled for Aug. 6-9 in Phoenix. The event will also include the 2026 Hopes Championships for gymnasts ages 11-14.
Competition begins Friday, July 17, with the Hopes Championships from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Junior women will compete Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by the senior women's competition from 7 to 9 p.m.
The senior field is expected to include Olympian Jade Carey, along with Skye Blakely, Leanne Wong and other elite gymnasts.
Throughout both days, several downtown restaurants and retailers will offer special promotions to visitors who present a PeoplesBank Arena ticket for a USA Gymnastics session.
Participating businesses include Hartford Prints!, Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour, Sunberry Restaurant and Bar, Bloom Bake Shop, and LuAnn's Bakery and Cafe.
A free "Tumble Street Fan Fest" is also scheduled for Saturday, July 18, from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Pratt Street between Main and Trumbull streets.
The block party will feature a DJ, games, giveaways, merchandise, and a USA Gymnastics pop-up activation.
"The Tumble Street Fan Fest will be a great way for USA Gymnastics fans to experience downtown Hartford prior to or after the U.S. Classic," Ben Weiss, general manager of PeoplesBank Arena, said in a statement. "Pratt Street is going to be bustling with music, games, food & drink specials, and excitement as everyone gathers to see their favorite gymnasts compete inside PeoplesBank Arena."
Robert Murdock, president of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau, said the event is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region.
"We are pleased to welcome USA Gymnastics, its athletes, officials, families, and fans back to Connecticut and our Capital City," Murdock said.
According to CTMEETINGS, the two-day event is projected to generate more than $1.92 million in economic activity, support an estimated 648 hospitality jobs, and produce more than $69,000 in Connecticut sales tax revenue, based on estimates from Destinations International's economic calculator.
The gymnastics competition coincides with ConnectiCon, Connecticut's annual pop culture convention, which runs July 16-19 at the Connecticut Convention Center, several blocks from PeoplesBank Arena.
Tickets for all U.S. Classic sessions are available through PeoplesBankArena.com and usagymclassic.com. Complete event information, including competition and broadcast schedules, is available at usagymclassic.com.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click on this link.
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