Pasadena Open Championships to Kick Off 2024-2025 U.S. Figure Skating Season

The 45th Annual Pasadena Open Championships will launch the 2024-25 U.S. Figure Skating qualifying season this September. The competition, scheduled for September 11 to 15, at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center, will be a key event in the National Qualifying Series.

Skaters will vie for top scores to advance to the Sectional Singles and U.S. Pairs and Ice Dance Finals. Success there could earn them a qualification berth for the 2025 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

The Pasadena Figure Skating Club will host the event, which is sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating. Registration for National Qualifying Series events opens on July 10 at 9 a.m., with non-qualifying events following on July 13 at 9 a.m.

The entry deadline is Aug. 21 at 8:30 p.m. Late registration is available until Aug. 28 with a $50 late fee.

The competition will feature a wide range of events, from Snowplow Sam to Senior levels. Both Excel and Well-Balanced programs will be offered, along with adult free skating events.

Organizers emphasize the inclusive nature of the event. “We believe that skating is for everyone,” the announcement states, highlighting U.S. Figure Skating’s commitment to diversity and equity in the sport.

The competition will employ both the International Judging System (IJS) and the 6.0 judging system, depending on the event level. Entry fees range from $80 for basic skills events to $270 for combined short program and free skate events at higher levels.

Participants must be registered members of U.S. Figure Skating, Learn to Skate USA, a collegiate club, or an individual member. Non-U.S. citizens are also eligible, subject to specific rulebook guidelines.

The event will also serve as part of the Southern California Interclub Invitational Series. Top point scorers in this series will be invited to the Invitational Final later in the season.

Coaches must meet U.S. Figure Skating compliance requirements to participate. Foreign coaches are exempt from these requirements but must provide a letter of good standing from their athlete’s federation.

Due to facility constraints, locker rooms and changing areas at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center will not be available, and athletes are expected to arrive competition-ready.

Organizers have arranged discounted accommodation rates at the nearby Hotel Dena for competitors, families, and coaches. Other nearby hotels include the Hyatt Place Pasadena, Hilton Pasadena, and the Westin Pasadena.

Two special awards will be presented at the competition: the Jacqueline S. Haak Memorial Trophy will honor the most outstanding performance in higher-level events, while the Mirai Nagasu Future Star Trophy will recognize excellence at Pre-Juvenile level and below.

Admission fees are $5 per day or $15 for an all-event pass. Each competitor and one chaperone will receive one credential at no charge.

For more information, visit https://pasadenafsc.com/competition/pasadena-open/.