Thousands of gymnastics fans are expected to descend on downtown Hartford this weekend as the 2026 U.S. Classic returns to PeoplesBank Arena.
The event is expected to bring an estimated $1.9 million economic boost to the region by filling hotels, restaurants and shops during a busy summer weekend.
The U.S. Classic, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, is the nation’s premier women’s elite gymnastics competition outside the national championships and is the final qualifying event for the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Phoenix.
The senior women’s competition, to be held Saturday from 7p.m. to 9 p.m., is expected to feature Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey, as well as social media sensation and former UCLA star Katelyn Ohashi, along with Skye Blakely, Leanne Wong and other top American gymnasts.
The junior women’s competition will be held Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
PeoplesBank Arena also will host the Hopes Championships for elite gymnasts ages 11 to 14 on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau estimates the two-day event will support 648 hospitality jobs and generate more than $69,000 in state sales tax revenue.
To capitalize on the influx of visitors, PeoplesBank Arena, the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau, Hartford Chamber of Commerce, Pratt Street Merchants Association and city officials have organized promotions intended to encourage spectators to spend time downtown.
Because the arena will be cleared after each session to prepare for the next, organizers expect visitors to seek restaurants, shopping and entertainment nearby.
Several downtown businesses, including Hartford Prints!, Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour, Sunberry Restaurant & Bar, Bloom Bake Shop and LuAnn’s Bakery & Cafe, will offer discounts or special items to customers who present their U.S. Classic event tickets.
On Saturday, Pratt Street will be transformed into “Tumble Street” for a free Fan Fest from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature music, games, giveaways, merchandise and a USA Gymnastics pop-up.
The weekend also coincides with ConnectiCon, Connecticut’s long-running pop culture convention at the Connecticut Convention Center.
