Sears Centre to host U.S. women’s gymnastics championships

For the fourth straight year, the Chicago area will play host to the final qualifying event for women’s gymnastics for the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, which determines U.S. champions and national team members.

The U.S. Classic, which features some of the nation’s top female gymnasts, is scheduled for July 27 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. Tickets are on sale.

“The Sears Centre Arena will be a great venue for this event,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “After the success of the 2009 American Cup at the Sears Centre, we have no doubt that this year’s Classic will do well, especially since this is really the first chance to see who from the last Olympic cycle are still in the mix and who will become the stars heading into the Olympic Games in 2016 in Rio.”

“World Sport Chicago is excited to be working with USA Gymnastics again this year to make this a great event,” said Scott Myers, executive director of World Sport Chicago. “As one of the premier gymnastics events in the United States, it serves as a powerful motivator for the youth of the area to get involved in the sport.”

Many of the country’s top gymnasts use the event as a final tuneup for the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, while other gymnasts are hoping to qualify for the national championships. The July 27 competition schedule is 1 p.m. for the junior session and 6 p.m. for the senior session. All times are subject to change.

All-day tickets, which include admission to both the junior and senior elite sessions, are $69, $60, $50 and $40, including facility fees. For tickets visit www.SearsCentre.com, call (888) SEARS-TIX, or visit the KIA Box Office at the Sears Centre Arena.

For more information, go to usagym.org/events. Group tickets are available at (847) 649-2368.