Top figure skaters set to compete at Hoffman Estates' Sears Centre

U.S. Figure Skating has chosen Hoffman Estates' Sears Centre Arena as the host venue for the 2014 Hilton HHonors Skate America.

The event is the first of six stops on the International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series and will feature 56 world-class skaters from around the world. The competition is scheduled to take place from Oct. 24 to 26.

Skate America will feature three days of competition in ladies, men's, pairs and ice dance. Past Skate America titlists include five-time world champion and two-time Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan and Olympic champions Kristi Yamaguchi, Scott Hamilton and Naperville native Evan Lysacek.

Last year's event, held in Detroit, included 2014 Olympic gold medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White, and bronze medalists Ashley Wagner and Jason Brown, a Highland Park native. The complete list of athletes selected to compete this year will be announced June 27.

“The greater Chicago area is home to many of our clubs and has an extensive skating fan base,” U.S. Figure Skating Executive Director David Raith said in a news release. “U.S. Figure Skating is excited to bring our principal international event to this skating-rich area.”

Ticket information will be available soon, according to the Sears Centre.

“The Village of Hoffman Estates is thrilled to host another world-class event and is delighted to welcome 2014 Hilton HHonors Skate America to the Sears Centre arena in October of 2014,” Hoffman Estates Mayor William D. McLeod said. “Skate America features some of the most talented athletes in the world, and it is a tremendous honor to have them competing in our village.”

Hilton HHonors, the guest loyalty program of Hilton Worldwide's 10 distinct hotel brands, is in its fourth year as the title sponsor of Skate America.