Sheffield has been selected to host a senior ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, the first-ever to be held in the UK, after a successful bid from British Ice Skating (BIS) supported by UK Sport and Sheffield City Council.
The MK John Wilson Trophy will take place at iceSheffield from 11th-13th November and see some of the very best figure skaters from across the globe compete. It will be the biggest figure skating event to be hosted in the UK since 2012, when Sheffield hosted the European Figure Skating Championships.
The International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series of seven senior competitions is open to the top ranked men and women’s singles, pair skaters and ice dance couples. The series sets the stage for the 2023 European and World Championships.
Michelle Draper, CEO of British Ice Skating, said: “I am absolutely thrilled, this is a huge moment for British Ice Skating and the sport in the UK.
“We work tirelessly to ensure that ice skating is a sport for everyone and bringing this prestigious event to Sheffield is sure to inspire a future generation of skaters. For three days the eyes of the figure skating world will be on the UK and we can’t wait to show the passion that exists across the country for our sport.
“We are extremely grateful to UK Sport and Sheffield City Council for backing our bid.”
The Sheffield Grand Prix will sit fourth in the calendar, following America, Canada and France. Japan and Finland will host rounds five and six before a final takes place in Turin, Italy.
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Hosting this prestigious international skating series event is really exciting for Sheffield and the UK. We can’t wait to welcome the world’s top figure skaters and their fans from across the globe to show them what our amazing city has to offer.
“Sheffield is well known for hosting a whole range of international sporting events every year, welcoming visitors with open arms and giving them an experience to remember. It’s fantastic that we’re able to add the Sheffield Grand Prix to this list.”
Shaun Lough, General Manager at iceSheffield which is run by Sheffield City Trust said: “It is fantastic that such a major international skating series event will be held in the UK for the first time, and we are absolutely thrilled that at iceSheffield we get to be the first UK ice rink to hold this prestigious event on the ice calendar.
“We can’t wait to be hosts and welcome some of the top skaters from around the world and show them what we have to offer at iceSheffield and in this great city.”
More information, including details on how to buy tickets, will be published on the British Ice Skating website and social media channels in the coming weeks.