Louisville’s KFC Yum Center plays host to 2019 GK U.S. Classic
INDIANAPOLIS, April 2, 2019 – On July 20, 2019, the GK U.S. Classic will make its first appearance at the KFC Yum Center in Louisville, Ky. The GK U.S. Classic features athletes competing on the junior and senior levels and is the last opportunity for female gymnasts to qualify for the U.S. Championships, the national championships for men’s and women’s gymnastics. Gymnasts who have already qualified to nationals use the GK U.S. Classic as a final tune-up for the U.S. Championships. In addition, the GK Hopes Championships, which features young, aspiring female gymnasts who are just below the elite level, is held the day before the GK U.S. Classic. All-session tickets that include both the GK U.S. Classic and GK Hopes Championships are on sale now.
“The GK U.S. Classic is a great opportunity for fans to see our top gymnasts in person,” said Annie Heffernon, vice president for women’s gymnastics. “With the Olympics nearly a year away from this year’s GK U.S. Classic, it is also an opportunity to see many of the gymnasts who have their sights on 2020 and the Olympic Games, especially the juniors who will turn 16 in 2020.”
“As a proud U.S. National Team sponsor, we are honored to be a part of one of the premier events of the gymnastics season,” said Girisha Chandraraj, CEO of Elite Sportswear, whose GK brand is the official U.S. National Team leotard sponsor for USA Gymnastics. “The GK U.S. Classic and GK Hopes Championships reinforce our mission to serve and to support our athletes, our coaches and the greater gymnastics community.”
The competition schedule, which is subject to change, is: GK U.S. Classic – July 20 at 1 p.m. ET for juniors and 6:30 p.m. ET for seniors; and GK Hopes Championships, July 19 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
All-session ticket packages range in price from $79-$129, plus applicable fees, and prices vary depending on the seat location. The all-session ticket includes both the junior and senior sessions for the GK U.S. Classic on July 20, as well as the GK Hopes Championships on July 19. Tickets may be purchased at the KFC Yum Center Box Office, ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. For information on club sales or group tickets, call Kelsie Hall at 502.690.9029. Discounted tickets are available through local gymnastics clubs that are participating in the club ticket sales program.
“For the first time ever, the 2019 GK US Classic will bring elite U.S. women’s gymnastics to Louisville,” said Karl F. Schmitt, Jr., president and CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission. “This is a great opportunity for Louisvillians to support Olympic-caliber athletes in one of gymnastics most exciting and popular disciplines. Fans have watched these athletes compete at the highest level, and now they can see them live at the KFC Yum Center this summer.”
Set for Friday, July 19, the GK Hopes Championships is the culmination of the Hopes season. The GK Hopes Championships has two age groups, 10-11 year-olds and 12-13 year-olds. Athletes advance to the GK Hopes Championships from the Hopes Classic. The top 18 from each age group qualify to the GK Hopes Championships, assuming each athlete achieves a minimum qualifying score.
Past senior Classic all-around champions include Simone Biles, 2018, 2014-15; Olivia Courtney, 2009; Mattie Larson, 2010; Ashley Priess, 2006; Aly Raisman, 2016, 2011-12; Kyla Ross, 2013; Alyona Shchennikova, 2017; Bridget Sloan, 2007; and Ashley Stott, 2008.