Hartford to Host 2026 U.S. Classic as Final Women's Qualifier for Championships

The prestigious gymnastics event will serve as the last chance for athletes to qualify for the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Phoenix.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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USA Gymnastics has announced that Hartford, Connecticut will host the 2026 U.S. Classic on July 17-18 at PeoplesBank Arena. The U.S. Classic is the final qualifying meet for the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, scheduled for August 6-9 in Phoenix, Arizona. The event will feature junior and senior women's elite divisions, as well as the Hopes Championships for 11-12 and 13-14 age groups.

Why it matters

The U.S. Classic is a prestigious event that has served as a proving ground for many future world and Olympic medalists in gymnastics. Hartford has hosted the event multiple times since 2010, underscoring the city's importance in the sport's elite calendar.

The details

In addition to the elite competitions, the 2026 Hopes Championships will also take place in conjunction with the U.S. Classic, crowning national champions in the 11-12 and 13-14 age divisions. The Classic is often used by notable elite athletes as a tune-up meet ahead of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships.

  • The 2026 U.S. Classic will be held on July 17-18, 2026.
  • The 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships are scheduled for August 6-9, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

USA Gymnastics

The national governing body for gymnastics in the United States.

Claire Pease

The reigning senior champion of the U.S. Classic.

Lavi Crain

The reigning junior champion of the U.S. Classic.

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What’s next

Additional details on session times and ticketing for the 2026 U.S. Classic are expected to be released in the coming weeks on the event's official website.

The takeaway

The U.S. Classic's return to Hartford underscores the city's importance in the elite gymnastics calendar, as the event continues to serve as a crucial final qualifier for the U.S. Gymnastics Championships and a showcase for the sport's top talent.