Before You Leave Home
Before You Leave Home
Please make sure you have:
Verified your competition schedule in EMS
Uploaded and verified your competition music in EMS
Brought a backup copy of your music on your mobile device (and adapter if needed)
Reserved your hotel
Purchased your practice ice
Planned to arrive at least one hour before your scheduled event
Packed a jacket or sweatshirt—the arena is cold!
Practice Ice
Practice Ice
Practice Ice registration and availability can be found through EMS.
Please continue to check EMS for available sessions and updates throughout the event.
Competition Schedule
Competition Schedule
The most current competition schedule is available through EMS.
Schedules are subject to change, so please check EMS regularly leading up to and throughout the event.
Competitors should arrive at the rink at least one hour before their scheduled event.
Live Scoring, Starting Orders & Results
Live Scoring, Starting Orders & Results
Follow the competition throughout the event with live scoring, starting orders, and final results.
Official Live Results:
http://ijs.usfigureskating.
Results become official only after certification by the Referee and Accounting Team.
Registration & Check-In
Registration & Check-In
Please stop by Registration when you arrive to:
Pick up competitor credentials
Pick up coach credentials
Receive event information
Ask any competition-related questions
Please wear or have your credential available throughout the event.
Awards
Awards
Awards will be presented as soon as possible following certification of each event for a complete schedule please check the awards area when you arrive.
Please remain in costume if you finish in the Top 4 of your event.
All awards will be presented in the awards area inside the entrance of the arena from door 7. Junior and Senior Combined awards will be presented on the ice Friday evening following the Senior Free Dance Event
Coaches
Coaches
Only coaches listed in EMS who meet current U.S. Figure Skating compliance requirements will receive credentials and be permitted rink side.
To help keep the coaching area safe and organized, we ask that only competitors currently skating in the event remain in the coaching area. Additional competitors should remain in the spectator seating.
Coaches Hospitality — Please Note: No Breakfast
We will have a Coaches Hospitality Room available throughout the event for our credentialed coaches.
Lunch and dinner will be served each day. **We will also have a coaches drinks and rules update event Thursday evening at 8pm at the Kalamazoo Country Club 4101 Oakland Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (Credentialed Coaches Only please bring your credential to KCC). Dinner will be served for you at the rink prior to you coming to KCC so that you won’t miss practice ice. **
There will be morning beverage service, but NO BREAKFAST or morning food service.
Please plan accordingly and have breakfast before arriving at the rink. We want to make sure everyone is aware of this in advance, particularly those coaching early-morning practice ice or competition events.
Music Reminder
Music Reminder
Please verify that your competition music has been successfully uploaded into EMS before arriving.
Every competitor must also have a backup copy of their music available rink side on a mobile device.
If your device requires a Lightning or USB-C adapter, please bring the appropriate adapter with you.
Locker Rooms & Changing Areas
Locker Rooms & Changing Areas
Locker rooms and changing areas are reserved for athletes only and will be designated according to U.S. Figure Skating policy.
An exception is made for athletes under 11 years of age, allowing one same-sex parent or guardian to assist immediately before and after competition.
Please review the U.S. Figure Skating SkateSafe® Locker Room and Changing Area Policy before the event.
Competition Video & Photography
Competition Video & Photography
National Solo Dance Final Skater Gift
Every competitor will receive a complimentary video of their performance from 828 Studios as our 2026 National Solo Dance Final Skater Gift.
Per U.S. Figure Skating rules, music will not be included with the video.
Information and instructions for downloading your video will be emailed to competitors following the competition.
Live Stream
A live stream will be available throughout the competition for family and friends who are unable to join us in Kalamazoo.
Viewing information will be shared separately.
Professional Action Photography
Professional action photography will be provided by Melanie Heaney Photography and will be available for an additional fee.
Skaters will receive an email before the competition with information about pre-ordering action photos.
Spectator Photography & Video
Please help us keep our athletes safe and respect all competitors:
Flash photography is strictly prohibited.
Personal video recording is permitted only of your skater’s performance and for personal use.
Personal video filming is permitted only from the audience stands.
Only battery-powered video equipment is permitted.
Electrical cords, tripods, monopods, and similar devices are not permitted in the arena.
Official Event Merchandise
Puffer Jackets
The National Final Puffer Jackets will remain available to order after the August 23 deadline, so there is no need to rush if you are ordering a puffer.
Please keep in mind:
- Puffer jackets will NOT be available for pickup at the event.
- They will be shipped directly to your home.
- The puffer jackets are a screen-printed item, rather than embroidered.
- all of these are final sale no refunds or exchanges
ORDER YOUR NATIONAL FINAL JACKET
https://thetwizzlepress.com/
Shop the Kendra Scott give back event for NSD Finals!
Use the code GIVEBACK-MOVBD from 9/16-9/19 online at kendrascott.com. Commemorate the NSD finals and give back at the same time! 20% of the sales will be donated to GKSA with that code.
2026 National Solo Dance Final Squishies
We also have the super cute 2026 National Solo Dance Final squishies available for preorder!
You can preorder yours here:
2026 National Solo Dance Final Squishies – The Twizzle Press
The website may ask you to enter a shipping address when you place your order. Just like the warm-up jackets, if you preorder your squishy, you will be able to pick it up at registration at the event. You do not need to have it shipped to you ahead of time.
More National Final Apparel – Available On Site!
Looking for more National Solo Dance Final gear? Northwest Designs will be ON SITE Thursday and Friday with additional National Final apparel (Sweatshirts, T Shirts Etc Please note No Jackets will be available at that time).
There is no need to pre-order these items — you will be able to browse the available designs, styles, and apparel and purchase directly on site during the event. They will not have the jackets as those are pre-order only.
Official Host Hotel
BEST AREA TO STAY – SOUTH WESTNEDGE / PORTAGE
Our first recommendation is the South Westnedge Avenue area in Portage.
South Westnedge is just two I-94 exits from Wings Event Center (Exit 76 vs. the arena at Exit 80), making it an easy drive to and from the rink.
This is also one of the most convenient areas for visiting families because many of the restaurants, shopping, grocery stores, pharmacies and other everyday amenities in the Kalamazoo/Portage area are located along or very near South Westnedge.
Recommended options include:
Homewood Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo-Portage
500 Trade Centre Way, Portage
All-suite hotel with kitchens, complimentary hot breakfast, free parking and an indoor pool. Hilton lists Wings Event Center approximately 4 miles away.
Courtyard by Marriott Kalamazoo Portage
400 Trade Centre Way, Portage
Conveniently located just off I-94 near South Westnedge with free parking and easy highway access.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kalamazoo Portage
850 Trade Centre Way, Portage
A newer all-suite option located in the same convenient Trade Centre/South Westnedge area.
OPTIONS NEAR SPRINKLE ROAD / WINGS EVENT CENTER
If your priority is being as close to the rink as possible, there are several options near the Sprinkle Road/Exit 80 area. These hotels are only minutes from Wings Event Center.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo Southeast
5185 East Cork Street, Kalamazoo
A 3-star, all-suite Hilton property located approximately 0.6 mile from Wings Event Center.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kalamazoo
3303 Retail Place Drive, Kalamazoo
A 3-star Marriott option approximately 0.4 mile from Wings Event Center with complimentary breakfast.
Wings Event Center Information
Venue Address
Wings Event Center 3600 Vanrick Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Please review the Wings Event Center policies before arriving.
**PLEASE NOTE: Wings Event is a cashless facility. Concessions will be open, and accept card and tap to pay.**
Highlights include:
- Parking is available onsite
- Empty reusable water bottles are permitted.
- Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Enjoy Kalamazoo
Enjoy Kalamazoo
We hope you have an opportunity to explore Kalamazoo while you’re here! Local attractions include:
Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum
Downtown Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Local restaurants, shopping, and entertainment
The South Westnedge Avenue corridor in Portage is also a convenient area for restaurants, shopping, groceries, and anything you may need during your stay.
Kalamazoo Weather and What to Pack
Kalamazoo Weather and What to Pack
September weather in Kalamazoo can vary considerably. Days may be warm while mornings and evenings can be much cooler.
We recommend packing layers and bringing:
A jacket or sweatshirt for the arena
Comfortable shoes
A reusable water bottle
An umbrella or rain jacket
Clothing appropriate for both warmer afternoons and cooler mornings/evenings
And remember—even if it’s warm outside, it’s still an ice rink!
Stay Connected
Stay Connected
Website: www.skatekalamazoo.org
Social Media: Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association
Follow us throughout the weekend for announcements, photos, and event updates.
Thank You
Thank You
We are incredibly honored to host the 2026 National Solo Dance Final and welcome the country’s top solo dancers, their families, coaches, and officials to Kalamazoo.
Our LOC and volunteers have worked incredibly hard to create an experience worthy of this accomplishment. Simply qualifying for the National Solo Dance Final represents countless hours of training, dedication, perseverance, and a tremendous love for this sport.
We hope you enjoy your time in Kalamazoo, make some incredible memories, reconnect with friends from across the country, and—most importantly—enjoy every moment of your National Final experience.
Congratulations on earning your place at the 2026 National Solo Dance Final. We can’t wait to welcome you to Kalamazoo!
Safe travels, and we’ll see you at Wings Event Center!