On Sunday, the final day of the 2008 International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series Skate America in Everett, WA, ticket sales surpassed the all-time record of 28,664 set at the 2002 Skate America in Spokane, WA, with 29,477 tickets sold.

“The Pacific Northwest has always been welcoming of our events and the athletes, and Everett was no exception,” said Ron Hershberger, president of U.gure Skating.  “This certainly is a testament to how the community of Everett has embraced this event.”

The competition was held over the course of three days at the Comcast Arena at Everett.  At the start of the event, approximately 25,000 tickets had been sold, but the close of the event brought in numerous walk-up sales for the ladies free skate and the Skating Spectacular.

“We’re thrilled that we were able to break the record,” said Laura Lee, co-president of Production Sports, the local organizing committee of the event.  “We knew the fans would come out to support the event, but we never imagined we’d be able to break the record - it’s amazing that Everett now holds this honor.”

Individual ticket sales began in March, and since, fans took advantage of a wide variety of ticket packages, including all-event packs, and single-event and practice sessions.

-U.S Figure Skating-

U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union.  U.S. Figure Skating is comprised of more than 1,425 member clubs and Basic Skills Programs representing approximately 184,000 members.  U.S. Figure Skating is charged with the development of the sport on all levels within the United States, including athletes, officials, sanctioning of events and exhibitions, and establishing the rules and guidelines by which the sport is governed.

The Sports Museum of Los Angeles (SMLA), with arguably the largest and broadest known collection of iconic sports memorabilia and collectibles in the world, will be unveiled to the public on Nov. 28. Located at the corner of Main Street and Washington Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles, just one Metro station south of STAPLES Center, the 32,000-square-foot museum will house more than 10,000 pieces of memorabilia and collectibles in more than 30 galleries.

The collection is valued in the millions and contains items dating back to the 19th century. It covers football, basketball, baseball, golf, tennis and biking, among many other sports. The museum celebrates the advances of sports equipment through the centuries and the intersection of sports and pop culture. In addition to a treasure trove of Southern California sports artifacts, SMLA possesses objects that chronicle American and international sports history. What makes the museum unique is that the collection belongs to just one person, the museum founder and CEO Gary Cypres.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays. Hours are extended during the summer months. Admission is $17.50 for adults; $14 for seniors and students with ID; $11 for children ages 5-12; and free for children under the age of 5. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more.

In response to difficult economic circumstances facing families throughout the country, the Sports Museum of America–recently named Nickelodeon’s “Parent’s Pick” among all museums in Manhattan–has announced a new pricing structure. 

The new ticket prices will go into effect on Monday, Oct. 13, and will now be $16 for adults, $13 for seniors and college students, and $9 for children ages 6–15. Children under the age of 6 are free. Group prices will be $10 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students and $9 for children.

“The Sports Museum of America has had a tremendous reception from families and sports fans of all ages since opening in May,” said founder Philip Schwalb.  “As a part of the New York landscape and neighbor to the Wall Street financial community, we recognize the challenges facing consumers today and want to make it easier for visitors to continue to enjoy the exhibits and interactive experiences we offer at the attraction.”

The museum cited the increasing cost of gas, food and other necessities as well as the economic downturn as factors in the decision to change its pricing structure. The new fee structure reflects consumer opinion on what is considered an acceptable cost in today’s economic climate in the New York City area. 

The Sports Museum of America (SmA) is the nation's first and only all-sports experience showcasing the history, grandeur and significance of sports in American culture. Created in partnership with over 50 single-sport Halls of Fame, national governing bodies and other sports organizations across North America, SmA features state-of-the-art interactive technologies, dramatic original films and an iconic collection of sports memorabilia.  SmA is also the home to the legendary Heisman Trophy and the Billie Jean King International Women's Sports Center, including the first Women's Sports Hall of Fame.

Located in New York City at 26 Broadway and Beaver Street (next to the "Charging Bull" and footsteps from the Statue of Liberty Ferry), the SmA is open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (212-747-0900, www.sportsmuseum.com)