After the resounding success of the Virtual Fan Program at 2020 Guaranteed Rate Skate America, figure skating fans once again have the opportunity to join the cutout crowd at the 2021 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
U.S. Figure Skating’s Virtual Fan Program gives figure skating fans the opportunity to submit an image of themselves, a family member, a friend or a pet to be transformed into a life-sized cutout that will sit in the stands while the event takes place at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
New to the second iteration of the Virtual Fan Program is a souvenir digital ticket and a commemorative photo with the 2021 champions. With the holiday season coinciding with the launch of the program, the staff at U.S. Figure Skating wanted to create an option for fans looking to purchase “seats” for friends or loved ones as gifts. Therefore, after the close of purchases on Dec. 18, all cutout purchasers will receive a digital print-on-demand souvenir ticket inviting their cutouts to attend the 2021 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Las Vegas.
In addition to the souvenir tickets, virtual fans can further commemorate their cutout experience by purchasing a high-resolution digital photo of their cutouts with the 2021 champions and the U.S. Championships trophy. These souvenir photos are $25 and will be emailed to purchasers after the conclusion of the event.
All proceeds from the U.S. Figure Skating Virtual Fan Program will benefit the U.S. Figure Skating Memorial Fund. The Memorial Fund has provided more than $20 million in support to thousands of skaters in memory of all who were tragically lost on Feb. 15, 1961, when Sabena Flight 548, carrying the 1961 U.S. World Team to the World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia, crashed in Brussels, Belgium. To learn more about the Memorial Fund, visit 1961MemorialFund.com.
“Our skaters’ relationship with the fans and the passion and energy that you can feel in an arena after a skater performs can’t be replaced, but we are excited to bring this program to our fans so they can continue to show their support for their favorite skaters, and maybe even end up on TV,” U.S. Figure Skating Chief Marketing Officer Ramsey Baker said. “This program will allow that powerful bond between fans and skaters to continue to flourish and will give our skaters a sense of calm as they take the ice knowing how much their fans miss and support them.”
The Virtual Fan Cutout Program at 2020 Guaranteed Rate Skate America generated more than $14,000 for the Memorial Fund thanks to the nearly 300 cutouts in attendance.
Fans who wish to participate in the Virtual Fan Cutout Program have until Friday, Dec. 18 at midnight PT to make their purchase. Seats range in price from $75 to $150 depending on the seat’s proximity to the ice. Seating is limited, and fans are encouraged to act quickly if they want to participate.
Fans who want to support the initiative but do not wish to purchase a virtual fan cutout in their own likeness may opt to purchase a Snowplow Sam cutout as a representation of their support for Team USA and the Memorial Fund. Snowplow Sam cutouts are $75 and will be scattered throughout the stands.
Purchase a Virtual Fan Cutout here
Access Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the program here
