Key Points
“American Gold Live” will take place December 13 at the University of Pennsylvania’s Class of 1923 Ice Skating Rink.
World champions Ilia Malinin and Alysa Liu, along with world silver medalist Isabeau Levito, lead the lineup.
Olympic legend Brian Boitano will host two performances at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The event previews the 2026 U.S. National Championships, a key step toward Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic team selection.
Skaters plan to debut artistic and technical elements not allowed in standard competition.
Elite Skaters Take the Ice in Pre-Olympic Spectacle
Fans will get a rare chance to see some of the world’s most decorated figure skaters up close as “American Gold Live” arrives at the University of Pennsylvania on December 13. The exhibition will transform the historic Class of 1923 Ice Skating Rink into a showcase of world-class artistry and athleticism just weeks before the 2026 Winter Olympic season kicks into full gear.
Hosted by Olympic gold medalist Brian Boitano, the event features a roster anchored by reigning world champions Ilia Malinin and Alysa Liu, along with world silver medalist Isabeau Levito. Additional skaters will be announced in the coming weeks.
Malinin and Liu Prepare to Push Artistic Boundaries
Ilia Malinin Brings New Creative Program
Widely known as the “Quad God,” 21-year-old Ilia Malinin enters the exhibition following a series of groundbreaking achievements—including becoming the first skater to land seven quadruple jumps in one competition at the Grand Prix Final in Japan.
Malinin said he is excited to perform at the iconic Philadelphia venue for the first time and hinted that “American Gold Live” will give him unusual freedom. His self-designed program aims to elevate artistry in ways competition rules don’t permit.
Alysa Liu Experiments Beyond Competition Rules
Alysa Liu, fresh off a strong outing at the Grand Prix Final, is also using the exhibition as an opportunity to explore spins and elements typically restricted under competition guidelines. The 2022 Olympian noted that the show format allows her to “push creative limits” ahead of the high-stakes 2026 season.
A Preview of the Road to Milano-Cortina 2026
The event arrives just before the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating National Championships, taking place January 4–11. These championships will determine much of the roster for Team USA at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics in February 2026.
Malinin emphasized the value of experiencing skating in person:
“It’s so completely different than watching online. People can’t always see how difficult it is unless they’re there in person,” he said, explaining his goal of making complex elements accessible to a live audience.
Ticketing and Community Access
Tickets for “American Gold Live” are available now through the event’s official website. Options include:
VIP on-ice seating,
Standard seating,
A special discounted community tier for Penn students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
The event is expected to draw both devoted skating fans and those looking to experience a unique pre-Olympic celebration.
What Happens Next?
As the skating world builds toward the 2026 Winter Olympics, “American Gold Live” serves as both a showcase of top-tier talent and an early indicator of potential U.S. team frontrunners. With Malinin, Liu, and Levito among the athletes expected to contend for Olympic spots, December’s exhibition will offer an exclusive first look at the programs that may define the upcoming season.
