On July 19, NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, debuted its newly upgraded gymnastics setup for the U.S. Classic, introducing FIG‑certified beams, vault tables, and landing mats. These enhancements ensure the venue meets the technical and safety standards required for senior-level competition.
USA Gymnastics officials praised the improvements, citing notable gains in athlete safety and performance. The FIG-certified vault table, for example, features enhanced shock absorption and rebound characteristics, reportedly helping gymnasts execute more powerful vaults with reduced risk of impact-related injury. Similarly, the upgraded balance beams offer better stability and grip, leading to cleaner routines and fewer slips.
The timing of these improvements was strategic. As NOW Arena hosted the 2025 U.S. Classic on July 18–19—a key qualifier for the upcoming U.S. Championships—ensuring an elite-standard apparatus setup was essential. The senior women’s competition on July 19 showcased the new gear, highlighted by Claire Pease’s all-around victory, reinforcing how competition-grade equipment can elevate performance.
The U.S. Classic is an annual pinnacle event in the domestic gymnastics calendar, serving as the final pathway for gymnasts aiming to secure places at the U.S. Championships. By upgrading to FIG-certified apparatus, NOW Arena aligns with competition venues used at World Championships and Olympic games, providing athletes with consistent conditions and helping them prepare more effectively for international stages.
Athletes and coaches reported immediate positive feedback. Several competitors noted that the improved vault table allowed them to attempt more complex techniques with greater confidence, attributing reductions in setup hesitation to the table’s standardized rebound. On the balance beam, performers praised the surface’s grip, saying it minimized slips and enabled more expressive choreography without sacrificing stability.
These upgrades reflect a broader commitment to athlete development. With the U.S. Classic also functioning as an elite tune-up meet, venues like NOW Arena set a high standard. Senior athletes—including Olympic medalists and NCAA elite standouts—benefit from competing on world-class apparatus as they fine-tune routines ahead of the U.S. Championships in early August.
Looking forward, USA Gymnastics plans to continue deploying FIG-certified gear at major domestic events. This not only supports competitive excellence but also reinforces an environment that prioritizes safety and consistency—essential for reducing injuries and ensuring athlete longevity. For gymnasts, coaches, and fans, these equipment investments underscore a professionalization of competitive gymnastics in the U.S., narrowing the gap with premier international events.
In summation, the equipment overhaul at NOW Arena for the July 19 U.S. Classic marks a notable stride in the sport’s domestic presentation. With FIG-certified vaults, beams, and mats enhancing both safety and performance, venues nationwide may follow suit, raising standards and fostering stronger, more resilient competitive gymnastics.
