Planning a trip to the 2026 Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships in Phoenix and feeling completely in the dark?
This is the first time ever that Phoenix has hosted this event — so there’s no playbook from last year, no local community threads, no “what I wish I’d known” blog posts to lean on.
This guide changes that.
We’ve pulled together every verified detail you need — from the full day-by-day competition schedule and current ticket prices to the best hotels within walking distance of Mortgage Matchup Center, plus a free transit hack that saves you money on every single session.
Specifically, you’ll find the complete August competition schedule, real ticket pricing and group discounts, a breakdown of every athlete to watch, 5 top-rated hotels near the venue, parking strategies with verified prices, the best restaurants steps from the arena — and why families are booking Scottsdale, 15 minutes north, as their home base.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
What is the 2026 Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships?
The 2026 Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships is the 62nd edition of the premier artistic gymnastics competition in the United States, held August 6–9 at Mortgage Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. This marks Phoenix’s first time hosting the event. Elite junior and senior gymnasts — including Olympic and World medalists — compete for national titles and roster spots on the U.S. team for the 2026 World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
⚡ US Gymnastics Championships 2026 — Key Facts
📅 Dates: August 6–9, 2026 (Thursday–Sunday)
📍 Venue: Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix AZ 85004
🎟️ Tickets: $32–$66 single-day | All-session packages via Ticketmaster | Lower bowl near selling out
🌟 Top Athletes: Hezly Rivera (defending champ), Leanne Wong, Asher Hong, Frederick Richard
📺 Broadcast: NBC Sports & Peacock (confirmed through 2032 deal)
🏛️ Also: National Congress & Trade Show, Aug 7–9 at Phoenix Convention Center (2,500+ attendees)
🏆 Stakes: National Team selection → World Championships in Rotterdam (Oct 17–25)
2026 US Gymnastics Championships Schedule: Every Session, Day by Day
The championships pack 8 sessions into 4 days, alternating between men’s and women’s competition. Each day features a junior session in the afternoon, followed by the senior showdown in the evening.
Here’s the complete breakdown (all times Mountain Time):
| Day | Date | Session | Start (MT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Aug 6 | Men — Day 1 | 1:30 PM |
| Thursday | Aug 6 | Men — Day 1 | 7:00 PM |
| Friday | Aug 7 | Women — Day 1 | 12:00 PM |
| Friday | Aug 7 | Women — Day 1 | 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | Aug 8 | Men — Day 2 | 10:30 AM |
| Saturday | Aug 8 | Men — Day 2 | 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | Aug 9 | Women — Day 2 | 11:00 AM |
| Sunday | Aug 9 | Women — Day 2 | 4:00 PM |
💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: Each single-day ticket covers both the junior AND senior sessions that day — two competitions for one price. Sunday’s Senior Women Day 2 is the marquee session (all-around titles are decided here). If you can only go one day and want to see the biggest names battle it out, that’s your session. But Friday night’s Senior Women Day 1 sets the all-around standings — and the drama starts there.
📊 BY THE NUMBERS: Mortgage Matchup Center holds 18,422 spectators. USA Gymnastics requires a 1,150-room hotel block for this event alone — with 800 double rooms at peak demand. Book your hotel early. This isn’t a suggestion. It’s arithmetic.
How to Get Tickets for the US Gymnastics Championships 2026
Single-day tickets are already on sale through Ticketmaster. Here’s the pricing breakdown:
| Ticket Type | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Day | $32–$66 | Ticketmaster |
| All-Session Package | $150–$495 | Ticketmaster |
| Group (10+) | Discounted | Request Info |
Gym clubs and teams of 10+ can contact a Phoenix Suns sales representative through the official Xfinity Championships page for group pricing, guaranteed group seating, and exclusive buyer perks.
⚠️ AVAILABILITY UPDATE: As of May 2026, all sessions still show availability on Ticketmaster — but lower bowl sections are near capacity, especially for Sunday’s Senior Women finals. If floor-level seats matter to you, don’t wait.
But here’s the kicker:
All tickets are 100% mobile delivery. The Mortgage Matchup Center box office does not print physical tickets. Make sure your Ticketmaster app is loaded and working before you leave the hotel.
A dead phone means no entry — no exceptions.
Venue Policies You Need to Know Before You Go
USA Gymnastics enforces stricter policies than a typical concert or basketball game. The video recording ban in particular catches people off guard. Read this section before packing.
🎒 BAG POLICY: Maximum size 14″ × 14″ × 6″. Standard backpacks are banned. Clear bags, small clutches, and crossbody bags are allowed. Medical bags and diaper bags permitted within size limits but go through additional X-ray screening. Pro tip: arrive with no bag or a clutch under 4″ × 6″ to use the Evolv express entry lanes — by far the fastest way inside.
📸 RECORDING BAN (USA GYMNASTICS RULE): No video cameras of any kind. Cell phone video recording is also prohibited. No audio recording. No livestreaming apps. Photography is allowed for personal use only — no commercial use, distribution, or sale. Professional camera lenses over 35mm and tripods are not permitted. Banners and signs max 24″ × 36″, supportive messages only. Violating these rules may result in ejection with no ticket refund.
💧 WHAT YOU CAN BRING IN: One factory-sealed plastic water bottle per person. Strollers allowed. Baby bottles and formula OK. No outside food or beverages beyond the sealed water.
Doors typically open 90 minutes to 2 hours before each session. With 18,000+ fans moving through X-ray screening, plan to arrive at least 60 minutes early — especially for Friday and Sunday women’s sessions, which draw the largest crowds.
I’ve been to dozens of events at this arena (back when it was still called Footprint Center).
My advice: use the east entrance off 2nd Street instead of the main Jefferson St doors. It’s less crowded, the Evolv express lanes move faster, and you’re steps from the concession stands on the 100 level.
For evening sessions, grab dinner at CityScape first and walk over at doors-open — you’ll beat the rush by 20 minutes.
Top Athletes to Watch at the 2026 Xfinity US Championships
This isn’t just a national title on the line. Every routine in Phoenix feeds directly into World Team selection for Rotterdam in October — which means the intensity is on a completely different level than a regular season meet.
Here’s who you’ll be watching.
Women’s Competition: Hezly Rivera Defends Her Crown
The women’s field in Phoenix is loaded — and it starts with the defending champion.
Hezly Rivera won the 2025 all-around title in New Orleans with a combined score of 112.000, edging out Leanne Wong by just eight tenths of a point.
She also took gold on balance beam (28.350), floor exercise (28.200), and shared the uneven bars title (27.600).
At 18 years old, Rivera is the youngest U.S. all-around champion in eight years — and a 2024 Olympic team gold medalist from Paris. After an ankle injury kept her off the 2025 Worlds team, she came back to win the 2026 Winter Cup in Louisville, confirming her intentions to defend her crown in Phoenix.
The best part?
She’s only getting started. Rivera enters 2026 as the clear favorite, but the challengers behind her are closing in fast.
Leanne Wong — five-time World medalist, two-time Olympic alternate — finished second at 2025 nationals (111.200) and stunned the crowd with a Cheng vault upgrade on Day 2. At 22, Wong brings the most international experience in the field.
Charleigh Bullock — five-time Junior Pan American Games champion and Junior World Championships team bronze medalist — already grabbed a silver at the 2026 Winter Cup in her first senior season. If you want to say “I saw her before she was a star,” Phoenix might be your chance.
Keep an eye on Claire Pease too — the 2024 U.S. junior all-around champion has shown steady improvement into 2026 and could make serious noise in her first senior nationals.
Other names to track: Skye Blakely (returned from an Achilles tear to post the top bars and beam scores at 2025 nationals), Joscelyn Roberson (third at 2025 nationals with 109.600), and a wave of elite collegians returning from the NCAA spring season.
Men’s Competition: Hong vs. Richard — the 22-Year-Old Showdown
Asher Hong is the defending men’s all-around champion after winning his second national title in New Orleans. He’s a 2024 Olympic team bronze medalist and World team bronze medalist — and he’s only 22.
Standing directly in his way: Frederick Richard, also 22, also an Olympic and World team bronze medalist. USA Gymnastics has literally described their rivalry as a “shoot-out between 22-year-old heavyweights.”
Returning to the Championships stage for the first time since 2024: Yul Moldauer, a 2020 Olympian and two-time World medalist. He may be joined by Tokyo Olympic teammate Shane Wiskus.
💡 WILL SIMONE BILES COMPETE? Almost certainly not. Biles has been on a competitive break since the 2024 Paris Olympics and did not compete at the 2025 Championships in New Orleans. She hasn’t officially retired — “I’m always gonna be in that space because gymnastics made me who I am” — but USA Gymnastics does not list her among expected athletes for Phoenix. This is Hezly Rivera’s era now.
Where to Stay for the US Gymnastics Championships in Phoenix
You’ve got two solid options: stay downtown within walking distance of the arena, or base yourself in Scottsdale and ride 15 minutes south for each session.
Both work. Which is better depends on your priorities.
Best Hotels Near Mortgage Matchup Center
These five hotels are all within a half-mile walk of the arena — rated 9.0 or higher on major booking platforms:
| Hotel | Rating | Best For | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown | 9.2/10 | Pet owners, breakfast included | Hotels.com |
| Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix CityScape | 9.2/10 | Couples, rooftop pool | Hotels.com |
| Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Downtown | 9.0/10 | Families, rooms with kitchens | Hotels.com |
| Hyatt Regency Phoenix Downtown — mixed recent reviews | 8.6–9.2/10 | Full-service, 3 restaurants | Hotels.com |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown | 8.9–9.2/10 | Value, free breakfast buffet | Hotels.com |
The Kimpton Hotel Palomar deserves special mention. It’s inside the CityScape complex — the same block as multiple restaurants and bars — with a rooftop pool and a cocktail bar.
Recent reviews single out the front desk staff by name for treating guests “like family.” If you’re looking for more than just a bed near the arena, this is the one.
For families on a budget, Home2 Suites is the no-brainer: 0.07 miles from the arena (you could literally see it from the lobby), free breakfast every morning, pet-friendly, and the best value in the group.
📊 BOOK EARLY: USA Gymnastics secures a 1,150-room hotel block for Championships week. With 2,500+ Congress attendees, athletes, coaches, families, and spectators all converging on downtown Phoenix — rooms within walking distance sell out weeks before the event. Don’t wait.
Why Scottsdale Is the Smartest Base for Gymnastics Families
Want to know why experienced event families don’t always book downtown?
Scottsdale sits just 15 minutes north of Mortgage Matchup Center by car or rideshare. The hotels are better. The pools are bigger. The restaurants are more varied. And you’re giving your family something to actually do between sessions — instead of staring at downtown concrete in 105°F heat.
🌡️ WEATHER REALITY CHECK: Phoenix in August averages 103–106°F (39–41°C) during the day with lows around 84°F at night. UV index: 8 (very high). The arena is fully air-conditioned, so competition is comfortable — but everything between the hotel and the arena is not. Scottsdale’s resort pools become essential, not optional.
Scottsdale’s Old Town district has walkable dining, shopping, and nightlife. The resort pools rival anything in the Southwest. And the rides to and from the venue via Uber or Lyft run $15–25 each way, taking 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
For the best family-oriented properties near Scottsdale, check out our guide to the best family resorts in Scottsdale — several offer kids’ programs, water slides, and lazy rivers that’ll keep young gymnasts entertained on off-hours.
Already decided on the Scottsdale route? Our Scottsdale vs Phoenix comparison breaks down exactly what you gain and what you trade off.
Getting to the US Gymnastics Championships: Parking, Transport & a Free Light Rail Hack
Mortgage Matchup Center sits at the heart of downtown Phoenix inside the Legends Entertainment District — one block from Chase Field.
Getting there is straightforward. Getting away after 18,000 fans pour out of the same exits?
That takes a plan.
Driving & Parking Near Mortgage Matchup Center
The arena has 700+ on-site parking spaces, but the exit crush after evening sessions is brutal. These nearby garages offer better value and faster getaways:
| Location | Distance | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|
| CityScape East Garage | 0.2 mi | ~$7.99 |
| Adeline Residency VIP | 0.1 mi | ~$15.99 |
| Home2 Suites Valet | 0.05 mi | ~$26.50 |
| Arena Garage (On-Site) | 0.0 mi | Varies |
Pre-book through SpotHero or ParkWhiz to lock in pricing — event-day rates at downtown garages can spike 2–3x. Street parking is metered and regulated until 10 PM, even on Saturdays. Don’t risk a ticket.
Valley Metro Light Rail: Skip the Traffic Entirely
Now here’s an insider tip most visitors never discover:
Your event ticket gets you free light rail.
Through the RailRide program, any valid Ticketmaster ticket for a Mortgage Matchup Center event gives you free Valley Metro Rail access on the day of your session. No separate fare, no pass to buy — just show your event ticket.
The nearest light rail stop is 3rd St/Jefferson, roughly a 3-minute walk from the arena entrance. A second stop, Downtown Phx Hub/Jefferson St, is about 5 minutes on foot.
🚊 LIGHT RAIL DETAILS: The Valley Metro Rail runs 26 miles from north Phoenix through downtown to Mesa. Connections include Sky Harbor Airport (5 miles south), Tempe, and ASU. Your event ticket works as a free pass from 6 hours before the session until end of service that day. Without an event ticket, a single ride is $2, or an all-day pass is $4. Reduced fare ($1 ride / $2 all-day) for ages 6–18, seniors, and guests with disabilities.
This is the play for families staying in Scottsdale-adjacent areas or anyone near a Park & Ride lot on the rail line. Drive to a suburban station, park for free, ride directly to the arena, and skip the downtown parking mess entirely.
From Scottsdale to the Venue: Your Options
If you’re based in Scottsdale, here’s the reality:
| Method | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Uber / Lyft | 15–20 min | $15–25 |
| Drive + Park | 15–20 min | $8–27 |
| Drive to Light Rail | 25–35 min total | Free (with ticket) |
💡 RIDESHARE PICKUP SPOTS: After the event, don’t stand in the main exit crush. Mortgage Matchup Center recommends these specific rideshare pickup/dropoff locations: the plaza at 1st St & Jefferson, The Ryan on S 2nd St, Phoenix Convention Center on S 3rd St, and Hotel Palomar on E Jefferson St. Walk one block out, request your ride, and you’ll be moving while everyone else is still standing on the sidewalk.
For a complete breakdown of getting from the airport to your hotel, our Phoenix Airport to Scottsdale transport guide covers every option — rideshare, shuttles, rental cars, and light rail — with current prices.
Best Restaurants Near the US Gymnastics Championships Venue
Downtown Phoenix’s dining scene has exploded in the past few years — and everything below is within a 5-minute walk of Mortgage Matchup Center.
But here’s what most guides won’t tell you:
Make reservations for Friday and Sunday evenings before you fly in. Those are the senior women’s sessions, they draw the biggest crowds, and every restaurant within three blocks fills up fast after the final rotation.
| Restaurant | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| The Arrogant Butcher Google: 4.4/5 (5,430+ reviews) | Steaks & seafood | Pre-game dinner, prime rib, group-friendly |
| Hanny’s Inside a former department store | Pizza & cocktails | Late-night after evening sessions |
| Humble Bistro Adeline building, ground floor | Wood-oven pizza & European | Brunch before afternoon sessions |
| Cornish Pasty Co Casual British gastropub | British pasties, billiards | Relaxed family meals, games |
| Coabana Cuban-inspired cocktail bar | Cuban cocktails | Refreshing drinks between sessions |
The Arrogant Butcher is the anchor. Sitting barely a block from the arena, it’s been the default pre-event and post-event spot for Phoenix sports fans for years. The pretzels with cheese fondue are a crowd favorite, and the prime rib is slow-roasted. Reserve ahead — especially for event nights.
Hanny’s stays open until midnight Sunday–Thursday and 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays — making it the clear pick after evening sessions let out past 9 PM. The space is stunning (it’s a converted department store), the pizzas are shareable, and the cocktails are strong. No reservations — just walk in.
For a pre-session brunch before the Friday or Sunday afternoon junior competition, Humble Bistro is the move — wood-fired European pizzas and bistro plates in a cozy neighborhood spot that won’t rush you out the door.
If I’m taking my family after the Friday night women’s session, it’s Hanny’s every time.
You walk in around 9:30, the crowd’s buzzing from what they just saw, the space feels electric, and you can split two or three pizzas across a table of five without anyone complaining.
Order the pepperoni flatbread and a round of their house margaritas. You won’t regret it.
💡 STAYING IN SCOTTSDALE? Old Town Scottsdale has over 100 restaurants within walking distance of most hotels. For the full breakdown, check out our guides to the best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale — from steakhouses and Mexican food to Italian and sushi.
Things to Do in Scottsdale & Phoenix During the Gymnastics Championships
With sessions split across morning/afternoon and evening blocks, you’ll have gaps in your day. Here’s how to fill them without melting in the August heat.
The National Congress & Trade Show (Aug 7–9)
Running alongside the championships at the Phoenix Convention Center — literally steps from the arena — the USA Gymnastics National Congress & Trade Show draws 2,500+ coaches, judges, and industry professionals. Sessions run Friday through Sunday with seminars, live demonstrations, and a trade show floor packed with equipment vendors and apparel brands.
If you’re a coach, gym owner, or just a serious gymnastics parent, this is worth your time between competition sessions. Registration is online-only through usagymcongress.com.
Family-Friendly Activities Near Phoenix & Scottsdale
It gets better:
If your family needs a break from the arena, Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area have plenty to keep young gymnasts entertained — and most of it is air-conditioned or involves water.
Our guide to family-friendly activities in Scottsdale covers everything from OdySea Aquarium to Jeep tours, hot air balloon rides, and shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Most are within 20 minutes of downtown Phoenix.
And if you’re arriving a few days early, the 4th of July events in Scottsdale run just one month before the championships — perfect if you want to turn this into a longer Arizona trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the US Gymnastics Championships 2026?
The 2026 Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships takes place August 6–9, 2026 (Thursday through Sunday) at Mortgage Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Men’s competition is on Thursday and Saturday; women’s competition is on Friday and Sunday.
Where is the 2026 Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships held?
The event is held at Mortgage Matchup Center (formerly PHX Arena / Footprint Center), located at 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004. It’s in the Legends Entertainment District in downtown Phoenix, home of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. The National Congress & Trade Show runs simultaneously at the Phoenix Convention Center, just steps away.
How much are tickets for the US Gymnastics Championships 2026?
Single-day tickets range from $32 to $66 depending on the day. Each single-day ticket includes both the junior and senior sessions for that day. All-session packages covering all four days range from $150 to $495 depending on seat location. Group tickets (10+) are available at a discount through the Xfinity Championships website. All tickets are sold via Ticketmaster and delivered digitally — no physical tickets.
Can I bring a camera to the US Gymnastics Championships?
You can take photos for personal use with a standard camera or phone. However, all video recording is strictly prohibited — including cell phone video and livestreaming apps. No audio recording is allowed. Professional camera lenses over 35mm and tripods are banned. Any commercial use, distribution, or sale of photos is prohibited. Violations can result in ejection without a ticket refund.
How to Watch the US Gymnastics Championships 2026 on TV
NBC Sports and Peacock are your options. NBC will air the Senior Women’s finals live on Sunday, August 9 at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM MT. Peacock streams all sessions simultaneously, and USA Gymnastics’ YouTube channel provides free worldwide coverage of junior and men’s sessions. For super-fans, FlipNow.tv offers podium training streams August 5–7 before competition begins. NBC and USA Gymnastics have a media rights deal through 2032.
Are there hotels within walking distance of Mortgage Matchup Center?
Yes — at least five highly-rated hotels sit within a half-mile walk of the arena. The closest is Home2 Suites by Hilton at just 0.07 miles. Other walkable options include the Kimpton Hotel Palomar (0.16 mi), Residence Inn by Marriott (0.18 mi), Hyatt Regency (0.30 mi), and Hampton Inn & Suites (0.50 mi). All rate 9.0 or higher on major booking platforms. Book early — rooms sell out weeks before the event.
Will Simone Biles Compete at the 2026 US Gymnastics Championships?
Almost certainly not. Biles has been on a competitive break since the 2024 Paris Olympics and did not compete at the 2025 Championships in New Orleans. She has not officially retired — stating she’ll “always be in that space” — but USA Gymnastics does not list her among expected athletes for Phoenix. The women’s competition in 2026 is headlined by defending champion Hezly Rivera, five-time World medalist Leanne Wong, and first-year senior Charleigh Bullock.
Is Scottsdale a good base for the US Gymnastics Championships?
Absolutely. Scottsdale is just 15 minutes by car or rideshare from Mortgage Matchup Center and offers superior resort hotels, larger pools (essential in August’s 105°F heat), and far more dining and entertainment options than downtown Phoenix. Many experienced event-goers prefer Scottsdale for the quality of life between sessions. Uber/Lyft runs $15–25 each way, and the Valley Metro Light Rail offers a free ride with your event ticket via the RailRide program.
The 2026 Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships is a first-of-its-kind event for Phoenix — and for the gymnasts competing, it’s the gateway to the World Championships in Rotterdam.
Whether you’re a lifelong gymnastics fan, a gym parent traveling with your team, or just looking for an unforgettable August weekend in the Valley, this event delivers.
Lock in your tickets through Ticketmaster before the best seats disappear. Book your hotel now — not later — because that 1,150-room block won’t last.
And if you’re choosing between downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale as your home base? We’d lean Scottsdale. The pools alone are worth the 15-minute ride.
🎟️ Get Tickets on Ticketmaster 🏨 Find Hotels on Hotels.com
Which session are you most excited to attend — and are you team downtown or team Scottsdale? Drop a comment below.
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