by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
In less than two months, Jacksonville will be in the spotlight when gymnasts from all over the world compete in the Tyson American Cup at the Arena.
But before that, there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes by the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission’s (JEDC) Sports and Entertainment board as well as USA Gymnastics, the national governing body for gymnastics in the U.S.
The Tyson American Cup, one of the world’s most prestigious gymnastics events, is 11:30 a.m. March 3 at the Arena. The event will be broadcast on NBC at 1 p.m.
Since the October announcement that the American Cup would be in Jacksonville, a handful of gymnasts have been visiting Jacksonville to help get the word out about the competition. Chellsie Memmel, who, in 2005, became the first U.S. woman to win the all-around gold medal at the World Championships since 1994, was in Jacksonville recently for two days to visit local gyms.
“I have been doing a lot more of this since I turned pro,” said Memmel who is from Wisconsin. “It is a lot of fun doing (gymnastics) club visits.”
Memmel said when she visits the clubs there is a question and answer session for the gymnasts to ask about her career.
“They always ask about my fears and how old I am, do I have a dog, my favorite color,” she said. “Just cute little stuff.”
Memmel also signs autographs and the gymnasts get their pictures taken with her.
“It is a lot of fun seeing the girls get excited,” she said.
Memmel said it is very important that the clubs help support the competition.
“It is really important to get them [the clubs] excited to see a high level gymnastics competition in person,” she said. “They also have the chance to see someone from their home state, Jana [Bieger].”
Mike Sullivan, Jacksonville Economic Development Commission’s director of Sports and Entertainment, said the gymnastics community is the backbone of an event like this.
“It is very important [for the local gyms to support this event] because if that community didn’t show the support, there really wouldn’t be a reason to have this event here,” he said.
Sullivan said about 2,000 tickets have been distributed and they want to sell 6,000 tickets.
“This event gives us just one more chance for national exposure,” he said.
Even though Memmel was here to help promote the American Cup, she will not be able to compete in the event due to a shoulder injury she sustained at the 2006 World Championships.
“I am hoping to be here to support the girls,” she said. “I am good friends with the girls on the team.”
Tickets are on sale now at $19.50, $35 and $50 at all Ticketmaster outlets, at the Arena’s box office and by calling 353-3309.