Local newspaper coverage from Everett

Organizers anticipate a worldwide television audience of 2.4 million people. Japan's cable network tv asahi, which has closely covered the career of the 2007 world figure skating champion Miki Ando, is expected to fly in a crew of 60 people....

Besides the direct economic impact from thousands of visitors who are expected shell out $2.5 million and fill up area hotels and restaurants, boosters also are hoping for economic spinoff in the form of future events.

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Northwest fans (says Kimmie Meissner) "definitely made us feel like rock stars. We were so excited to perform for them because they were so excited to watch us. It works both ways."

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The overwhelming fan support in Spokane clearly helped a city such as Everett, with a new arena and broad ambitions, but no figure-skating history or ties to speak of, to land Skate America, a top-tier event that draws much of the best skating talent not only from the United States, but around the globe.

And it absolutely helped Spokane claim the greatest prize as these things go: Next year's national championships, which will double as Olympic trials for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.

Put the three competitions together, and it makes the Northwest — suddenly, and perhaps improbably — at the center of the competitive figure-skating universe from now through February 2010.

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