Figure Skating Tours May Merge

Organizers for two of figure skating tours are discussing a possible merger, the Chicago Tribune reported yesterday. Champions on Ice and Stars on Ice have both seen declining attendance at their traveling shows in recent years. While those associated with both tours deny any discussion taking place, it really doesn't surprise me that some "downsizing" might take place.


Sometimes we get caught up in the beauty of the sport that we forget that figure skating is still a business. And when business begins to slump, as it has for skating since the beginning of this decade, you look for ways to cut costs. Obviously, it doesn't make sense to keep both tours going when they attract such a small audience.