FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): – Over 500 figure skaters from nine states will travel to Fort Wayne to compete in the U.S. Figure Skating Eastern Great Lakes Championships from October 17-20. The national competition will be held at the SportONE/Parkview Icehouse. 

Hosted by the Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club, the top four skaters in the women's and men's divisions will qualify to the sectional championship in either Cleveland, Los Angeles or Simsbury, Conn. Skaters placing in the top four will qualify for the 2016 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Paul, Minn.

The four-day competition is expected to draw 1,400 skaters, parents and U.S. Figure skating officials, generating an estimated $244,096 in economic impact.

While in Fort Wayne, skaters and their families will take part in community events and celebrations, including Fright Night and a Fort Wayne Komets game.