A Very Pettit Homecoming
Photos submitted by Li.
Lari Li
20 Years Later
The International Skating Union (ISU) World Cup made its way back to Milwaukee at the Pettit National Ice Center for the first time in 20 years on the weekend of January 31 to February 2, 2025. With sold-out tickets on all three days, fans, family, and friends from all over the nation flocked to Wisconsin to support and watch the top athletes of the world test their limits at break-neck speeds. As one of only two covered 400-meter ovals in the country, the Pettit has long been a cornerstone of American speedskating, nurturing athletes from beginners to Olympians every step of the way. Hosting an international event of this caliber here wasn’t just exciting; it was a recognition of the Pettit’s legacy and its continued importance in the global speedskating community. This electrifying experience showcased the pinnacle of speedskating talent from every corner of the world.
A Revolving Door
The athletes, for one, did not disappoint. A revolving door of applause and roars followed them as they zipped past. And it never died down, even after hours of racing. Every athlete received encouragement from spectators sitting at the edges of their seats, regardless of nation. However, it was clear that Team USA on home ice was the main event, with the arena getting pumped up and proud of who was representing them at an elite level. The energy inside the arena was like no other, with fans packing the stands to witness some of the world’s fastest skaters in action. The diverse audience—ranging from young aspiring skaters, longtime speedskating enthusiasts, to Milwaukee locals who didn’t want to miss a cool, new experience—reflected the passion for the sport that has long been cultivated and is still growing in Milwaukee.
Seeing so many people come together reinforced just how special the Pettit is. It’s more than just an ice rink; it’s a home for athletes and fans alike, where future champions take their first strides and where speedskating brings Milwaukee together. Beyond the competition, the event was a celebration of the sport’s rich history in Milwaukee. The Pettit has long been a training ground for Olympic legends, and welcoming the world’s best skaters here felt like a full-circle moment—showcasing not only the facility’s world-class ice but also its commitment to the sport’s future. With Olympic champions Bonnie Blair, Dan Jansen, and Eric Heiden back in the house, the success of the event reinforced that Milwaukee is more than capable of hosting international speedskating competitions, and hopefully, this will pave the way for more high-profile events in the years to come.
Hospitality
Pettit’s hospitality and spectator satisfaction was extremely thorough, with every potential possibility addressed. Friendly staff and volunteers were great on an assortment of concessions as well as exclusive ISU World Cup merchandise. The announcers were great at keeping the audience engaged and excited. Right before each race, the arena was in such a hushed silence that you would never expect the stands to be packed. As soon as the gun fired, the revolving door of spectator encouragement followed the athletes around lap by lap. From cowbells to plastic clapping hands to shouts of encouragement, nearly everyone in the bleachers were invested in what was going on during the race, even if the athletes were on the opposite side of the arena.
With the large results board, it was easy to follow the race and understand what was going on, how speedskating works, and discover new athletes. With the strategically placed bleachers, podium, results board, and removal of the Olympic-sized rink windows, nobody seemed to be having a difficult or confusing time. Everyone was enjoying themselves and curious about the sport, discussing athletes, strategies, and race rules. The arena’s atmosphere was both curious and extremely supportive on all three days, even from audience members that weren’t too familiar with the sport.
What’s Next?
The success of the ISU World Cup at the Pettit National Ice Center was more than just a moment in time—it was a stepping stone for the future of speedskating in Milwaukee and the United States. Hosting an event of this scale proved that the Pettit is not only a world-class training facility but also a premier venue for international competition. With the enthusiasm from athletes, fans, and the broader community, there’s a growing momentum to bring more high-profile events to the Pettit and continue strengthening speedskating’s presence in the U.S.
For local skaters, the inspiration from watching world-class athletes compete on home ice is immeasurable. The energy and excitement of this event have undoubtedly ignited new passion in young skaters who now dream of one day representing their country on the same ice. Moving forward, it’s crucial to build on this momentum by expanding outreach efforts, increasing support for developing athletes, and fostering a deeper connection between the Pettit and the global speedskating community.
On an international level, the warm reception and seamless execution of this World Cup have demonstrated that Milwaukee is more than capable of hosting future world class events. Whether it’s another World Cup, Olympic trials, or other major competitions, the Pettit has cemented itself as a key player in the sport’s growth. The hope is that this event serves as a catalyst for even greater opportunities—more races, more exposure, and ultimately, more American speedskaters making their mark on the world stage.
As the ice is resurfaced and the final cheers fade, the impact of this World Cup lingers. The Pettit remains a place where Olympic dreams take shape, where speedskating thrives, and where the sport’s future is being written.
