Gymnastics competition returns to Hartford

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Hartford will once again host the national championships for the USA Gymnastics.

"On behalf of everyone, we are proud to announce the USA Gymnastics National Championships will be at the XL Center in August of next year, 2013," XL Center General Manager Chuck Steedman announced.

It will be the second time in three years that the national gymnastics championship will be in Hartford's XL Center, but the first since Gabby Douglas and the rest of the Fierce Five won gold, and America's hearts, at the Olympics.

"Obviously we can all bask in the glory of what America did at the recent Olympics overall and certainly about what they did in gymnastics," said Gov. Dannel Malloy.

When Hartford hosted the championships two years ago, 40,000 people came to downtown Hartford for the four day event. That was great for a neighborhood trying to redefine itself with new buildings and new businesses.

"I think it's an amazing opportunity," said Jessica Perez, of the New York Deli.

The New York Deli has only been open a few weeks, but since it's right across the street from the XL Center, folks hope some of the fans will tumble in for a sandwich.
 
"Gymnastics is a huge part of the American experience and business wise there's huge potential for it," Perez said.

"We know that this will bring thousands of folks to Hartford, to spend money is out businesses and to see what we have to offer," Malloy said.

Tickets are on sale now for the competition that runs from August 14-17.