”American Gold Live” lit up Philadelphia’s University City on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as Olympic hopefuls took to the ice in a holiday figure-skating extravaganza that drew crowds to Penn Ice Rink.
The Event
The program featured two shows at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on the same day, giving fans a chance to see world-class skaters before the 2026 Winter Olympics began.
Host and Lineup
Olympic Champion Brian Boitano served as host, announcing that the lineup guarantees a great show. “Two world champions, a world silver medalist,” Boitano told NBC10.
Star Skaters
The roster included Team USA’s brightest Olympic hopefuls: World Champions Alysa Liu and Ilia Malinin, the “Nicked Quadgod,” and World Silver medalist and South Jersey native Isabeau Levito, who dazzled audiences with their performances.
Local Coverage
NBC10’s Siobhan McGirl provided a preview from the rink, while Philly Live’s Sheila Watko chatted with Boitano about what fans could expect from ”American Gold Live”.
Skaters’ Perspective
Alysa Liu shared her excitement about the relaxed atmosphere. “Some cool spins, cool jumps and some really amazing choreography because we don’t have any rules here so we can really go all out and do our favorite things,” Liu said.
Boitano’s Insight
Boitano added that the skaters would perform “unplugged,” skating for the audience rather than judges. “I think they are going to skate a little unplugged. They will be skating for the audience, not for judges, not for marks,” Boitano added.
Legacy Fund
The shows also honored the young skaters who lost their lives in the January plane crash, with net proceeds going to a legacy fund that supports the next generation of American skaters.
Two Months to Go
With only two months left before the 2026 Winter Olympics, ”American Gold Live” offers an early look at the athletes vying for gold, giving fans a preview of the competition’s high-level performances.
Community Impact
The event brought the Philadelphia community together, celebrating the sport and supporting future talent through the legacy fund.
Takeaways
- ”American Gold Live” featured Olympic Champion Brian Boitano as host and highlighted world champions Alysa Liu and Ilia Malinin.
- Skaters emphasized a relaxed, audience-focused performance style, free from judging constraints.
- Net proceeds from the shows will fund a legacy program for the next generation of American skaters.
Closing Thoughts
As the city buzzed with excitement, ”American Gold Live” proved to be more than a showcase; it was a celebration of talent, community, and the enduring spirit of figure skating.
