News

INDIANAPOLIS, March 4, 2015 – AT&T Stadium, best known as the home to the Dallas Cowboys, will provide the stage for the world’s best gymnasts at the 2015 AT&T American Cup on March 7 at 10:30 a.m. CT and many of the country’s top female Junior Olympic gymnasts in the Nastia Liukin Cup on March 6 at 7 p.m. CT. This is the first time either event has been held in a football stadium, and only the third gymnastics competition.

The AT&T American Cup has a strong field, headlined by two-time World all-around champion Simone Biles of Spring, Texas/World Champions Centre, and 2014 AT&T American Cup champ Sam Mikulak of Newport Coast, Calif./Team Hilton HHonors (University of Michigan). Also in the field are the USA’s MyKayla Skinner of Gilbert, Ariz./Desert Lights Gymnastics, a 2014 World team gold-medalist, and Donnell Whittenburg of Baltimore, Md./Team Hilton HHonors (U.S. Olympic Training Center), a 2014 World team bronze-medalist. The international contingent is led by Italy’s Vanessa Ferrari, a past World all-around champion, and Japan’s Yusuke Tanaka, the 2014 World all-around bronze medalist. The AT&T American Cup is the USA’s most prestigious international invitational and part of the International Gymnastics Federation’s all-around World Cup Series.

The complete field for the AT&T American Cup is listed below.

Men
Belarus: Andrey Likhovitskiy
Colombia: Jossimar Calvo
Great Britain: Daniel Purvis
Japan: Ryohei Kato
Japan: Yusuke Tanaka
Puerto Rico: Alexis Torres Serrano
Ukraine: Oleg Verniaiev
USA: Sam Mikulak, Newport Coast, Calif./Team Hilton HHonors (University of Michigan)
USA: Donnell Whittenburg, Baltimore, Md./Team Hilton HHonors (U.S. Olympic Training Center)

Women
Australia: Emily Little
Canada: Elsabeth Black
Great Britain: Claudia Fragapane
Italy: Erika Fasana
Italy: Vanessa Ferrari
Japan: Natsumi Sasada
USA: Simone Biles, Spring, Texas/World Champions Centre
USA: MyKayla Skinner, Gilbert, Ariz./Desert Lights Gymnastics
Venezuela: Jessica Lopez

The AT&T American Cup became an FIG all-around World Cup event in 2011. This year’s AT&T American Cup is the third and final event in the 2014-15 FIG All-around World Cup Series. The two other events in the World Cup Series were the DTB-Pokal World Cup in Stuttgart, Germany, Nov. 29-30, and the Glasgow (Scotland) World Cup, Dec. 6, 2014. The World Cup Series champions will be announced at the conclusion of the AT&T American Cup.

The impressive list of former American Cup champions also includes Bart Conner, Tim Daggett, Paul Hamm, Jonathan Horton, Shawn Johnson, Danell Leyva, Nastia Liukin, Shannon Miller, Carly Patterson, Mary Lou Retton, Kurt Thomas, Peter Vidmar, Jordyn Wieber and Kim Zmeskal. Past sites for the American Cup include: New York City (1976-80, 1982-84, 2004, 2008, 2012); Ft. Worth, Texas (1981, 1996-98); Indianapolis, Ind. (1985); Fairfax, Va. (1986-90, 2003); Orlando, Fla. (1991-94, 2000-02); Seattle, Wash. (1995); St. Petersburg, Fla. (1999); Uniondale, N.Y. (2005); Philadelphia (2006); Jacksonville, Fla. (2007, 2011); Hoffman Estates, Ill. (2009); Worcester, Mass. (2010, 2013); and Greensboro, N.C. (2014).

The Nastia Liukin Cup showcases many of the country’s top Junior Olympic female gymnasts and is named after Liukin, who has five Olympic and nine World medals to her credit. The annual event features 17 junior and 18 senior level Junior Olympic gymnasts who qualified through the Nastia Liukin Cup Series, which included 25 of the country’s top invitationals held in January and February.

Eight gymnasts are returning to the Nastia Liukin Cup. Alicia Boren of Franklin Lakes, N.J./North Stars Gymnastics Academy, is making her third trip to the Nastia Liukin Cup and will compete on the senior level. The four seniors who are making their second appearance at the Cup are: Anna Glenn of Charlotte, N.C./Southeastern Gymnastics; Olivia Karas of Chicago/IK Gymnastics; Maddie Karr of Champlin, Minn./Twin City Twisters; and Rachael Lukacs of Hillsborough, N.J./North Stars Gymnastics Academy. Four junior level gymnasts are also competing in their second Nastia Liukin Cup: Alexa Al-Hameed of Ankeny, Iowa/Triad Gymnastics; Kaitlin DeGuzman of Rowlett, Texas/Metroplex; Kiya Johnson of Desoto, Texas/Texas Dreams; and Hannah McCrary of Cincinnati, Ohio/Cincinnati Gym Academy.

Tickets for both events are on sale now. Tickets for both events vary in price, depending on seat location and do not include applicable fees: 2015 AT&T American Cup, $35-$250; and Nastia Liukin Cup, $50 for reserved seats and $35 for general admission. Tickets may be purchased online through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com (Nastia Liukin Cup, AT&T American Cup) or by calling (800) 745-3000. For group (10+ people) sales information, please call AT&T Stadium group sales at (817) 892-8688.

Past sites for the Nastia Liukin Cup are Worcester, Mass. (2010, 2013), Jacksonville, Fla. (2011), New York City (2012) and Greensboro (2014).

Fan activities

So fans and spectators can take full advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, lots of fun activities are planned for the AT&T Platform prior to competition for both events. Here’s a quick overview of the activities planned for the AT&T Platform, as well as helpful tips for attending both competitions at AT&T Stadium. The venue schedule for both events is: AT&T American Cup, March 7 – doors open at 9 a.m., opening ceremony begin at 10:15 a.m. and competition starts at 10:30 a.m.; and Nastia Liukin Cup, March 6 – doors open at 6 p.m., opening ceremony at 6:45 p.m. and competition gets underway at 7 p.m. All times are local.

John Macready, a member of the 1996 Olympic Team and the fan engagement host for USA Gymnastics premier events, will interview past champions, interact with attendees and highlight some of the morning’s fun at the AT&T Platform. Macready will also appear with fans and stage wacky competitions during breaks throughout both events.

• Wear Your Medal. The AT&T American Cup marks just the third time that a gymnastics competition has been held in a football arena. To celebrate on Wednesday, March 4, USA Gymnastics is asking fans and athletes to show how you #WearYourMedal by posting photos to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using this hashtag. Selected images will be shown on the AT&T Stadium video board prior to the AT&T American Cup.
• Texas State Champion recognition. Texas state champions from the 2013-14 season and the 2014 fall season from all disciplines (artistic, trampoline & tumbling, rhythmic, acrobatic, and gymnastics for all) will be recognized at the AT&T American Cup.
• AT&T Fan Cam Experience. Gymnasts and fans of all ages are invited to leap and flip over the AT&T logo for the ultimate frozen moment video selfie.
• Kellogg’s Fitness and Nutrition Zone. Kids can have fun and gain knowledge about the importance of fitness and nutrition through the interactive Kellogg’s Fitness and Nutrition Zone. The zone features activities in building strength, flexibility and cardiovascular exercise. Participants will also receive some cool Kellogg’s gear, along with helpful nutritional information about the importance of starting each day right.
• Book signing. Vanessa Atler of Bakersfield, Calif., who tied for the U.S. all-around title in 1997 and won two 1998 Goodwill Games gold medals, has written her first children’s book, “Let the River Flow,” and will be signing books. Based on Atler’s childhood as a young gymnast, the fictional story of River is about overcoming setbacks on and off the playing field, as well as striving not only to do one’s best but also to enjoy the experience of participating in sports. Illustrated by Mentol, the hardbound, 24-page book is geared for youngsters ages 5-10.
• Merchandise. Fans can purchase everything gymnastics, including event-specific tees and Under Armour and GK leotards, at merchandise booths at the AT&T Platform and on the concourse.
• GK Elite: Here’s the chance to be among the first to check out GK’s 2015 line of leotards, as well as the new Nastia Liukin signature leos, at the GK Elite area.
• International Gymnastics Camp. Fans can stop by the International Gymnastics Camp booth to learn about the IGC difference and take home exciting camp information and cool giveaways. Staff members are available to speak about the world-class gymnastics training at IGC, the benefits of summer camp for children, and IGC’s incredible recreation activities. World and Olympic champion Svetlana Boguinskaia will be on hand to meet fans, pose for a picture and sign autographs.
• 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials. San Jose, Calif., also known as Gymnastics City USA, is the host city for the U.S. Olympic Trials for women’s gymnastics, slated for July 8 and 10 at the SAP Center. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about tickets and the event, as well as reserve seats to see the women’s team named for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• NCAA Gymnastics. The NCAA Gymnastics Championships take center stage in April, with the men’s competition scheduled for April 9-11 in Norman, Okla., and the women’s April 17-19 in Fort Worth. Information on both events will be available.
• Gymnastics through the years. The exhibit features a combination of pictures, historical items, mementoes, and vintage equipment including a 1909 women’s pommel horse, to tell the story of the growth and development of gymnastics. Rome Milan is the exhibit’s owner and curator.
• Ways to follow the competition. Fans in the arena can enjoy expanded information on the athletes, the American Cup’s history, and past champions, as well as live scoring, on the large video screen and via the two event websites, ATTAmericanCup.com and NastiaLiukinCup.com. Fans can follow the AT&T American Cup and Nastia Liukin Cup on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for exclusive coverage of the event. Join the conversation on Twitter by using the official hashtag of the events, #ATTAC2015 and #NastiaCup.

Things to know before going to AT&T Stadium

Here’s some valuable information and tips to assist attendees before arriving at AT&T Stadium. The rules and regulations for AT&T Stadium will be in effect for both events. For additional information, go to http://attstadium.com/guests/guestInfo.cfm.

• Stadium entrances. The fan entrances for both events are C, E, F and H. Entry C provides easy and quick access the fan area at the AT&T Platform. For those interested in visiting the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, it is located at Entry A at the northwest corner of the building, but please note Entry A is not a ticketed or credential entrance for either event.
• Tickets. Due to security restrictions, tickets must be printed out and presented upon entry. Mobile/smartphone scanning is not permitted.
• Parking. The parking lots used for both events are lots 4 and 11. Parking for Friday, March 6, is $20 and cash only on event day. For Saturday, March 7, parking is $30 and may be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com. The parking map is available at http://attstadium.com/guests/parkingMap.cfm.
• Bag policy. AT&T Stadium uses the same policies regarding bags and other items for all events, including Cowboys games. Purses, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags and a number of other bags and containers are not permitted. Fans may carry NFL-approved bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12.” Please check the AT&T Stadium website, http://attstadium.com/guests/guestInfo.cfmm, for what is and is not approved to bring into the stadium. All bags are subject to inspection.
• Banners and signs. Signs must be handheld, event-related, in good taste and cannot obstruct another guest’s view. They may not contain commercial messages, logos or political endorsements and may not be hung off affixed stadium structures. Signs on poles or sticks, or constructed of wood or metal material, are also not permitted. Management reserves the right to confiscate signs that are in violation of stadium policy.
• Cameras. Compact cameras (still only) are permitted inside AT&T Stadium as long as their use does not interfere with the event or other guests’ enjoyment of the event. Video cameras, tripods, monopods and cameras with a lens longer than 3″ (detachable or non-detachable) are prohibited inside AT&T Stadium. In addition, per USA Gymnastics policies, all images taken during the event are for personal use only, and any commercial use, distribution or sale is prohibited. No flash photography or strobes of any kind. Also, using cell phones to record video is also prohibited. No portion of the event may be recorded in any form, including audio, without prior written approval from USA Gymnastics.

Ways to watch both events

Fans can enjoy coverage of the 2015 Nastia Liukin Cup and the AT&T American Cup online, on television and on their favorite social media networks. The weekend starts with the Nastia Liukin Cup on Friday, March 6, and then the AT&T American Cup on March 7. Both are being held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas:

Nastia Liukin Cup, March 6, 8-10:30 p.m. ET

• Universal Sports Network. Universal Sports and UniversalSports.com will carry the 2015 Nastia Liukin Cup live from 8-10:30 p.m. ET on March 6. Universal Sports is available nationwide on Time Warner Cable, Cox, Verizon FiOS, DirecTV and Dish as part of their sports packages in addition to several regional cable providers. To find out if Universal Sports is available in your area, click here. The event will also be available online at nastialiukincup.com.
• USA Gymnastics on YouTube. USA Gymnastics will post coverage of the Nastia Liukin Cup, including non-broadcast routines and post-competition interviews with both the junior and senior all-around champions.
• Online. Fans can find event information from starts lists to live scores by visiting the official Nastia Liukin Cup webpage, www.nastialiukincup.com. The page is easily viewable on smart phones and other digital devices.
• Social Media. USA Gymnastics is providing live updates and exclusive content from the Nastia Liukin Cup on Facebook (facebook.com/USAGymnastics) and Twitter (@USAGym). Gymnastics fans can follow the action easily and join the conversation on Twitter by using the official hashtag of the event, #NastiaCup.

AT&T American Cup, March 7, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. ET

• Live podium training webcast. USA Gymnastics will provide live coverage of men’s and women’s podium training for the AT&T American Cup on YouTube. Coverage begins March 5 at 11:30 a.m. ET with women’s podium training, followed by the men at 2:30 p.m. ET.
• USA Gymnastics on YouTube. USA Gymnastics will post coverage of the AT&T American Cup, including non-broadcast routines, interviews from media day and post-competition and clips from podium training.
• Live stream. There will be a live stream of the competition from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. ET. The live feed will be available worldwide, except in Belgium, France, Switzerland, Belarus, Romania, Hungary, Taiwan, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Turkey, Brazil, Singapore, which have pre-existing rights agreements. The stream will be available on our AT&T American Cup live coverage page. To watch on YouTube, click here.
• NBC Sports. Live coverage of the AT&T American Cup will air on NBC Sports beginning at 1 p.m. ET on March 7.
• Online. The 2015 AT&T American Cup is easier than ever to follow online. Schedules, general event information, start lists, live scoring and more are available at americancup.com, which is easily viewable on smart phones and other digital devices. Click here for live scoring.
• Social Media. USA Gymnastics is providing live updates and exclusive content, including videos and photos, from the AT&T American Cup on Facebook (facebook.com/USAGymnastics) and Twitter (@USAGym). Gymnastics fans can follow the action easily and join the conversation on Twitter by using the official hashtag of the 2015 AT&T American Cup, #ATTAC2015.

Background information

• AT&T Stadium. AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events. For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

• AT&T . AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best global wireless coverage, based on offering roaming in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier, and offers the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse® brand. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://about.att.com or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att. © 2014 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Reliability claim based on analysis of independent third party data re nationwide carriers’ 4G LTE. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. 4G LTE not available everywhere.

• International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). The International Gymnastics Federation is the governing body for gymnastics worldwide. It is the oldest established international sports federation and has participated in the Olympic Games since their revival in 1896. The FIG governs seven disciplines: gymnastics for all, men’s artistic, women’s artistic, rhythmic, trampoline, aerobic and acrobatic. It counts 142 national member federations and boasts a 27-person staff at its international seat in Lausanne, Switzerland, host city of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). For more information, go to fig-gymnastics.com.