The 2025 U.S. Gymnastics Championships in New Orleans ended with a bang. Hezly Rivera bagged the gold medal with a score of 112.000, even after a few points were deducted on the uneven bars. Closely following her, just 0.800 points behind, was Leanne Wong. And the bronze medal went to Joscelyn Roberson with 109.600 points. And now, the gymnastics fans demanded to know about the venue for the 2026 Xfinity Championships. But will they like the new venue? After all, we’re expecting Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles at next year’s event. 

According to Gymnastics Now on X, “2026 U.S. Championships will be in… Phoenix, Arizona!” And the dates? It’d be from August 6 to August 9, 2026. But let’s be clear about one thing – Phoenix isn’t a traditional hub for elite gymnastics meets. Hosting the Xfinity Championships in such an area is riddled with risks. We all noted the empty seats at the Smoothie King Center this time. To worsen things up, there’s also the three-hour time difference, which could pose a threat to the East Coast athletes’ circadian rhythm. 

But such a risky approach also creates an opportunity for heightened exposure for the sport.

If successful, this decision could help gymnastics’ fanbase grow in Arizona and the surrounding areas. Needless to say, that would be a boost for the local tourism and businesses. On top of that, the city’s corporate landscape, including tech, healthcare, and tourism, could provide new partnerships and funding streams. And with Biles, Rivera, and Chiles in the lineup, we can expect to see better attendance than at the New Orleans event. 

Soon after the post went viral on X, the gymnastics world went crazy in the comments section. But not all netizens were happy about Phoenix hosting the next Xfinity Championships.  

Gymnastics fans split in factions following 2026 U.S. Championships venue revelation

Expressing concern regarding the news, one fan typed in, “wait for real? 😭” And Gymnastics Now confirmed the legibility of the announcement in a reply. An image is going viral on Reddit and other social media platforms that shows the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships 2026 to run from August 6-9, 2026, in Phoenix. But fans aren’t too happy with it.

One of the comments read, “Put meets back in the Midwest where they care about gymnastics.” Of course, hosting the competition at a gymnastics hotspot would ensure total sellout. Otherwise, there remain doubts regarding fans’ attendance in this case. 

One fan claimed, “There’s no way there will be more folks in attendance in Phoenix than there were in Nola… it’s gotta be an easy place to travel to/ with cheaper flights, with accessibly priced tickets. I feel like Phoenix is taking a step back.” And we already saw that in New Orleans. More than half of the seats laid vacant at the 2025 Xfinity Championships, even on the final day. Many believed that it was because of the absence of star factors like Simone Biles and Co. But the location also had a major role to play.

Meanwhile, a few other fans highlighted the extreme climate of Phoenix. “In Phoenix, in August???   I’ve been there in August 118 degrees.”

Another fan noted, “Oh no not the 100° heat in August, prepare for oven conditions.” 

Nevertheless, fans have one thing to look up to – Jade Carey’s return. One fan highlighted that. “Jade is coming back fs then 🫶.” Carey took a year off to recover from a hectic 2024, packed with the Paris Olympics and the NCAA championships. But her return in 2026 is imminent.

Plus, not all the comments about the location were negative. One fan responded, “Ok wait I might be able to go.”

But now with these updates, how do you think the stands will look if the 2026 Xfinity Championships get organized in Phoenix, Arizona?