The 2018 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships are currently underway in Portland at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The event started Thursday and continues through Saturday, Feb. 24.

The championships will bring more than 1,600 figure skaters from 89 of the nation's top synchronized skating teams, and serve as the U.S. selection event for the 2018 World Synchronized Skating Championships. Tickets start at $25 per day plus applicable service fees and are on sale at rosequarter.com.

Synchronized skating consists of teams of eight to 20 skaters on the ice performing routines in unison. Teams are judged on their ability to work simultaneously, choreographing circular, linear, block, wheel, and intersection elements to music. Teams are required to perform difficult step sequences involving a number of complicated turns and movements. Skaters range in age from 8 to 69.

Synchro Champs are off and running here at the Coliseum! Check out our Instagram story for more #BTS #SynchroChamps18 pic.twitter.com/6cfaa5ODJQ — SynchroChamps (@SynchroChamps) February 22, 2018

"We are honored that U.S. Figure Skating has entrusted Portland to host this prestigious event," said Bill Cloran, president of the Oregon Skating Council and co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee. "The amazing athleticism and artistry displayed by synchronized skating teams is truly an awesome sight to witness in person."

This will be the first time that Portland has hosted the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, after hosting the 2016 Midwestern and Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships and the 2005 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

The event is expected to generate more than 5,000 hotel room nights, producing approximately $2.3 million in economic impact for the area.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome so many skaters to Portland," said Jim Etzel, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority. "This is a national championship event that will be very exciting for Oregonians to witness, as well as a tremendous economic impact for our hotels, restaurants and retail businesses at the perfect time of year."

More information about the championships, including a schedule of events, can be found at ussynchrochampionships.com.

--Press release from the Oregon Sports Authority