For a fourth consecutive year, the University of Washington’s Alaska Airlines Arena will host the 2016 WIAA, Dairy Farmers of Washington, Les Schwab Tires State Cheerleading Championships, Saturday, January 30.

Since moving to Alaska Airlines Arena, the State Cheerleading Championships have seen a steady increase in attendance, setting a record in 2015 with over 3,200 spectators.

“Having the Cheerleading State Championships at a state-of-the-art facility like Alaska Airlines Arena has brought more attention to this premier event,” WIAA Assistant Executive Cindy Adsit who oversees Cheerleading for the State Association said. “The University of Washington and its staff have been tremendous partners in providing a first class experience for the student-participants.”

The State Cheerleading Championships boast over 50 routines from as many schools. On occasion, schools may send more than one team to perform in different categories. Teams compete for a State Championship in five categories: small, medium, large, non-tumbling and coed. On average, the State Championships welcomes over 900 student-participants annually.

Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion is the primary home to the University of Washington Men’s and Women’s basketball teams, volleyball and gymnastics. The Pavilion was built in 1927 and had a $40 million renovation in 1999-2000. Currently, the arena has a capacity of 10,000.

Depending on the number of qualified teams, the doors for the Cheerleading State Championships open at 11 a.m. with competition beginning at noon. The final routine is scheduled for approximately 5:15 p.m. and the event will culminate with the Grand March and Awards Ceremony. Tickets for the State Championship are $10 for adults and $7 for students (with a valid ASB) and senior citizens. Children under the age of five are admitted free.

More information about the State Championships can be found on the WIAA website at wiaa.com/cheerleading.