Arena Adventures: A Jump Rope Championship

A Stadium Journey writer never rests.

Well... that is not true at all, but no matter where the road takes us on vacation, the magnetic pull of a local sports venue is impossible to resist.

During my recent summer trip through Western New York, the itinerary was mostly focused on sightseeing and enjoying the local culture (and a non-business trip to see the Buffalo Bisons). However, true to form, I found myself scanning the map for nearby facilities. It is practically a rule that I have to find a way to step inside a stadium or arena wherever we travel, to get a feel for the fan experience and the architectural layout.

Our home base for this leg of the trip was the Richardson Hotel, an incredibly cool and historically rich property. Housed in the monumental Richardson Olmsted Campus, a former 19th-century state asylum known for its stunning Romanesque architecture and striking twin towers, the hotel offered a uniquely atmospheric stay. And likely some ghosts. Even better, it sits comfortably within walking distance of the Buffalo State University campus. With the Buffalo State Sports Arena located just a short stroll away from our unique accommodations, it felt like the perfect opportunity to see what was happening on campus.

As luck would have it, the arena wasn't empty for the summer; it was bustling with the energy of the annual American Jump Rope National Championship. We walked over to the arena and were thrilled to find that the doors were open to the public. For a very small fee ($10 for a daily pass and a $20 full event pass also available), we were able to purchase spectator passes and make our way inside to catch the action. It was a pleasant surprise to stumble into a national-level competition taking place right in "our" neighborhood.  

Once inside, the setup was distinctly geared toward the competitors rather than the casual fan. The seating was mainly consolidated to the bright orange bleachers on one side of the arena. Unsurprisingly, these sections were densely packed with team members, coaches, and families draped in vibrant team apparel, cheering on their respective squads. The hardwood floor itself was divided into multiple competition zones, where athletes executed incredibly fast and complex routines to music. I can't say I understood most of it, but I know that I saw some speed competition, as well as Double Dutch teamwork.

While the traditional bleacher seats were dominated by the jump rope community, we quickly found our preferred vantage point. The top of the arena offered a fantastic, elevated standing-room area that provided a comprehensive view of the entire floor. Leaning against the upper railing, my wife and I had a fun, unobstructed look at the intricate events happening simultaneously below. It was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon, proving once again that a willingness to wander into an unfamiliar arena can yield unexpectedly great sports vacation encounters.