Want to get a better idea of what the Legacy on Ice event at Capital One Arena will look like this weekend? The community came together at Capital One Arena on Sunday to pay tribute to the victims of the tragic plane crash. This special event brings figure skating fans together and is a significant fundraising effort. An online auction featuring sports memorabilia, culinary experiences, entertainment packages, and more will contribute to the cause. The cause has already raised over $1 million for those most affected. And now we have more updates rolling in from the figure skating expert, Jackie Wong.

The online auction remains open through April 3. Taking place less than five miles from the Potomac River crash site, the two-hour program featured performances from past and present skating champions. Remembrance tributes honored the first responders, the victims, and their families.

Among the 60 passengers aboard the American Airlines plane that night, nearly half were young skaters, parents, or coaches returning from a skating camp in Kansas, according to U.S. Figure Skating. In response to the tragedy, the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF) launched an online benefit auction ahead of Legacy on Ice. This auction provides additional ways for the community to support those affected.

The auction boasts a variety of exclusive items generously donated by Washington sports teams, businesses, and community groups. The total value of the auction items has reached $29,200, with some of the standout pieces including an Alex Ovechkin autographed Washington Capitals jersey, an A D.C. United team-signed jersey and game experience, VIP tickets to Jiffy Lube Live, Washington Commanders home opener suite tickets, and over 40 other unique items.

The event was co-hosted by two legendary Olympic champions, Brian Boitano (1988) and Kristi Yamaguchi (1992). Some of the most beloved stars in the skating world join them, including Jason Brown, Nathan Chen, Madison Chock & Evan Bates, Peggy Fleming, Nancy Kerrigan, Isabeau Levito, and Paul Wylie. Despite having only limited in-person rehearsal time, the two-hour program came together with remarkable execution. Hundreds of staff members worked behind the scenes to ensure the event ran smoothly, making it an unforgettable night.

 Raising over $1 million for the victims’ families, this event showcased the resilience and compassion of the figure skating world.

The Legacy on Ice event was a tribute like no other

In a poignant tribute, the Capital One Arena had all the 67 stars on display on the dasher boards, commemorating each of the victims of the January 29 crash. The greatest of the greats of the figure skating universe performed at the event in honour of those who had lost their lives in the tragic incident that shook the community to its very core. But figure skaters channeled this pain to create art. After all, the evening will be remembered for the most breathtaking performances.

Probably the best performance came from the figure skaters who once skated in close association with the victims. A young skater confessed in her interview with Fox 6 Washington D.C., “I am just glad to keep on skating for them here today, they are kinda keeping me going.” Her words convey the love and admiration she had for the now departed souls. Figure skating world champion, Ilia Malinin was also present at the event and after his breathtaking performance, the Virginia native shared his true feelings with Fox, “I wanted to have something that everyone can remember, as a family, as a whole community, every time we step on the ice, we will always think of them”. The evening also witnessed some cross-sport effort to honour the victims fittingly.

Legacy on Ice was more than just a figure skating event, it was a moment of unity, remembrance, and generosity. Skating fans, athletes, and the wider community came together to turn a heartbreaking tragedy into an inspiring honour.