USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — With more than 5,300 competitors and 66 national titles on the line, the 2023 USA Fencing National Championships and July Challenge will feature 10 days of fencing at the highest level.

But anyone who has been to a Summer Nationals knows that the action on the fencing strip is only part of the fun. During your stay in Phoenix, you can reconnect with friends, learn something new and explore our iconic host city. 

To help you prepare, here are 10 things to know before you head to Summer Nationals:

Not bringing your entire cheering section to Phoenix? No worries! Anyone — your best friend, grandma, coworker, classmate or dentist — can follow the action in real time at fencingtimelive.com. 

If you make it to the semifinals or finals, those bouts will stream on our YouTube channel. And if you just want to keep up with the tournament as a whole, make sure to follow USA Fencing on Instagram (@usafencing), where we’ll post the results of each event plus interviews and other fun surprises.

A USA Fencing national tournament runs like a well-oiled machine, thanks to carefully coordinated check-in times for each event (and thanks to our tournament officials who keep things going smoothly)!

To see when your events begin, review the check-in times PDF.

Attendees are kindly requested to refrain from bringing outside meals and instead to enjoy the diverse food offerings available within the Convention Center. (Beverages and small snacks are permitted to keep attendees and competitors refreshed and energized throughout the competition day.)

The Convention Center's food services team strives to provide a wide range of culinary choices to suit various dietary preferences and needs. Please see below the schedule and menu for food at the Phoenix Convention Center.

West Building

Starbucks
Hours: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Phoenix Public Pantry
Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

North Building

Phoenix Food Hall: Hecho En Arizona
Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Menu: Burrito Bowl, Tamales, and Taco Salad.

Phoenix Wok
Hours: 11 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Menu: Beef and Broccoli Bowl and Asian Chicken Salad

Exhibit Halls

Karen’s Smoothies
Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Menu: Smoothies and Ice Cream

Phoenix Counters 6
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Menu: Rice Bowls and Vegetable Stir Fry, Chicken Strips, and Cheeseburgers

Phoenix Counters 1
Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Menu: Garden Burgers,  Grab & Go Salads and Sandwiches

If you're a high school fencer thinking about college, don't miss the College Conversations Panels and the College Fair taking place during the Summer Nationals. These events will cover a variety of topics, from the benefits of fencing in college to balancing fencing with a rigorous academic course load and the recruiting process. 

The panels are open to anyone, but the College Fair is open only to rising high school juniors and seniors, and will feature representatives from 16 NCAA programs. Remember to bring a copy of your fencing resume to give to coaches you speak with. The panels and fair will take place in Room 122ABC at the Phoenix Convention Center​.

See the full schedule.

Help celebrate fencing legends at the USA Fencing Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony, which will be held on July 5. Meet the inductees and get your tickets here.

This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and meet some of the individuals who pour their passion into the fencing movement. 

• All-Member Town Hall: 4 to 5 p.m. on July 1 in Room 126ABC.
• Membership Meeting (before Board Meeting): 4 to 5 p.m. on July 4 in Room 126ABC.

Get trained or learn something new at the Presentation Room, located in Room 123. The schedule includes a SafeSport training session for athletes ages 13-20, a discussion of body postitivty, and a session on Mental Training.

These presentations are free and open to all attendees and their families.

See the schedule here.

The bright and energetic orange and purple Summer Nationals logo is not just a symbol of the tournament, it's a badge of honor for every participant and fan. Want to wear it proudly? Make sure to visit the Nike booth at the event. 

Stocked with an array of Summer Nationals merchandise — T-shirts and more — there's something for everyone. Whether you want to commemorate your own participation or cheer on your favorite fencer, you'll find all the gear you need to showcase your fencing spirit. Don't miss out on these exclusive items!

If you have lightly used fencing equipment you no longer need, consider giving it a new life through the Equipment Refurbishment Program. This initiative from USA Fencing and Absolute Fencing Gear enables the redistribution of gently used gear to fencers and clubs in need, with a special focus on under-resourced areas.

Donations can be made at the Absolute booth during national tournaments, including Summer Nationals. Simply speak with one of the sales representatives there and hand over your items. Remember, the donation cutoff is 1 p.m. on the final competition day, so plan accordingly.

Here's a list of the equipment they accept:

• Fencing Bags

• Blades

• Chest protectors/guards

• Electrical cords (body, face)

• Gloves

• Jackets

• Lames (electrical vests)

• Masks

• Underarm protectors

• Weapons

• Pants

• Scoring Equipment

This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the fencing community by donating equipment you no longer need. Your generosity could make a world of difference to a budding fencer or a club operating on a tight budget.

We hope your stay in Phoenix includes time to get out and explore the city's vibrant downtown — and beyond. Here are a few ideas:

• Download the Visit Phoenix app in the App Store and Google Play – it’s an easy way to see events, places to eat, and things to do

• Visit the Greater Phoenix Travel Guide and consult these Greater Phoenix Maps

• Check out these 10 Must-See Attractions from our friends at Visit Phoenix.

And a bonus tip...

Temperatures are expected to be hot throughout the tournament, so make sure you are being proactive to stay cool and hydrated! See below for some helpful information and resources from our friends in Phoenix!

• City of Phoenix Summer Safety resource
• Arizona Care Network Tips