2023 FAQs
Event Details
Where is the event?
The event is at Turnstone Center located at 3320 N Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN 46805. The event will take place at the Plassman Athletic Center. Please note that the address is on N Clinton, but the entrances to the parking lots are on Livingston Ave.
Where should I park my car?
There are three lots at Turnstone. Please see the below map for guidance. Please note, due to the nature of the venue a large number of parking spots are ADA designated and that must be respected during the event. The third, gravel overflow lot is across Livingston.
Where should we park if we have a large bus?
For large coach buses, loading/unloading at the venue is fine, but buses should all park in the section highlighted on the attached map. Directly across from this section of the lot is Cebolla’s Mexican restaurant.
What is the new format?
You can read about the new 2023 tournament format here.
When and where do I check in?
We will have a check in table at the venue for teams to confirm their roster and make and final payments on Friday evening before the event from 5-8 PM ET, and on Saturday before the start of the morning and afternoon events.
When and where do I get my gear tested? What needs to be checked?
Gear checks will be open Friday evening before the event from 5-8 PM ET, and on Saturday before the start of the morning and afternoon events. We will test gloves, lames, and masks. Check for holes, Velcro quality, dead spots, etc. before the event to save time.
Please note, gear check in the morning before the event can have very long lines and we recommend as many teams as possible get their gear checked on Friday.
Will there be a fencing gear vendor?
Yes, Absolute Fencing will be on site and will have a variety of equipment for purchase.
Where can I buy USACFC merch, including the 2023 Event Shirt?
You can visit the USACFC Store on Bonfire to buy USACFC gear like tees, hats, and more.
Will there be space for team gear?
Yes, this year there will be plenty of space for gear and each team will have an assigned gear location. Please be respectful and keep your personal and team items in their assigned area so that we can maintain clear, safe, and ADA accessible pathways throughout the venue.
Will there be locker rooms?
Yes, the venue has small locker rooms with showers available, but you will need to provide your own towel and toiletries.
Will there be athletic trainers?
Yes, there will be two athletic trainers on site during the event to help with injuries. They will be able to provide first aid, including ice, but not OTC medication. If you need pre-event wrapping or taping, please be prepared to bring your own tape/wrap for the trainers to use.
Can spectators attend?
Yes, this year we welcome spectators to come and watch the event! We please remind all fencing fans to be aware of your surroundings when walking through the venue and to make sure you do not walk over active strips or in front of active referees.
What is the Covid-19 Policy for 2023?
To align with USA Fencing and also in acknowledgment of limited volunteer resources, we have decided to make masking and vaccinations optional for the 2023 Championship. Despite being optional, we still strongly recommend masks, updated boosters, and staying home if sick.
Where can I eat?
Turnstone has a small concession stand, the Turnstone Star Café, that offers snacks and beverages. Please have cash on hand just in case.
The area around Turnstone has several options. The Glenbrook Square Mall and Northcrest Shopping Center are both less than a mile from the venue and have a mix of fast food, fast casual, and sit down dining options, as well as a Target and grocery stores.
We do ask that teams eat in open spaces on the Mezzanine or in the Concessions area and do not bring food on to the athletic floor. There will be limited seating available by concessions and on the mezzanine for lunch/snack breaks. Water/Gatorade is permitted.
FOR SAFETY, WE ASK THAT THE VENUE BE KEPT AS A NUT FREE SPACE.
Travel
Where is the nearest airport?
The closest airport is Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) approximately 20 minutes from the venue. Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta and United all fly to/from Fort Wayne International Airport.
Where is the nearest Amtrak?
Waterloo Amtrak Station 25 miles north of Fort Wayne, IN.
Where should I stay?
We have a wide range of hotels in the local areas for teams to choose from. Please find your hotel options and book here.
