Georgia Street, featuring nonstop entertainment and activities, will be transformed into a Brazilian festival featuring Countdown to Rio activities in recognition of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The east block will become home to a 1,600-square-foot beach, where a sculptor will transform 5 tons of sand into gymnastics-themed art.
Opening ceremonies will feature renowned gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi; Hoosier Olympic gymnastics medalists, including Jaycie Phelps, Samantha Peszek and Bridget Sloan, will be honored that evening.
The P&G Championships will get underway Thursday afternoon with the junior women’s competition.
In the men’s competition, Sam Mikulak of California will seek his third consecutive all-around title. Indiana natives and 2014 youth Olympic all-around bronze medalist Alec Yoder of Zionsville, Mitchell Brown of Fortville and Anton Stephenson of Fishers will also vie for titles. Single-session tickets for the men’s and women’s meets range from $10-$135, with all-session packages costing between $150 and $495. Info: 1-800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
Olympic medalists Shannon Miller, Carly Patterson, Peszek and Sloan will sign autographs throughout the competition. A schedule of locations and times is posted at www.pgchamps.com.