Schenectady, NY – M&T Bank Center at Mohawk Harbor will welcome some of the country’s top youth cheerleading talent when The Allstar Cheerleading Championships Holiday Challenge comes to Schenectady on Sunday, December 13, 2026.
The one-day competition is expected to attract 1,000 athletes and 2,000 spectators, bringing teams from across New York and the Northeast for a full day of competition. Athletes ages 5 to 18 will compete for team and program awards while earning bids to prestigious national championship events.
“This is exactly the type sporting event we envisioned bringing to Schenectady County when we built the M&T Bank Center,” said David Ahl, chief operating officer of the Galesi Group. “We look forward to showcasing all that Mohawk Harbor and downtown Schenectady has to offer these young athletes and their families when they visit our exciting waterfront destination.”
“We are excited to showcase the talented athletes and programs in the area and across the state,” said Melissa Hay, brand manager of The Allstar Cheerleading Championships. “This will be an opportunity for teams to earn bids to the Allstar World Championships and the Prep and Rec Grand Nationals, allowing them to compete against teams from across the U.S. and around the world.”
Additional event details, including competition schedules and spectator information, will be announced closer to the event.
Teams interested in competing can find registration information and event details here. Registration is due November 27, 2026.
The Allstar Cheerleading Championships provides an athlete-focused competition experience featuring certified judges, championship awards and opportunities for teams to earn bids to premier national and international cheerleading events.
About the Venue
Located in the heart of downtown Schenectady, the M&T Bank Center is the Capital Region’s newest, start-of-the-art, multi-purpose event center. With capacity for 3,425 spectators, the M&T Bank Center is the perfect size to host an intimate performance and large enough to attract top-tier entertainers. The M&T Bank Center is adjacent to Rivers Casino in the Mohawk Harbor complex, and a short walk to other nearby dining and hotel options.