2027 Badger International set for McFarland Community Ice Arena

The 2027 Badger International is on the calendar, and short-track skaters now have a Wisconsin date worth circling. US Speedskating lists the meet as a sanctioned regional competition in the Heartland Racing Series, with racing set for McFarland Community Ice Arena in McFarland, Wisconsin.

What’s scheduled

According to the listing, the event is planned for 2027-01-24 at McFarland Community Ice Arena, located at 4812 Marsh Road, McFarland, Wisconsin 53558.

The meet is described as welcoming elite-level and ability-meet skaters on an Olympic-size ice surface, which should make it appealing to both competitive racers and developing athletes looking for a serious racing environment.

Why this one matters

Regional events like this are the backbone of short-track racing. They give skaters a place to test speed, tactics, and starts without needing a national-stage spotlight to make the trip worthwhile.

• Sanctioned meet: Listed by US Speedskating
• Series connection: Heartland Racing Series
• Format: Short-track regional competition
• Who it’s for: Elite-level and ability-meet skaters

What to watch for

If you follow short track, this is the kind of event that can produce tight pack racing, clean passes, and a lot of useful early-season momentum. For skaters, coaches, and families, the main draw is simple: a sanctioned race day in a familiar Midwest setting.

Look for this event to serve as both a competitive checkpoint and a community gathering point for regional speed skating.

For readers, the listing also leaves room for the kind of event coverage that works well visually: a strong featured image from the venue exterior or rink interior, plus one or two supporting photos showing pack racing, warmups, or the McFarland rink atmosphere.