U.S. Open 2026: Key Guide for Delegations, Athletes, and Spectators in Las Vegas

MASTKD ESPAÑOL

The 2026 U.S. Open will be held at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (Paradise Event Center), and USA Taekwondo has distributed an operational information package with points that directly impact the planning of international delegations (MNAs), coaches, athletes, and spectators. Among the most relevant points included warnings about time changes in the United States, accreditation procedures, mandatory weigh-in windows, random weigh-ins, competition rules, institutional agenda, and logistical details within the venue.

1) General alert: time change on Sunday, March 8

USA Taekwondo reported that Daylight Saving Time begins in the United States on Sunday, March 8, 2026: at 2:00 AM, the clock will be set forward one hour and will automatically change to 3:00 AM. The organization clarified that morning events—including random weigh-ins—will begin as scheduled, so it recommended adjusting alarms and devices to avoid absences or delays.

2) Institutional agenda: Head of Team Meeting

The Head of Team Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, at 6:00 PM, at the Paradise Event Center, Pavilion 11. For many delegations, this meeting often serves as the official point of operational coordination, with key information on procedures, competition flows, and communication with the organization.

3) Accreditations, check-in, and registration requirements

Accreditation will be centralized at the Registration Desk located in the lobby of the Paradise Event Center and will include athletes, coaches, managers, and delegations. Photo ID and proof of payment will be required to pick up credentials.

In the case of Poomsae, a specific requirement has been established: athletes must pick up their credentials on Wednesday, March 4, between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. USA Taekwondo has warned that, in the event of travel delays that prevent athletes from meeting this deadline, they must notify the organization by email to avoid being removed from the division.

In Sparring (Kyorugi), athlete check-in will be linked to weigh-in, which must take place the day before the competition. In Poomsae, check-in will be associated with credential pickup the day before competition.

In addition, for those who are no longer competing in the tournament, USA Taekwondo requested that they formally withdraw their registration by mail. The organization repeated its no-refund policy.

4) Weigh-ins: location, control, and strict compliance with schedules

Weigh-ins will take place in the Pavilions area of the Paradise Event Center. To enter the weigh-in, athletes will be required to have their credential and valid photo ID.

One of the most important points for athletes and coaches will be strict compliance with the schedule assigned by division and age: athletes must weigh in only in their corresponding time frame. Those who attempt to do so at a different time will be instructed to return at their official time frame.

5) Weight category changes: cost and procedure

The information packet indicated that weight category changes will be handled at the registration table and will be subject to a $50 fee per change. For teams and coaches, this means making decisions in advance, considering the proximity of the weigh-in and the sporting impact of any adjustments.

6) Random weigh-ins: random checks for Para Kyorugi and Seniors

USA Taekwondo confirmed two instances of random weigh-ins, a critical point for those competing in Senior and Para categories, as random checks can result in penalties if the athlete does not comply with the procedure.

Friday, March 6: Random weigh-in for Para Kyorugi Senior. The list will be published at 6:30 AM and the check will take place at 7:30 AM in the Pavilion.

Sunday, March 8: Random weigh-in for Senior Sparring. The list will be published at 5:30 AM and the check will take place at 6:30 AM in the Pavilion.

7) Competition rules: World Taekwondo standard

The organization announced that the tournament will be ruled by the current World Taekwondo rules for Sparring and Poomsae. For MNAs and coaches, this point is key because it standardizes technical and refereeing criteria in all areas of competition.

8) Venue, tickets, practice, and services: how to get around the Paradise Event Center

The layout of the venue was detailed to facilitate the flow of athletes, coaches, and the public:

Paradise Event Center: competition areas, spectator stands, tournament operations desk, press, pre-staging/staging, and sports medicine.

Pavilions: registration (lobby), training area (Pavilion 1 and 2), weigh-ins (pavilions differentiated by branch), classification room for parataekwondo, vendor spaces, and awards area.
Training/practice: A training area will be set up in Pavilion 1 and 2 with the following schedule:

• Wednesday, March 4: 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 5: 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 6: 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7: 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 8: 6:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Spectator tickets: USA Taekwondo has announced that tickets will be sold exclusively online and will not be available for purchase at the tournament.

Vendors and services: The event will feature equipment, merchandising, and photography vendors, as well as a free E-Gloves loan program, available in exchange for temporary identification, for use in the pre-staging area.

MAS: Media About Sport.
TKD: Taekwondo.
MASTKD: Worldwide Leader on Taekwondo Information.

About The Author

MASTKD

MASTKD: Media About Sports Taekwondo. Worldwide Leader on Taekwondo Information. «SINCE 2003»

See author's posts