Hi! Sorry if you've already answered this (I looked around, but maybe I didn't look hard enough). Where do skaters go when they're not on the ice performing, just about to go on the ice, or sitting in the kiss and cry for their scores? Do they sit in the audience? Are they assigned specific seats to sit in? Do they all stand in a line rinkside? Do they just kind of... wander around? Thank you so much in advance!
Skaters usually stay in the Competitors area of the completion, away from the rink prior to their warm-up. This is where you usually see them running through their programs in sneakers, stretching in sweats, jogging the hallway etc.
Usually there is a locker room or rooms specifically for changing, and then skaters can find a place for themselves anywhere they like, so long as it is in the designated area. However it is their job to pay attention to what point in the completion is at, to show up for their warm-up with their group on time.
After the warm up, they will usually wait in the designation holding room, or nearby.
Following their program, many skaters will return to the locker room. Some will only cover up their costumes, but most skaters change out of them, especially after the short program. Everyone removes their skates.
Some skaters don’t watch any of the other skaters in their event. They prefer to be backstage and prepare beforehand and then socialize afterwards. Most skaters don’t watch whoever comes before them.
Many big competitions have a designated area in the stands for skaters to sit and watch the competition. It is only accessible with the correct ISU credentials.
It is discouraged to hang around down by the ice, since it’s distracting for the skaters and coaches who have yet to go. And the Rink Monitor will shoo you away.
I hope that answered your question!