1989 Skate America Pin: Crossword Puzzle Effect.

Last Updated on April 11, 2026 by Netropolitan Museum

From originality to imitation as a design formula takes hold

By October 1989, more than seven and a half years had elapsed since a major figure skating event had been held at Market Square Arena in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The last was the 1982 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, held in January of that year. Everything changed that fall when the 1989 Skate America event came to the city, bringing with it a commemorative pin that stood out from many earlier Skate America designs. For history buffs, it’s worth noting that roughly ten years later, Market Square Arena would close and eventually be demolished.

The late 1980s marked a turning point in Skate America pin design. After years dominated by safe, predictable shapes, the 1988 pins were the first to break convention, with one featuring a parallelogram shape and the other taking the form of the host state, Maine. For the following year’s event, organizers adopted a copycat approach, which brings to mind the old saying, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” The 1989 Skate America pin, in the shape of the state of Indiana, transformed a simple souvenir into a Midwestern geographic tribute. The execution is notably precise, capturing the winding path of the Ohio River along the southern border and the irregular edges that define much of the state’s boundaries. It’s a thoughtful nod to place, even if the concept itself is not entirely original. Not to be outdone, the organizers of the 1990 Skate America event would copy the copycat.

Pin Gallery: 1989 Skate America

At the center of the pin, familiarity anchors the design. The red and blue skater pictogram—by then a recognizable hallmark of Skate America pins—returns in full prominence. Above it, “Skate America” appears in a font reminiscent of the 1981 issue, though now reversed in blue rather than gold. The year “1989” sits at the top, creating a visual hierarchy that is both logical and easy to read. The gold-tone base metal provides a warm backdrop.

Where the design begins to falter, however, is in the treatment of the host location. “Indianapolis” runs vertically along the left, while “Indiana” intersects horizontally from the third “i,” creating a crossword puzzle effect that feels somewhat amateurish. The idea is immediately understandable, but instead of enhancing the composition, it introduces a visual distraction that competes with the otherwise strong central imagery. A more traditional stacked layout beneath the skaters might have offered better balance, even at the cost of smaller lettering.

The 1989 Skate America pin ultimately illustrates a familiar principle in design: just because something can be done doesn’t mean it should. Even so, the willingness to push boundaries with the pin ensures it remains memorable—an essential quality in the world of collectibles.

This blog was originally published at The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins on April 8, 2023 and has been updated with new and expanded information.

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