CENTER ICES BID TO HOST SKATING; CHAMPIONSHIPS SET FOR 2002.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

In a major boost for the Staples Center even before it is built, the U.S. Figure Skating Association announced Monday that it will hold its 2002 world championships there.

The announcement marks the first special event for the downtown venue scheduled to open in October 1999 as the home for the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers pro basketball teams, and Kings hockey squad.

Adding to its significance is that it will be held three weeks before the Winter Olympic Games that year and will draw the nation's top skaters to try to be part of the American team.

``It's not easy landing this when the arena is still under construction,'' said David Simon of the Los Angeles Sports Council, which helped in preparing the bid. The formal request was submitted by the All-Year Figure Skating Club in Culver City.

The Staples Center and Los Angeles were selected over six other cities' sites, including Portland, Ore., Las Vegas, Seattle, Oakland, San Diego and Phoenix.

Bobby Goldwater, senior vice president and general manager of the Staples Center, said the award helps boost the credibility of the arena for major events.

``We hope this will be the first of many such announcements,'' said Goldwater, who was brought in from the Madison Square Garden in New York because of his expertise in such matters. ``We're just thrilled we were able to bring this about.''

Goldwater said a presentation was made to the USFSA in August and it was successful in convincing them about the arena.

Some details need to be worked out, including ticket pricing, he said, adding that admission will be priced to bring in the average figure-skating fan.

Staples officials hope to land other major events such as the Grammys, and have joined the city's bid to host the 2000 Democratic National Convention.