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Post by lilyover76 on Oct 30, 2008 17:44:26 GMT -5
LOL! during my plannings for this weekend's trip, i heard 'you're crazy' come out of my oldest daughter's mouth several times...a reversal of sorts  ...good luck with your pleads  I don't think you're crazy... I'm delighted that you went to SLC and we finally got to meet!  Crazy is... we weren't thinking about going to Nationals this year... but I do have a room booked at the DoubleTree! That is really nuts, don't ya think??? And Sam is not objecting to going, but he just doesn't know if he'll go on to visit his brother in TN, or go to the races. If he goes to TN, then I'll try to find a roommate. Just between us, I think he's wanting to go to the races, but he hasn't commited yet!   Are most peeps staying at the DoubleTree or someplace closer to the Iceplex? |
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Post by number1fan on Oct 30, 2008 20:07:07 GMT -5
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Post by mrsohno on Nov 5, 2008 4:05:46 GMT -5
I'm probably going to nationals but I've never been to a ST meet before. What is the difference between general admission and premium seating? Is it really worth the price to pay more for premium? Do you see alot of kids at these meets or are there mostly adults? Also, how long does it last on average each day? Thanks in advance for any help with my questions! I thought of another one.  I may only be able to go 1 day so I was wondering if anyone had an opinion as to which day would be the best. Thanks again! |
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Post by Lori on Nov 5, 2008 15:16:58 GMT -5
I'm probably going to nationals but I've never been to a ST meet before. What is the difference between general admission and premium seating? Is it really worth the price to pay more for premium? Do you see alot of kids at these meets or are there mostly adults? Also, how long does it last on average each day? Thanks in advance for any help with my questions! I thought of another one. I may only be able to go 1 day so I was wondering if anyone had an opinion as to which day would be the best. Thanks again! The difference between gen. admission and general seating can vary. Premium seating, depending on the venue, can get you: 1) 'Premium Seating' - meaning they designate a seating section in the most desirable area, and those without Premium tickets can't access that area. In the vast majority of cases, those with Premium tickets can sit ANYWHERE in the arena, so if you don't like the section, you're free to move. 2) You're may get some freebie handouts - in the past, we've gotten the Media Guide (my favorite), a Nike beanie, a seat cushion, and other USS merchandise. 3) There are usually some kind of food perks that aren't available to others at the venue - which can range from some excellent gourmet grub to tickets for free food at the general snack bar. 4) At AmCup1, we also had access to a 'warming room' with a view of the races, which can be wonderful if the venue is really cold! In the case of the U.S. Championships in St. Louis, the premium seating is SO reasonably priced that I'd highly recommend it. I'm not sure what you mean by a lot of kids, but if you're talking about general spectators, I'd say there is a good, even mix. Sometimes you see a school group - and there are quite a few families, some teens, and a lot of skaters' friends and family. As to when it would end each day, and which day would be best, it's anybody's guess... it totally depends on the schedule. Based on last year's US Championships, they had ALL the awards ceremonies on Sunday, so if you want to see the 'March of the Penguins', that'd be the day. I'd have to look at the schedule, but any day that lists finals would be good. If you want to see ALL the skaters, a day that lists prelims/heats would be good. In the US Championships I do remember that on Sunday last year, everything was over and done with (including any schmoozing with the skaters at the end) by about 6pm. My memory says that Saturday was a later day, with a long break in the middle of the day, but I may be confusing it with the World Cup. Does anybody else remember? |
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Post by mrsohno on Nov 5, 2008 16:47:56 GMT -5
Lori, thank you so much for your help! You've answered all my questions. I'll definitely go with the premium seats. Iwas asking about kids cause my husband and I are definitely going but we're not sure if we should bring our 5 year old daughter. Unfortunately, finding someone to watch her the weekend before Christmas could be hard so I'm not sure what we're gonna do. Thanks again for helping a newbie. I really love this site but I'm a lurker by nature. I'd rather read everyone else's amazing posts than post my own. Of course, after Nationals maybe I'll have something to post about. |
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Post by number1fan on Nov 5, 2008 19:15:54 GMT -5
Of course, after Nationals maybe I'll have something to post about.
i am excited for yet envious of all of you, who will be attending this year's u.s. st championships! |
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Post by susie on Nov 5, 2008 19:42:37 GMT -5
Lori, thank you so much for your help! You've answered all my questions. I'll definitely go with the premium seats. Iwas asking about kids cause my husband and I are definitely going but we're not sure if we should bring our 5 year old daughter. Unfortunately, finding someone to watch her the weekend before Christmas could be hard so I'm not sure what we're gonna do. Thanks again for helping a newbie. I really love this site but I'm a lurker by nature. I'd rather read everyone else's amazing posts than post my own. Of course, after Nationals maybe I'll have something to post about. You could definitely bring your daughter. ST is very family friendly. And Apolo is GREAT with kids.  Another plus: fans tend to have a better experience when they get up and move around a lot...perfect for a young child as well (i.e. get up and take a walk to stretch, get a snack, look at the souvenirs, etc.) That way you have all sorts of impromptu opportunites to run into and chat with skaters and their families, chat with other fans, etc. The downside: I'm not familiar with that particular rink, but it's possible that it might be COLD. We'll try to get some additional info on that prior to the event. Cold rinks don't bother me (if it is chilly, you'll want to buy/bring a few polertec throws, etc.) but only you know your daughter's tolerance for getting chilled. Then again, it's yet another great excuse to go get some hot cocoa. If you do bring her, consider investing in a stuffed penguin and a fabric-friendly sharpie before you come. All the better to snag skater autographs! And also bring your camera so you can photograph her with some of our current and future Olympic heroes. Saturday or Sunday would both be good days. Saturday will probably have more skating, Sunday will have the medal ceremonies and one of my very favorite events, the 3000 (a.k.a. watch Apolo make you have heart palpitations while you wait...wait...wait.... waaaaait for him to make his move, LOL!) I'm guessing that the premium seats will be right in front of the starting line. For a first-time fan, that will probably be your location of choice. Plus, it means you can sit anywhere you please. On the other hand, if money is tight, most seats will be fine. If you get general admission seats, you'll want to arrive a little early to stake out your preferred spot. |
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Post by mrsohno on Nov 6, 2008 14:07:02 GMT -5
Susie, thanks for the idea about the stuffed penguin and pen. I never would have thought of that. I definitely think we'll bring our daughter. Of the three of us, I'm the one with no tolerance of the cold. Honestly, I'm a little bit nervous if she were to meet Apolo. She's extremely honest and likes to embarass me. I can totally see her telling him "you know my mommy's in love with you right?"  Thanks for taking the time to help me out. Edited to add if anyone knows if the Doubletree is where the skaters will be staying? The Hardees Iceplex website lists two other host hotels so I'm just curious. |
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Post by mtnme on Nov 10, 2008 17:33:26 GMT -5
Here is the schedule so far for Nationals in St Louis. They're subject to change - and often do! Unfortunately, it doesn't say when to expect Sunday's competition to end. Make your plane tickets for as late as possible on Sunday, or wait until Monday to fly out, just so you don't miss anything.
SCHEDULE:
Practice & skate-in
Tuesday December 16:
9:00a Skater Check-in begins at host hotel
10:30a-12:30p Practice ice
3:30p-5:30p Practice Ice
Wednesday December 17
10:00a-12:00p Practice Ice
1:00p-3:00p Practice Ice
8:00p Coaches Meeting at hotel
Thursday December 18:
9:30a-11:30a Practice Ice
12:15p Skate-In Warm-up
1:30p Ladies & Mens Skate-In
2:30p-3:30p Practice Ice
COMPETITION SCHEDULE
Friday December 19:
9:00a Ladies Time Trial Warm-up
9:40a Ladies Time Trial
11:10a Mens Time Trial Warm-up
11:54a Mens Time Trial
5:45p Ladies Race Warm-up
6:20p Mens Race Warm-up
7:00p Ladies & Men 1500m
Saturday December 20:
10:45a Ladies Warm-up
11:20a Mens Warm-up
12:00p Ladies & Mens 500m
Sunday December 21:
8:40a Ladies Warm-up
9:10a Mens Warm-up
10:00a Ladies & Mens 1000m, 3000m relays
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Post by mtnme on Nov 10, 2008 22:52:51 GMT -5
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Post by skaterswaltz on Nov 10, 2008 23:22:07 GMT -5
Thanks - mtnme! Loved reading about all these amazing athletes!
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Post by A.O.Freak on Nov 10, 2008 23:28:50 GMT -5
hey i met Jessica Smith in SLC,this past Oct. she was so sweet.I didnt know she was a professional speed skater..She was sitting right next to me on the bleachers.. that so cool |
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Post by gasp on Nov 11, 2008 10:52:38 GMT -5
Thanks Mtnme. One of the female skaters shared that they broad in a team of hair and makeup people for the photo shoot. I think it proved to be a good move. I didn't see Simon's hero card, and I love it.
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Post by number1fan on Nov 11, 2008 19:28:21 GMT -5
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Post by ichibanapolo on Nov 15, 2008 18:43:04 GMT -5
I'm going! My first time ever. Can't wait!
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I may only be able to go 1 day so I was wondering if anyone had an opinion as to which day would be the best. Thanks again!
~Lori
