I know I promised this last night, but I've been insanely busy. When the old thread disappeared I thought I could just 'copy' and 'paste' my last update from the Yahoo Group, but there was a lot more new info to incorporate than I thought. Anyhow, here's the latest...
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*UPDATE* *UPDATE* *UPDATE* *UPDATE* *UPDATE* *UPDATE* *UPDATE* *UPDATE*Continue posting your comments and ideas, and periodically I'll summarize and add any important information that has come up since my last update. That way y'all won't have to read back through everything.Please let me know about broken links or corrections...
especially in the 'WHO'S GOING' and 'GROUP DINNER' lists of names...
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NEWEST OR MOST IMPORTANT INFO:-----------------------------
TICKETS:TICKETS ARE ON SALE...
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/26700I had signed up on the brownpapertickets website to get alerts when new events came up - the news came from that website, not from Matt. However, these are just the General Admission tickets, and I know most of you are looking for VIP tix.
I'm a little confused to see this, 'cause Matt's most recent e-mail said that the tickets would be available thru the Oval's in-house system (he specifically said
not brownpapertickets) and he also said that he would send me the link, so I'm hoping that he's referring to VIP tix. I've e-mailed him about it, but probably won't hear back from him 'till after the weekend.
So if you're wanting VIP tix, sit tight, and hopefully we'll get info in a few days.
He also said there will be no banquet accompanying the event. 
MOST CURRENT SCHEDULE:
webpoint.usspeedskating.org/wp/events/listmeets.asp - scroll down to the event, click 'announcement'
THE YAHOO GROUP:sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/SaltLakeCityShortTrackEvents-07-08/WHO'S GOING?Janet & Jay (Red Lion)
Lori & Larry (Red Lion)
Deb & Bob (Red Lion)
SusanG (Red Lion)
Theresa & Mom (Red Lion)
Stepho (Red Lion)
Karen (Red Lion)
DebbieF (Hilton Garden Inn)
Joyce (Hilton Garden Inn)
Susie (Hilton Garden Inn)
Breidy + 7 (Courtyard by Marriott - Airport)
Jennifer (local)
Lily & Sam(?) (Comfort Inn & Suites - Airport)
Cori(?)
Michelle(?)
Barbara(?)
Cindy(?)
Mari(?)
Rosh(?)
Floridafan + friends(?)
Mike(?)
GROUP DINNER7:30pm on Thursday, Feb 7, at Jersey's Sports Grill (within walking distance from the Red Lion and Hilton Garden Inn) ,
I need to start getting a firm headcount. So if you want to go and aren't on the list (or are on the list but can't go), please let me know! Here's who I have so far:
Janet & Jay
Lori & Larry
Deb & Bob
Theresa & Mom
Joyce
SusanG
DebbieF
Karen (Wags)
Cori
HOTELS:If you booked at the Red Lion, be aware that the rate has changed! I was speaking to Dave Johnson at the Red Lion about a shuttle to the Oval, and in the course of the conversation he mentioned that the rate went up $10 for single, $20 for double. The reason given is that the 'Short-Track Special' is a rate that was negotiated either by the Oval or USS (I can't remember which), and whoever it was decided that they wanted breakfast included in the rate - hence the increase. There is no way to opt out of the breakfast, and the regular rate is MUCH higher, so this is still a good deal, and you've gotta eat anyway... however...
...if this makes a difference to you, you have some options - you can contact the Hilton Garden Inn (across the street) through Anthony at
anthony.barthell@hilton.com for a $79 rate (breakfast not included, but there is a restaurant), or you could opt for the
Country Inn ($89) or the
Crystal Inn ($80) - both Country/Crystal Inn have a hot breakfast and we were very happy there for Nationals. If you choose either of them, make sure you tell them you're attending an event at the Oval.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION:As for the shuttle from the Red Lion, the word is similar to what has happened in the past. The transportation has been arranged by USS for the
athletes and officials, but if there is room available, other riders won't be turned away. As someone said, though, if you ride with them, you'll be going early and staying late...
Just be courteous, and make sure the participants have first opportunity to ride...I did reserve a car - the rate I got was $249 (AAA weekly rate - Alamo) for a midsize car. For Nationals, I paid $206 for 5 days.
CARPOOLING:There have been offers to rideshare and requests for ridesharing - so far, I know Theresa (simplyapolo) & mom NEED a ride and Karen (wags) has OFFERED a ride. I have a car, but it might be full at this point - just waiting to find out if certain people are going or not, but I might have some room when all is said and done. Any others needing / offering rides? I believe Bri from the Yahoo Group also offered to help, but he'd have to take off work to do it. I'll leave it to y'all to e-mail or PM each other and coordinate...
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PREVIOUSLY POSTED INFO:-----------------------------------
HOTELSI can attest that staying in the 'host' hotels where the skaters stay is a lot of fun, so take that into consideration when choosing your lodgings.
The
Red Lion Downtown is the host hotel for the World Cup. It is a large-scale hotel, with dining and full facilities, rated '3 diamonds' per AAA. The Red Lion has a special rate of $99 (single) $109 (double) per night for the World Cup, which includes a full breakfast - ask for the Short Track Special. If you don't get that rate, ask for Dave Johnson. They have a free shuttle to/from the airport. ROOMS ARE LIMITED. (801) 521-7373.
There is a brand-new
Hilton Garden Inn across the street from the Red Lion - Anthony (a skater from our Yahoo Group) works there, and he quoted a rate of $79 per night. They have a restaurant on premises (breakfast and lunch), and airport shuttle. E-mail
anthony.barthell@hilton.com with the type of room you want and he'll arrange the rate for you. (801) 364-5200
Other hotels that are not hosting for this event but are closer to the Oval are
Crystal Inn - (801) 736-2000 ($80 per night) and
Country Inn- (801) 908-0311 ($89 per night). They are located in West Valley City, off I-215, exit 18 (about 6.6 miles from the Oval). Those in our group used both of these hotels for Nationals and they were very good - both include a hot breakfast.
OTHER HOTELS
WEST VALLEY AREA - all are AAA 3-diamond, except for the Sleep Inn, which is 2-Diamond
Baymont Inn and Suites SLC - West Valley City: (801) 886-1300
ESA (Extended Stay America): (801) 886-2400
La Quinta Inn West Valley City: (801) 954-9292
Sleep Inn: (801) 975-1888
Holiday Inn Express - E Center (brand new) - (801) 517-4000
TAYLORSVILLE
Homestead Studio Suites SLC/Mid Valley (801) 269-9292
Several people stayed there for other events, with mixed reviews. A budget option - no frills, but less expensive and slightly closer to the Oval
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GROUND TRANSPORTATION:All the hotels I checked out have a complimentary airport shuttle, but if you don't have a car you should confirm this when you make your reservation. If you're renting, 4WD vehicles have been recommended in case the weather turns bad, but keep in mind they're in high demand and short supply in the winter.
Valley Shuttle (801) 566-8500 appears to be the best 'certain' publc transportation option - $30 each way from Downtown for 1 to 6 people. For larger groups they have a van that will seat 10. That appears to be the best 'certain' public transportation option, because cab fare is more expensive ($40).
It was suggested that we keep the public transportation options in mind just in case the weather's crappy. If the forecast is good, we should be able to rent cars at the last minute, and if it's bad, we can opt for the public transportation. (Or you can rent and cancel if the weather is bad - check on cancellation policies). But have a plan, in either case.
Other than cabs or pre-arranged shuttles, public transportation options are horrible at best. TRAX runs too far east, and the bus route is said to be too far away from the TRAX route to make an easy connection. Bus route #348, mentioned in an earlier update, no longer appears to be a viable option.
There is a 'free zone' with TRAX in the city center,and the Red Lion & Hilton Garden Inn are within 1-1/2 blocks of the Free Zone. This means that there's no fee for the transport. This gives access to shopping and downtown sightseeing. I'm told by the Red Lion that the walk to TRAX is quite safe.
Routing hints: When traveling to the Oval, take the 215N around the city and down to4700th. Bangerter Highway was the route we used often in December, 'cause it was usually cleared quickly when the weather was bad. (And the weather WAS bad)
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TICKETS:See new info above.
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:Here's the current schedule:
webpoint.usspeedskating.org/wp/events/listmeets.asp - scroll down to the event, and click 'announcement'. The start times should be accurate - I can't guess the end times, though...
If you're booking flights, it would be wise to schedule as late in the day as is comfortable. You'll want to be there for the medal ceremonies, won't you? You might want to consider leaving on Monday if time and finances allow it.
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CLOTHING, CAMERAS AND OTHER 'PRACTICALITIES'The rink could be very cold. It wasn't very bad at all in December, but you never know. Bring very warm socks, preferably with some wool in them. Closed shoes or leather boots. And gloves... Dress in layers -- maybe a turtleneck,a sweater, and a parka or ski jacket. Jeans, cords, or wool-blend pants are fine. Most people don't wear hats, but you might like to tuck a lightweight hat or headband into your pocket. You will definitely want something warm to sit on, such as a polartec throw (about $5 at the local drugstore). One is mandatory, two is nice (...one for your butt,one for your lap.) Also, think about maybe bringing a small sack or backpack (backpacks ARE allowed.) You will be carrying your fleece throws, programs, race schedules, souvenirs, etc.,and it's nice to have a place to stow it all. You might also want to bring a thermal coffee mug, but they will almost certainly be selling them as commemorative souvenirs. They sell out quickly, though!
The best camera to bring is a digital SLR or a camcorder. If you have a"point and shoot" you will have to pray to the gods to get a good action shot. If you have a "point and shoot", aim mostly to get starting line, "milling around", medal ceremony, heat box shots, etc.
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SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIESPark City is beautiful and fun, and about an hour(?) away from SLC. I have stayed at the Radisson Inn, now the Park City Peak Hotel (435) 649-5000- it's just slightly on the outskirts of town. In Feb it's $199, fairly reasonable by Park City standards.
Park City has a shuttle that runs throughout town and as far away as The Canyons Ski Resort, so we never had to drive while we were there.
SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
www.parkcitymountain.com/winter/index.html - Lily's favorite (large resort w/variety of runs - I've been there and I agree!)
www.snowbird.com/www.alta.com/ - note: no snowboarding
www.skibrighton.com/www.skisolitude.com/www.deervalley.com/ - note: no snowboarding
www.thecanyons.com/The websites offer a lot of info, from snow conditions, ticket prices,equipment rentals, trail maps and the live webcams. It's a kick, just to watch the live webcams!
~Lori
