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Post by Lori on Sept 13, 2008 2:15:07 GMT -5
If we have to fend for ourselves with assigned seats, here are a few hints for any of y'all who've never been to an event. Opinions will vary, but I was given these suggestions last season from some veteran fans... Looking at the seating chart www.ticketmaster.ca/seatingchart/139267/11002The recommended seats would be in sections I, J, (or possibly K) on one side, and V & W (or possibly X) on the other, and as close to the ice as possible. Most seemed to prefer being on the side of the arena near (and slightly behind) the starting line for the 1000 meters. Okay, so which side is that?With the 'stealth mode' these peeps seem to be in, the chances are that they won't know anything about 'starting lines' when you order your tickets. But if Vancouver is anything like SLC, one side of the arena will be unavailable - taken up by the VIP section for ISU officials and sponsors, so that makes your choice easy. Go with the other side, and try to get seats down low. Happy Hunting, everyone!  |
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Post by Lori on Sept 13, 2008 13:25:35 GMT -5
I just ordered tickets for Vancouver. The ordering process wasn't what I expected - it was a long process, and I wasn't able to specifically select the seats – it was all ‘best available’ based on certain parameters that I set. And by phone, 'all circuits were busy'. I did eventually select Section X, Row 8. This section was given to me as 'best available' by clicking Gold Level Pricing > Corner Seats. If I selected > Side Seats, I was offered Section T, and a little higher up, but I opted for 'coming out of the curve', section X, 'cause it's where the skaters will mill around prior to being called to the start. If others more resourceful than I am have found a way to get those V, W, I or J – section tickets, I hate you. (just kidding!) I’m a happy camper! ------------------------------------------ Salt Lake City attendees: Most of us have purchased the VIP tickets, but if you have opted for the General Admission tickets instead, please PM me if you want to be connected to others who have done the same! |
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Post by debbief on Sept 13, 2008 14:34:10 GMT -5
From the Seattle Times: September 12, 2008 12:48 PM The ice is set at Pacific Coliseum Posted by Ron Judd Looking for a pre-Games Winter Olympic fix? Tickets for the World Cup short-track speedskating event at Pacific Coliseum, Oct. 24-26, go on sale Saturday. Coliseum operators showed off the building's renovations -- chiefly, the changing of the ice sheet from NHL sized to international-sized, Thursday, saying the building's $20 million makeover will be complete well in advance of the October event, exptected to draw skaters from 25 nations. We're still awaiting word on which U.S. skaters, such as Seattle's Apolo Ohno, might be competing. But it's likely much or most of the team will be there. The event is a week after the World Cup's first race, in Kearns, Utah. The Pacific Coliseum ice, meanwhile, was declared fit by Canadian short track star Francois-Louis Tremblay of Montreal, who told the Vancouver Province that the surface, slow in a training camp in July, feels good now. Also on tap at the venue is the Four Continents figure-skating competition, Feb. 2-8, 2009. Canadian skating officials say tickets for the short-track World Cup go on sale Saturday through www.ticketmaster.ca. (The Ticketmaster web site says they begin selling Oct. 13, but that would seem to be cutting it fairly close.) See the event web site here. |
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Post by debbief on Sept 13, 2008 14:40:00 GMT -5
From the Seattle Times: September 12, 2008 12:48 PM The ice is set at Pacific Coliseum Posted by Ron Judd Looking for a pre-Games Winter Olympic fix? Tickets for the World Cup short-track speedskating event at Pacific Coliseum, Oct. 24-26, go on sale Saturday. Coliseum operators showed off the building's renovations -- chiefly, the changing of the ice sheet from NHL sized to international-sized, Thursday, saying the building's $20 million makeover will be complete well in advance of the October event, exptected to draw skaters from 25 nations. We're still awaiting word on which U.S. skaters, such as Seattle's Apolo Ohno, might be competing. But it's likely much or most of the team will be there. The event is a week after the World Cup's first race, in Kearns, Utah. The Pacific Coliseum ice, meanwhile, was declared fit by Canadian short track star Francois-Louis Tremblay of Montreal, who told the Vancouver Province that the surface, slow in a training camp in July, feels good now. Also on tap at the venue is the Four Continents figure-skating competition, Feb. 2-8, 2009. Canadian skating officials say tickets for the short-track World Cup go on sale Saturday through www.ticketmaster.ca. (The Ticketmaster web site says they begin selling Oct. 13, but that would seem to be cutting it fairly close.) See the event web site here. Here is the link to the above article: blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/olympics/2008/09/12/the_ice_is_set_at_pacific_coli.html |
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Post by mtnme on Sept 14, 2008 10:34:01 GMT -5
For those venturing to Vancouver, here are some travel tips courtesy (sort of) from DK publishing VANCOUVER__________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1) What to pack: Based on the time of year we are going (or if you're heading up to Whistler), pack a medium to heavy jacket or coat (preferably water resistant or water proof) and warm sweaters. Umbrella's are a must. Vancouver is by all accounts, a wonderful walking town. Bring appropriate shoes. (And if Lori has her way with you, you'll need hiking boots for the Grouse's Grind...) Bring warm socks and shoes for the arena. They can get quite nippy. This is not the time to get 'cold feet'. 2) Money, Money, Money.... Make sure you arrive with at least the equivalent of $100 in local currency. Canadian money is in denominations akin to our own. At present, $1 US = $1.0602 Canadian Currency Converter: finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?amt=1&from=USD&to=CAD&submit=ConvertHopefully Lily the world traveller will fill us in on ATM access or the best way to get at your cash while you're there. 3) Health insurance. Unless your health insurance covers medical costs while traveling, buying comprehensive medical and dental insurance is strongly recommended. Canada does not provide free medical services to visitors. (... But then again, who does?)4) Passports: Passports are needed to enter Canada. (Yes, I'm still waiting for mine....)  If you're planning on going to WC2 and you don't have a current passport yet, you better jump on it ASAP! 5) Driver's License. Drivers license from th US are valid in BC for up to six months. 6) Car Insurance Insurance coverage is mandatory for a rental car. Check your regular car policy to see if it covers rentals. Some credit cards include car insurance coverage as well. Check for these before you leave home. If not, you'll have to choke up for those pirate insurance fees the rental companies smack you with if you intend to rent a car. Better still, take public transportation!  7) Discounts: If you're over 65, public transit systems offer discounts. Students are eligible for many discounts with their student ID's. Hotels often offer discounts, but only if you ask them. 8) Leave home without it... Don't leave valuable in the car. Vancouver is notorious for thefts from cars. (The guidebooks words, not mine) Don't leave anything visible. Putting things in the trunk will apparently not save you either. 9) Traffic - Like any big city - plan on a gridlocked rushhour. Hours: before 9:30 am and between 3:30pm-6:pm. Many attractions are within walking distance. Better to contract some muscle tissue and hoof it. (... we'll be spending plenty of time sitting once we're at Pacific Coliseum-trust us) No speeding, if the potential accident doesn't kill ya, the cost of the ticket will. Ditto for parking tickets. ... did we mention the public transport or walking???....10) Pickpockets: Fa gin and the Artful Dodger are apparently alive and well, and living in Vancouver. Be wary of people 'bumping' into you. Bus stops, festivals and events are favorite targets, and they work the crowds. Make sure you have a purse that can be closed and/or zippered. An open satchel is just an invitation. (And it's REALLY gonna suck if they get your passport! And you thought hangin' at the DMV was a nightmare.... ) 11) Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Vancouver Airport is 15 miles south of downtown. You know the drill, whip out the passport in addition to the ID. Like most airports, you can rent a car, get a taxi or take a bus. (The Airporter Express bus departs every 15 minutes for major Vancouver hotels, the cruise ship terminal and the inner city bus terminal) For more info: 1 800 668-3141 www.translink.bc.caTrain - Trains arrive at Pacific Central Station in Vancouver at 1150 Station street. Amtrak's Cascades route links Seattle, Eugene and Portland to Vancouver daily (We discovered the trains are only once a day each way. The rest are all buses. The times may not work out for you, so check what the offering is- However I have been told the border crossing is much easier by train.) Buses- *See - Car * - ... as in..."rot in same line as...." Amtrak 1-800-872-7245 www.amtrak.comFerrie's Many ferry services connect Seattle with Vancouver and Victoria in addition to BC ferries that connect Vancouver with Victoria, the Gulf Islands and Nanaimo. BC Ferries 1-888-223-3779 www.bcferries.comTourism BC 1 800 435 5622 Ferries from Seattle to Victoria. This link includes hotel packages as well. (I need to research this more, but it could be fun!) www.clippervacations.com/packages/victoria-3-night-specialBy Car - ...On the Road Again... Washington's I-5 connects with Hwy 99 at the BC border and leads to Vancouver and Whistler. The US/Canadian main border crossing is the Peace Arch in Blaine Washington. By all accounts, you will probably rot in a long line of cars to get over the border. Plan accordingly.... Once you're in Vancouver there is also the Sky Train, Trolleys, and Ferries to get around. (They also DO have Enterprise rental cars in Canada - "They'll pick you up!"...supposedly) Map of VancouverA - Pacific Coliseum B- the Train Station  _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Up next - Fun Stuff to do in Vancouver when you aren't watching young, attractive men (and women) in skinsuits.   |
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Post by lilyover76 on Sept 14, 2008 12:00:01 GMT -5
Mtnme - GREAT JOB!
Lots of good info here....
(and to quote you:)
"Hopefully Lily the world traveller will fill us in on ATM access or the best way to get at your cash while you're there."
Yep, we used ATM machines in Canada, in train stations, airports, etc. We also used credit cards... but there will be some minor fees, which was not a big deal to us. In Vancouver, they take American dollars in most places... at least they did last year.
You can purchase Canadian dollars at home, but with the fees 'they' charge, I've come to the conclusion it's just as easy to use credit cards (with their small conversion fees) and in some cases the credit card fees are less!
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Post by susie on Sept 14, 2008 12:07:42 GMT -5
Ditto what Mtnme said about watching your speed limit while driving in Canada. Remember, it's Kph there, not Mph, and it's really easy to go over that. I'm ususally speeding within 5 minutes of leaving the car rental facility.  ATMs are easy to use in Canada and they usually offer a good exchange rate. There's always AmEx at the airport, but it's pricey. You can get Canadian currency at your hometown bank before you go, if you wish. If you're not used to being in an urban area, watch your purse. If your purse has a shoulder strap, make sure that you never just let it dangle from your shoulder. Loop your thumb and forefinger over the strap and part of the zipper, and carrry it a little bit in front of you. Many urban women put their straps over the opposite shoulder. Never put your purse on the floor or on another chair seat in an urban restaurant. Put it on your lap, or loop the strap under a chair leg and squeeze the purse between both feet. For new short track fans, it's nice if your socks have a little bit of wool in them. Dress in layers. I always like to bring a thermal coffee mug. |
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Post by musicalmom on Sept 14, 2008 16:58:27 GMT -5
Wow, you really have compiled some great travel information for those Vandcouver bound. I live here, and this is a useful list for my visitors as well. I know you've all been hoping to discover the host hotel...I just found out that the Canadian Team is likely staying at the Hampton Inn down town because they didn't like the Sandman Inn which had originally been chosen. Haven't been able to see where the U.S. team is staying. Does Apolo usually stay with the team? I bet they'll choose one of the botique hotels in downtown Vancouver. Or, do we know where they stayed for summer camp ? I believe they practiced in Surrey or Burnaby. ( both have large rinks) Who all is coming from GA? I think I saw a note that there might be 6 of you. Looking forward to meeting you at WC #2! Hopefully, we'll have some gorgeous Canadian fall weather to greet you. Musical Mom   |
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Post by Lori on Sept 14, 2008 17:44:08 GMT -5
MM, I'll put together a quick list tonight for y'all. There are about a dozen that I know of...  EDIT: Thanks, Mtnme for that info! Keep it coming! I'll add some advice that I got about traveling with a passport: Make a photocopy of your passport (the main page), and keep it with you in a SEPARATE place from where you have your passport. That way it's much easier to replace it if it's lost or stolen while you're traveling. Also, Mtnme has posted my last big AmCup summary in the News & Comments section of TRF.org, so if you need to refer to it, it'll be easy to find. I'll be checking tomorrow to see if they have any new info for us about the (promised) advance ticket sales... LATE NIGHT EDIT: Musicalmom, here are the GA members that I know are going to Vancouver: MusicalMom Mtnme DebbieF Lori Lily Olympia Sk8on Toehold4 Several of those listed have others going with them - Lily's husband Sam, our friend JL from OZ, and Olympia has possibly a half dozen more in her group. In total, I count about 16. |
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Post by lilyover76 on Sept 15, 2008 10:59:59 GMT -5
Susie and Mtnme - Sam learned the hard way (re. speed limits) several years ago. He was the only car going north along this deserted stretch (way north of Vancouver) forgetting "kph" and he got nailed by Canadian hwy police! So, please take care!
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Post by A.O.Freak on Sept 15, 2008 11:09:06 GMT -5
wow,all you ladies are going to all the competitions..That's Great !!!  true short track fans  |
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Post by Lori on Sept 15, 2008 20:14:39 GMT -5
Looks like there have been a lot of last-minute entries to AmCup1, including Tina Koenig, Travis Jayner, Kyle Carr, Maria Garcia and Lezleigh Jaworski - still no Apolo...
I talked to the guy at AmCup 1 about the advance sales for the tickets. He was very helpful, and said that they're going to have another meeting tomorrow (I think) to hammer out the final details, but they'll probably do a Paypal kind of thing for us. I'm supposed to call him back on Thursday.
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Post by Lori on Sept 17, 2008 0:31:09 GMT -5
I just found out that the Canadian Team is likely staying at the Hampton Inn down town because they didn't like the Sandman Inn which had originally been chosen. Haven't been able to see where the U.S. team is staying. Does Apolo usually stay with the team? I bet they'll choose one of the botique hotels in downtown Vancouver. , you did some good sleuth work, and you were apparently right on the money! I mentioned waaaaay upthread that I was in contact with a woman from a hotel that I thought was going to be the host hotel. I haven't heard from her in weeks and weeks, but she called me today. Hers is not the host hotel, but bless her heart, she had done some detective work and confirmed everything you posted. The Sandman Hotel says that they ARE the host hotel, but the Hampton Inn & Suites downtown is apparently hosting the Canadian Team. I contacted the Sandman Hotel, and their group sales manager sent me an e-mail saying that they do have special rates for fans: Hello Lori,
It was a pleasure to speak with you briefly today, and thank you for inquiring at the Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre.
We do have a rate in place for the Speed Skating Short Track Fans
Group Confirmation #440061
Rate: $ 149.00 for our 2 bedded rooms
$ 129.00 for our one queen bedded rooms
To make reservations each guest can either call 1800-SANDMAN or the hotel at 604-681-2211 and quote Group # 440 061.
I have attached an information sheet of the hotel for your perusal.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly anytime,
Best Regards,
Diana A. Klejne | Corporate Sales Manager
SANDMAN HOTEL VANCOUVER CITY CENTRE
180 West Georgia Street Vancouver BC
Phone 604 646 4314 | Fax 604 681 8009
dklejne@sandman.ca | www.sandmanhotels.comI don't know how to attach the aforementioned information sheet to this post (a PDF file), but the website for the Sandman is www.sandmanhotels.com/en/hotel/bc/vancouver_citycentreThe Sandman's rates do not include breakfast, but they do have a restaurant. The only caveat that I can think of is that they are only listed as a 2-star accommodation in my AAA book. The Hampton Inn is a '3'. (Do the Canadian team's advance team know something we don't know???) The Hampton Inn's rates are $159 for 2 Queen beds, and they do include breakfast. AAA rates are $151. The hotel that helped me out so much, the Hilton Vancouver Airport, has offered us a rate of $115, not including breakfast. They are further away from the venue, but do have an airport shuttle. Sandman: (604) 616-4314 Hampton Inn: (604) 602-1008 Hilton Vancouver Airport: (604) 273-6336 (if you don't get that rate, ask for Cecilia at -6337 and tell her that you're coming for the ST event) During the SLC World Cup, the entire US team did stay at the host hotel, (even though they had homes in the area) - I'm guessing here, but I'd assume that this WC would be no different.  |
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Post by bubblebuttsbabe on Sept 17, 2008 2:52:56 GMT -5
VANCOUVER INFO: Short track tixVancouver CourierPublished: Wednesday, September 17, 2008Tickets for the Samsung International Skating Union World Cup Short Track 2008/2009 qualifying heats at the Pacific Coliseum are on sale now at a special rate through select community centres. Because Vancouver is a host city for the 2010 Olympic Games, the parks board, city, the PNE, the Samsung organizing committee and community centre associations, are making tickets to the preliminary competitions available through community centres for only $8 per person. Approximately 170 athletes from 24 countries, including the world's top short track speed skaters, will be competing. Many skaters were at the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games and will compete at the 2010 Games here. Morning heats take place at the Pacific Coliseum, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon with the afternoon competitions taking place from 1 to 4 p.m. A ticket will reserve a spot for either the morning or afternoon events. Spectators can reserve a space through Britannia, Dunbar, Hastings, Marpole-Oakridge, Renfrew, Riley Park, Roundhouse or Trout Lake community centres or buy online by clicking on the session they want at www.vancouver.ca/parks. For more information on attending the second qualifying heats and finals, Oct. 25 and 26, go to www.vancouvershorttrack2008.com.
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Post by Lori on Sept 17, 2008 3:12:53 GMT -5
THANK YOU, BBB!
Does this refer to Friday's tickets??? (For which we've had no info?)
The link (http://www.vancouver.ca/parks) doesn't work for me - is it working for anyone else?
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~Lori
