|
|
Post by susie on Jun 30, 2008 11:32:31 GMT -5
I have permission from fan Luv2tap over at AJ.com to repost the following:
For all those who plan on attending the US ST Championships
being held in St. Louis (Dec.19th- Dec.21st) at the Hardees Iceplex.
Per an e-mail from Russ Owen (USSpeedskating):
The host hotel will be the Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center, 16625 Swingley Ridge Road, Chesterfield MO 63017, located about 2 miles from the rink. We should have a contract with them shortly after 4th of July. All the pertinent information will be posted on USS website calendar for the event. We are receiving a very favorable and attractive rates plus some other amenities.
Ticket prices and order process has not been finalized. That too will be on USS website when they are ready to be sold.
Here's some additional thoughts of my own for any "ST virgins" who are planning on going:
FYI -- staying at the host hotel is something you should strongly consider. The rate will be very competitive. It's lots of fun seeing the skaters and their families in the hallways, lobby, restaurant etc., and you can find many opportunities to chat with them. (Bear in mind though, that Apolo might very well choose to stay somplace else.) In Cleveland (Feb., 2007) USS even had shuttle bus service from the hotel to the rink, although I'm not sure if this will be the case again.
Some people, of course, might prefer staying closer to the rink, if possible. The bottom line is that you'll want to stay where your friends are staying. Fans often make plans to eat breakfast together, share car rentals, go sightseeing, etc.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lori on Jun 30, 2008 15:07:50 GMT -5
Thanks, Susie! (and luv2tap) - I had that on my 'to-do' list. Before I re-invent the wheel, I'll ask - does anybody already know what the host hotels will be for the Vancouver World Cup and AmCup1 in Minneapolis?
I am hoping to stay at the host hotels for all but the SLC World Cup - I think that most of our group so far is staying at the Hilton Garden Inn. I'm hearing that the Red Lion will be the host hotel again, and it's right across the street from the HGI, so if you stay at either hotel, you'll find it easy to get together with other fans AND to bump into skaters. The HGI is less expensive though, and Anthony and the rest of the staff there treated our people so great...
Other excellent options for SLC are the Country Inn and the Crystal Inn in West Valley City. They were the host hotels for Nationals last year, and I'd highly recommend them for anyone wanting to stay closer to the Oval.
|
|
|
|
Post by wags on Jun 30, 2008 21:56:03 GMT -5
I'm hearing that the Red Lion will be the host hotel again, and it's right across the street from the HGI, so if you stay at either hotel, you'll find it easy to get together with other fans AND to bump into skaters. The HGI is less expensive though, and Anthony and the rest of the staff there treated our people so great... Just an FYI - I tried to book a room at the Red Lion several weeks ago and they were full. I stayed there last year and it was fun to see and talk to the skaters and coaches. But there seems to be some sort of convention in town and I was told they have no more rooms available. That's OK. HGI it is for Mari and me! |
|
|
|
Post by A.O.Freak on Jun 30, 2008 22:35:56 GMT -5
I'm hearing that the Red Lion will be the host hotel again, and it's right across the street from the HGI, so if you stay at either hotel, you'll find it easy to get together with other fans AND to bump into skaters. The HGI is less expensive though, and Anthony and the rest of the staff there treated our people so great... Just an FYI - I tried to book a room at the Red Lion several weeks ago and they were full. I stayed there last year and it was fun to see and talk to the skaters and coaches. But there seems to be some sort of convention in town and I was told they have no more rooms available. That's OK. HGI it is for Mari and me! i was looking into the Redlion hotel also and its booked.the radison hotel has rooms available,i'm thinking of getting a room there.  |
|
|
|
Post by dopeyrn on Jul 3, 2008 9:21:28 GMT -5
I have booked tickets on Southwest for St Louis!!!! I am so excited I am beside myself. I will be watching for the hotel info. My DH has reluctantly agreed to go with me. I am a ST virgin and I just have to see Apolo skate before he retires!
|
|
|
|
Post by A.O.Freak on Jul 3, 2008 9:41:22 GMT -5
I have booked tickets on Southwest for St Louis!!!! I am so excited I am beside myself. I will be watching for the hotel info. My DH has reluctantly agreed to go with me. I am a ST virgin and I just have to see Apolo skate before he retires! im right with you doperyn  |
|
|
|
Post by dopeyrn on Jul 3, 2008 9:46:04 GMT -5
OK, I am having second thoughts. Someone a few pages back told me they think that Nationals is more personal than the world cups. For those of you who are ST experts, what is everyone's feelings on which to go to. I see a big group appears to be heading to SLC. Which is best? Is Apolo def going to be in St Louis? Oct would sure be easier to schedule at work than dates so close to Christmas. I would appreciate any opinions.
|
|
|
|
Post by mtnme on Jul 3, 2008 10:34:41 GMT -5
OK, I am having second thoughts. Someone a few pages back told me they think that Nationals is more personal than the world cups. For those of you who are ST experts, what is everyone's feelings on which to go to. I see a big group appears to be heading to SLC. Which is best? Is Apolo def going to be in St Louis? Oct would sure be easier to schedule at work than dates so close to Christmas. I would appreciate any opinions. The events are two totally different experiences, but both are equally worthwhile. The World Cups are like a 'mini' Olympics. There will probably be over 3000 spectators there for the main events, and the cheering fans in a packed arena with the Worlds elite athletes having at it , is definitely a rush. For security/competition (?) reasons, the athletes are more sequestered, and you won't see much of them except when they're on the ice. (Except for those handsome Canooks roaming around freely, who apparently thought we Yanks weren't interested in them.)  LOL ... Hey, what can I say - handsome men are handsome men....  Nationals is much smaller. On average maybe 300 people there. The skaters are more accessible and aren't used to having fans there rooting for them, except for their parents. (And the parents were happy that so many people were there cheering on their kids) Much more intimate- yes. We got lots of instruction and a real education from Yuki, John and many of the skaters parents in addition to meeting many of the skaters. Be prepared for a transformation. We all showed up as 'Apolo fans'. Everyone leaves a fan of ALL the skaters, and you can't help but find yourself seriously addicted to short track in the process. One thing is certain either way. You will have a BLAST, no matter which venue you go to, and you will meet many people you have been chatting it up with on the forums. I've met so many great people through this little hobby - that in and of itself is worth it. My guess is this. If you go to Salt Lake City in October, you will be hooked. As a result, you will move heaven and earth to get to St Louis in December as well. Welcome to the coalition of the eternally addicted. |
|
|
|
Post by A.O.Freak on Jul 3, 2008 10:40:38 GMT -5
OK, I am having second thoughts. Someone a few pages back told me they think that Nationals is more personal than the world cups. For those of you who are ST experts, what is everyone's feelings on which to go to. I see a big group appears to be heading to SLC. Which is best? Is Apolo def going to be in St Louis? Oct would sure be easier to schedule at work than dates so close to Christmas. I would appreciate any opinions. Im gonna try SLC..its alot closer to texas and more convient for me..I heard any event Apolo participates,he makes it exciting  |
|
|
|
Post by dopeyrn on Jul 3, 2008 18:36:31 GMT -5
Thanks for the opinions. I can only do 1. Is Nationals something that Apolo usually/always skates in? I would be devastated if I plan Nationals and he doesn't participate.
|
|
|
|
Post by mtnme on Jul 3, 2008 18:48:25 GMT -5
Thanks for the opinions. I can only do 1. Is Nationals something that Apolo usually/always skates in? I would be devastated if I plan Nationals and he doesn't participate. Nationals are the qualifier for the World ST Championship and World team Championship. It's the biggest competition of the year, and Apolo's the defending champ, so I can't imagine he would skip it, especially going into an Olympic year. But like everyone else, that's just an opinion, no confirmation from the man himself. ( And don't hold your breath on seeing his website updated with any such information any time soon....)  (and he usually skates in Nationals. If I recall correctly, I think he has only skipped it once. AFTER the Olympics) |
|
|
|
Post by mtnme on Jul 3, 2008 21:36:45 GMT -5
Here is a map of the St. Louis area. Nationals are actually being held in Chesterfield, a few miles to the west.  Forest Park is closer to the heart of St Louis, where one of the Worlds Fairs was held. There is an Art museum, space and science museum, and other interesting sites there. You can also go to 'the hill', the Italian section for some great dining.  Up north about 5 miles is St Charles. Quant area full of charming little hole in the wall restaurants with great food, craft shops, featuring primitives/americana art pieces, boutiques and B & B's (at least the last time I was there) I really love St Charles. And it's right on the Missouri river. It's a great little 'walking' town. Unfortunately, you'll be there in winter, and it gets COLD there. But who knows, we could get lucky and hit a warm spell. (For those of you from the east coast and midwest, this is pretty much 'been there, done that' stuff. But for us west coast kids, this is entirely new and interesting. (I'll grant you, my profession is talking here, I just love historic American architecture!)  Either way, these guys will be sure to be 'out and about' at Christmas! It's like walking around in a D1cken's novel. (freakin' forum potty mouth finder, it kept spelling it thingyen's novel !) - Yeah, you read his stuff in college, right?  Great English novelist, Charles Thingyen???!!! LOL  Missouri is a beautiful state. Rolling hills, lots of rivers and creeks and heavily wooded. .... Excited about Nationals yet? ? ;D (OK, we need our 'jump up and down' emotie back!) |
|
|
|
Post by Lori on Jul 3, 2008 21:51:21 GMT -5
Hey, all - I just booked an AMAZING $258 non-stop fare from Los Angeles to Minneapolis for AmCup1 through Orbitz. Just yesterday the best I could do was $550. Even with taxes and fees this is still under $300. I'd be going regardless of whether or not Apolo is skating, but I think he has to skate if he wants to compete in SLC and Vancouver, so - BONUS! DopeyRN - I'll second everything Mtnme said - you can't go wrong with either SLC or St Louis, and you'll have plenty of company with your online partners-in-addiction at either event.  I truly believe that Apolo will skate at both events. I think all the sources for SLC are pretty reliable - and would he miss defending his World Championship title by not skating in St Louis? I don't think so! St Louis will be an amazing 'virgin' experience for any fan - you won't be disappointed. 'Looking forward to meeting you there! You're flying SW Airlines, so if you change your mind later, just cancel and 'bank' your St. Louis reservation and apply it to SLC - see my post upthread... On another note, the special rate at the Doubletree for Nationals is expected to be $89 plus tax, with free breakfasts and access to the hotel's exercise facilities, plus free wi-fi and in room internet access (for our reports back here to our 'posse'). This is the same rate we got at the Red Lion for last year's World Cup, but last year it didn't include breakfast. The rate is available to both fans and skaters. (Yeah, I asked, so we don't have another mixup like last year when they booked us in the skaters' block of rooms!) Keep checking USS and mospeedskating.org for bulletins later this week or early next week. Ticket info for Nationals probably won't be available 'till September... |
|
|
|
Post by wags on Jul 3, 2008 21:51:57 GMT -5
I have booked tickets on Southwest for St Louis!!!! I am so excited I am beside myself. I will be watching for the hotel info. My DH has reluctantly agreed to go with me. I am a ST virgin and I just have to see Apolo skate before he retires! Hi dopeyrn - We're all so excited that you've decided to join us. Can't wait to meet you "in person". (does that sound like a stalker?) IMO - mtnme is totally correct. Nationals is a much more intimate venue. Smaller crowd, fewer participants, more opportunity to 'rub elbows' with the skaters and their families. If you're wanting to actually meet anyone in particular you'll have a better chance there. World Cup events are on a larger scale in every way. If I could only attend one....it would be the WC for me. The reason being that although I'm am Apolo fan first and foremost, I'm still a big ST fan. And even though we don't give them as much press here, there are some really impressive skaters out there. As much as I hate to admit it sometimes, some of the Koreans are simply amazing. The Canadians are a joy to watch also. I even like to see the UK team simply because they are so huge compared to everyone else. This is what you miss at nationals. Since it's your first event, ?? Don't know what to tell you except I can almost guarantee it won't be your last! You'll love it either way. I hope to see you in St Louis. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to make Nationals. Too much going on that weekend. |
|
|
|
Post by bubblebuttsbabe on Jul 4, 2008 6:08:44 GMT -5
Before I re-invent the wheel, I'll ask - does anybody already know what the host hotels will be for the Vancouver World Cup and AmCup1 in Minneapolis?2006 Worlds were held in MN. They were at the Mariucci Arena at the University of Minnesota. I'd have to look at my stuff for the host hotels. I know that I didn't stay at a host hotel, but it wasn't too far from the arena. I tried to look up the info, but USS has already taken that page down (it has been 2 years so... :  . If there is the off chance that they are holding it at the same venue...tickets were sold on: www.ticketworks.comoh screw it. i'm up. i'll look for my stuff. EDIT: found my announcement. the host hotel was the radisson university hotel (it was located on the campus i think and when you check gophersports.com - the uofm's athletic page - they offer that hotel as well.) website: www.radisson.com/univ_minneapolisphone number: 612-379-8888 +++++ this may or may not help seeing as i don't know if they will hold am cup at the same place. but if they do. there you go. ;D |
|
~Lori
.
