It's Spokane for US Nationals in 2007

[PAskate]

http://www.usfigureskating.org/Story.asp?id=23572&type=news

[Debbie S]

Count me as shocked that Boston didn't get it - I thought after the job they did hosting '01 Nats and the size and strength of the figure skating community in the area that they' be a lock.

Also count me annoyed that Nats aren't coming back to the east coast as they're *supposed* to do - at least, before the policy change.

I guess this settles it for me - I'll be going (assuming it's feasible) to '06 Nats in St. Louis. I was going to hold out and wait for a Nats on the east coast in '07, but you can bet I won't be going out to the Pacific NW in January to see a post-Oly year Nats.

[schnood]

You're lucky U.S. events are announced so far in advance. I wish Skate Canada would do the same...we don't know where any events will be after next season. Usually the next years events are announced at the event (it's not so clear, I mean it was announced at 04 nat'ls where 05 would be). It would be a lot easier to plan trips if we had a little extra notice.

[Aaron W]

However, we only get to find out early so that the local organizing committee can start selling tickets so that they have money to help pay for expenses. The USFS has no committee like Skate Canada that runs these events, all of the pressure is put on the local organizing committee. It's hard because you would like to be able to get a seat in the first few rows, but that's hard to get unless you order 3 or more years in advance when you really have no idea what will be happening in your life 3 years from then. So planning is hard this far in advance. And tickets are always expensive as well, although I'm not sure if the prices would drop if the USFS would follow what Skate Canada does by having a special committe that runs these events. You pay $150 for an all-event ticket to Canadians that could get you a seat in the first few rows of the arena if your lucky. We here in the US on the other hand usually have to pay $700+ to get close seating. Like I said though, I'm not sure if the special committee Skate Canada has helps to make the event cheaper. If it does, I for the life of me can't figure out why the USFS doesn't jump on board and have one as well.

[Janet Carle]

I went to Skate America in Spokane in 2002. It is really nicely set up for an event. There are several hotels that are within walking distance to the arena, and the walk is thru a nice park. The whole area is on the river and right next to the park where the World's Fair was in the 70's. The Davenport Hotel where the skaters stay is a little further away, but still within walking distance. it won't be as pretty in January as it was in Oct with the fall color, but we had a great time there.

[sonora]

I'm sure Spokane will be nice, I just feel a little sorry for Hershey because they put so much effort into their bid.

[Oracle]

I wouldn't want to walk from the Davenport to the Spokane Arena, especially in January. I would think they'll provide transportation, however. If you want to walk, then get a room at the West Coast Grand Hotel at the Park. One block away. Spokane is a wonderful small city. Very easy to get around in.

[lilwish]

any word on when to expect tickets to go on sale

[iceskaterdawn]

Originally posted by lilwish
any word on when to expect tickets to go on sale

I believe the USFSA site said 10am on March 12th.

[snoopysnake]

I wonder if that means Boston has a shot at getting Worlds the next time they are in the US...I hope so...I am from Boston and got screwed by my employer out of seeing 2001 Nationals past the first 2 days of my all-event ticket :( ...Nationals on home ice is a dream come true..those who can see them at home are lucky indeed..I hope those in Spokane will have a great time. I have been to two Worlds (Vancouver and Wash DC) and hope to go to Calgary and the next Worlds in the US.