2003 U.S.Nationals-Dallas

[Cherubs]

I am thinking of attending next years nationals and I am looking for a schedule of events. I have looked on the official site,but I couldn't find a schedule. Also, does anyone know which hotels are close by the American Airlines arena. I probably won't be renting a car,so I need one within walking distance.Thanks

[bbtano]

I don't think a schedule is available yet. There is a link to the official hotels, which are closeby. I am sure they will have shuttles, though. Hope to see you there! :) It will be my first Nats and I'm very excited already. LOL

[AJ Skatefan]

I'm in the same boat. I called American Airlines Center and they gave me the names of a couple hotels that were WAY expensive. The woman was also somewhat disbelieving that I would consider walking anywhere! I finally booked a room at the Holiday Inn, Market Center. When I called them, they also acted like walking was a weird thing to do. I guess people don't walk much in Dallas! I think it is about 1.5 miles from the arena. I figure we may walk to the arena and taxi back at night. That's what we did in LA and it worked out well. Check out Orbitz, plug in the address of the AA Center, and they will give you a list of hotels in the area plus the prices.

[Scott]

Dallas is definately NOT a walking town. It is too spread out. Most of the hotels are located in clusters on major highways where you would not want to be walking anyway. For anyone going there you must rent a car. As far as public transportation is concerned it is very weak. There are buses but cars are definately the way to go!! It is a great City and they will roll out the welcome carpet but Cars are a necessity. Before making Hotel reservations I would get a map and mark all the venue locations in comparission to where you have selected to stay. My guess is that most people will be staying miles away from the skating arena.

[KJD]

I work right next to the American Airlines center and a Holiday Inn at Market Center would not be walkable. There is an AmeriSuites in the West End, downtown, which is walkable and then the only other possiblity if you want to spend a little more would be The Fairmount which is further into downtown, but you could probably still walk it if you had to.
Kate

[bbtano]

There are trains, buses and trolleys in the downtown area. Couldn't Nats attendees ride those instead of renting a car? Also, am I wrong in thinking the LOC usually organizes shuttles for Nats?

[Mockingbird]

Originally posted by Scott
Dallas is definately NOT a walking town. It is too spread out. Most of the hotels are located in clusters on major highways where you would not want to be walking anyway. For anyone going there you must rent a car. As far as public transportation is concerned it is very weak. There are buses but cars are definately the way to go!!

When was the last time you visited Dallas? In recent years, they have built extensive public transportation to relieve such mobility issues. As bbtano mentioned, rail, bus, and trolley connect most downtown areas- especially the AA Center.

If properly planned, car rental should not be required. When calling hotels, people should enquire after the mass transit availablities instead of walking distance. And check out the DART website for more info:
http://www.dart.org/

[AJ Skatefan]

Kate,
Thanks for the info. regarding the Holiday Inn. I really don't want to rent a car. Maybe I'll investigate the public transportation situation or take taxis to and fro. I already made the reservation and got a big discount so I don't want to switch.

[Cherubs]

Thanks for your replys.
Hopefully I can convince my friends to come with me and it would be okay to walk with a group of people.
I am looking forward to attending.
It should be a great competition!!