Colorado Spring to host 2003 GPF

[Luenatic]

http://www.usfsa.org/news/2002-03/gpfinal-cos.htm

The International Skating Union (ISU) has provisionally awarded the 2003–04 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final to Colorado Springs, Colo. The event, which will be held at the Colorado Springs World Arena, Dec. 12–14, 2003, is being held in the U.S. for the first time since the event was established in 1996.

The date of the 2003 GPF is much earlier than the other GPF! I wonder if it's because 4CC is too close to the current GPF schedule.

[Arsenette]

WOW!!! That IS early.. I bet many will either pull out with injury or something since it's usually the time of the National Championships for everyone outside of US & Canada! Then again what do I know?? I can hear them complaining about the thin air up there.. :??

[Bryan]

It's about time the U.S. hosted the GPF!

I've always liked the idea of having the GPF in December so that the skaters can have more time training for Worlds. Now if they would only change it back to a normal competition, instead of having the dumb 2-long program rule.

[AxelAnnie22]

Isn't this the place where the altitude is a problem for many of the skaters? Doesn't sound like a really great choice.

[2boysmom]

Yes, this is the place that causes stamina problems for many of the athletes due to the altitude. On the plus side I was always cursing myself for not getting tickets to Skate America. Perhaps I will try to get tickets to this event since I am about two hours North of there.

[Jenny]

Originally posted by AxelAnnie22
Isn't this the place where the altitude is a problem for many of the skaters? Doesn't sound like a really great choice.

It's an issue, but not a problem for an athlete who prepares.

Jenny

[IgglesII]

Was the hosting of this event open to bidding to any club, or was Colorado Springs just awarded this without discussion?

[alan jacobson]

I have had the pleasure of attending 3 Skate Americas in Colorado Springs, and look back on the experiences with many happy memories. To me, Colorado Springs and the World Arena were an ideal city and venue. I particularly liked the fact that everything is located on the far southern edge of the city and unless one had some special reason to do so, there was absolutely no reason to venture into the city center. There are at least 4 major hotels withing a few minutes walk of the arena and even walking alone after dark, in the area, I never felt unsafe, as I might have in a downtown area. Living in Phoenix, it was a leisurely 2-day drive to get to CS and, once there, again due to the location of all the facilities, I never felt uneasy about leaving my vehicle parked for the duration in a hotel parking lot. I would never consider doing such a thing in a downtown location.

All the afore-mentioned considerations aside, I have always felt that the entire area in and around the World Arena was simply a very pretty and attractive location. Besides the easy accessibility to the hotels and skating venue, there is also a large shopping center right across Cheyenne Mountain Bld. and a number of eating establishments of both sit-down and fast food types. Just a short drive to the west, along Lake Avenue will put you right into the heart of the Broadmoor residential area with its beautiful, old, homes and tree-lined streets. Within a few blocks of the Broadmoor Hotel is the headquarters of the USFSA with their musem and skating hall of fame.

Of course, everyone has their own opinions and beliefs on what constitutes a perfect location and venue for a major competition but if Colorado Springs is "in line" for a GPF, I will certainly agree with that decision. Just my own thoughts and feelings.

And I totally agree with Jenny who stated that the altitude (at just over 6000 feet asl) is only an issue but not a problem for those who prepare.

Alan
Yaaaaaaay for Sarah and Robin and Emily and Bonni
at U.S. Nationals. :)

[Skatefan]

Alan, I've never been to Colorado Springs and thus don't know the area, so could you please tell us which hotels are located in the vicinity of the World Arena? I have no idea where to start and finding a hotel close to the venue would probably make it easier!

Thanks!

[Melanie Z]

I live in Boulder, CO so it is just a few hours to Colorado Springs for me! I can't wait to go! Any news on when tickets will go up for sale?

Melanie

[Tania]

Which four hotels are within walking distance of the arena?

Thanks

[alan jacobson]

Well, pardon me for being "old and senile". Upon dredging out my "Skate America" folder, I found a list of SIX hotels, rather than four, all within walking distance of the World Arena. In order of closeness to the arena they are:
1. La Quinta Inn (719) 527-4788 (Virtually across the parking lot.)
2. Marriot Residence Inn (719) 579-7816 (one block further)
3. Marriot Fairfield Inn (719) 579-7816 (one more short block)
4. The Doubletree Hotel (719) 576-8900 (just a hop, skip and a jump beyond the duck and goose pond but still very convenient. Sometimes, if the weather is nice, you may actually find yourself walking along with some of the skaters heading for the arena with their travel bags trundling along behind. :)
5. Marriot Courtyard (719) 579-7816
6. Sheraton (719) 576-5900 This hotel is actually just on the east side of I-25 which was a bit more inconvenient at Skate America 2001 but still within walking distance and very nice. Denny's and Village Inn restaurants very close and handy.

My favorite was the Doubletree in 1999 and 2000.

In the autumn, that part of town is particularly beautiful, especially as you travel west on Lake Avenue toward the Broadmoor area. As you look up toward the mountains, immediately to the west of the city, you can often see bright splashes of color.

Hope that this information may be of some help.

Alan
Yaaaay for Sarah and Robin and Emily and Bonni at 2003 U.S. Nats. :)

[wvgal57]

With Russian Naitionals ALWAYS held the last weekend of December this is really going to be hard on them! Leaving Russia to come to US then back to Russia to compete in Nationals.

I still think GPF should be like this years...in February, it gives them all a break after their Nationals.

I wonder how this schedule will affect Japanese and other National federations too.

This actually means that IF the same skaters make the GPF to be held in December 2003 - they will have skated in 2 GPF during the same year. Nuts if you ask me, no wonder injuries, fatigue, burn out is an issue.

I do think I'll try to attend though. December is a good time for us too, no horse show season duties and we could do the RV bit and see some of the "other" part of the country!

Is there already a schedule somewhere for the other events for GP series -- interesting to see where NHK ends up.

[Skatefan]

Alan, that definitely helps! Thanks for the info. :)

I know someone said that the official hotel for the GPF is the Broadmoor, but I wonder if there's a chance the Doubletree might be under consideration. I know the Doubletree has been the official hotel for numerous events in other locations.

[Tania]

Thanks Alan, much appreciated!

Tania