New poster with some questions about 2004 Nationals...

[BunnieGene]

I've lurked here for a while, but never posted. I was wondering if anyone knows where I can find some answers to questions I have about 2004 Nationals...for example:

1) Which seats would be better? VIP vs Club seats (VIP club is sold out)

2) Which side will the judges be on? Is it best to sit on that side if available?

3) Where is K&C?

4) Is it best to sit as close to the ice as possible, or do you need to be higher for a better view of the ice?

I'm sure you can tell I've never been to a figure skating competition before...I would appreciate any insight/direction for answers. Thanks!

[love2sk8]

2- What side the judges will be on depends on the rink layout.

3- K & C is at one end of the rink, the opposite end of where the zamboni comes out...

4- Sitting close is the best, because you can see all the little technical mistakes of the jumps, and facial expressions. But some people prefer a bit higher up, in order to be able to see the whole surface of the rink...so it's basically your decision in the end..

Hope this helps!

[A.H.Black]

Having been to that last fourteen Nationals, my answer to most of your questions is "It depends".

My best suggestion is to get on the official website and start asking questions via E-mail. I'm sure you will be about to find a layout of the arena. Sometimes you can tell where kiss and cry will be from that. It will definitely be where one of the main entrances to the rink is. These days they usually try to have the skaters entrance at the opposite end to the zamboni entrance, but not always. The judges side is often on the side where the "boxes" are for hockey, but again, not always.

As for where to sit, it depends on your preference. You can plan and plan and plan and still have problems. Here are some of the pro's and con's.

- Sitting on the judges side can be fun. You are often surrounded by people who know and love skating. Often the "celebrities" will be there and you bump into them going up and down stairs. The problem is that the judges stand often obscures your view. Also the main TV cameras are usually on a platform above the judges and it obscures the view. The officials know and accept this. It is part of deal.

- Sitting on the opposite side can be fun. You often meet some longtime fans and family. Often your can sit closer and have a better view. Not always, though, as there are cameras all over the rink. Bear in mind, that many skaters plan their programs so that they appear best to the judges side. Also, it is in this area where you will hear comments such as "Where's Scott Hamilton? Why isn't he skating?" and "These guys must not be that good; they're only getting "6.s" (as opposed to 10's)".
I have actually heard both.

- There is nothing better than sitting on the front row. If you can sit there for practice - do it. At the same time, even on the front row, you have to allow for camera obstructions. (I have had some great conversations with the camera operators.) Also on the front row there is always extra security and restrictions. You have to watch where you put your feet and make sure you don't put anything on the top of the boards or lean over them or anything. The best part though is to see the skaters really work. Suddenly you realize that skating is a whole different world than on TV. These guys really work and Skating is not soundless nor smooth. The first time one of the guys hurls himself into a triple axel right in front of your face, I dare you to not shrink back in your chair, catch your breath, and think "WOW!"

- Sitting further up gives you a better view of the whole rink and the program as a whole. Not too far up. Nose bleed seats are nose bleed seats in any sport. Also, it's a shorter climb up and down the steps to the restroom. The climb from the front row can get long as the week wears on.

My favorite seat. I don't know that I have had one. Frankly it depends on the people I have been next to. I had some wonderful times and some not so wonderful times. I always meet new people and make new friends.

Don't know if that helps. It's my insights. Try not to overplan. Just enjoy. It is a wonderful week.

[BunnieGene]

it sounds as if I can have a great time and learn a great deal no matter where I sit if it is down in the lower level. Thank you for taking the time to respond :)

[A.H.Black]

Oh - by the way Bunnie - you might get more responses to this thread if you move it to the USA sections. I don't know. Just an idea.

OOPS forget that. I forgot which forum I was in.

[speedy]

If you order all-event tickets ahead of time, you really don't have much choice in where you'll be sitting. You can pick VIP or Club or whatever but you won't know until you receive your ticket books what row and section you'll be in. I'm always on edge waiting for our tickets to see where they'll be located. You can wait for single event tickets to go on sale to pick specific seats, but of course by then most of the closer seats will be gone. I did discover last year though that there are a lot of "ticket brokers" on the internet (i.e., scalpers) where you can get great seats closer to the time of the event if you're willing to pay more and don't want all-event tickets. And yes, sit close for practices...that's one of the best parts of Nationals, being able to see everyone on the ice in groups and working with their coaches, and you can often bump into former and current skaters in the stands then. As far as VIP Club seats in Atlanta go, the only advantage to that section that I could see is you'd have people waiting on you and you had access to a club lounge...I can live without either of those deals, especially for what they were charging for the privilege of having people bring you overpriced arena food. Sheesh, I can walk for my own hot dog thanks...you need the exercise after sitting on your butt for hours at a time anyway! :lol:

[BunnieGene]

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