Skate Canada 2011 Announcement!

**HeatherC** · 02-19-2011, 05:40 AM

Hmmm, I sense a road trip coming up for me and my mom this fall!

We had a great time in Kitchener for SC in 2009 and with this event also being driving distance from here, I think we need to have a chat and make some plans.

**Marge_Simpson** · 02-19-2011, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by AragornElessar

Just a heads up...

The Hershey Centre is smack dab in the middle of nowhere and unless you've got a for sure ride, you might reconsider.

I learned that lesson the hard way the one time they hosted the Canadian Open way back when. About 50 of us got stranded by Miss Transit inbetween the Tech and Artitistic Programs and the only place we were allowed in, was the foyer. That was close to two to two and a half hours BTW.

Never doing that again, so unless you've got a friend you can get a ride w/, it's something to keep in mind.

We can rent a bus for FSU-ers. Decorated with glitter and sequins, of course.

**Sally1214** · 02-19-2011, 07:01 AM

Mississauga? YES!! OMG, I actuallty might get to TWO GP events this year (for the first time ever). The GPF in Quebec is already a "go."

Now, I just have to convince the hubby that it really IS a good idea to attend TWO events. Our son lives in Toronto, so this really works in my favor. Of course, if hubby drags his heels at all, I could just go solo, right?
You betcha!

I'm SO excited right now ....

**Rock2** · 02-19-2011, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by Marge_Simpson

We can rent a bus for FSU-ers. Decorated with glitter and sequins, of course.

Will be half a mile behind in my own vehicle thankyouverymuch

**Marge_Simpson** · 02-19-2011, 07:51 PM

Err, seriously, if there are enough of us, we COULD rent a bus. It would probably be cheaper than taking taxis.
(But if the bus is on its way to the arena, nobody is allowed to bully the bus driver into stopping off at a sushi restaurant first.

)

**professordeb** · 02-19-2011, 08:05 PM

And if I'm lucky enough to go, I'll likely be driving from wherever I'm staying even though riding the bus could sound like fun (except for the sequins - not too enamoured with sequins).
BTW, what type of bus would that be - school bus? coach? mini-vanish? Just wondering

**Marge_Simpson** · 02-19-2011, 08:10 PM

A pink bus with "VOIDS R US" painted on it.

**dramagrrl** · 02-19-2011, 11:33 PM

The middle-of-nowhereness of that rink and my previous experiences at events there are making me think twice (or three times

) about going, even though I live in Toronto.

**fan** · 02-20-2011, 02:30 AM

i'm sure quite a few of us could carpool from toronto, if anyone needs lifts (i volunteer!).

Now, anyone have tips on how to get front row seats?

**kimkom** · 02-20-2011, 04:23 AM

A sparkly bus sounds fab!

Which hotel has been the official one for past events?

**Marge_Simpson** · 02-20-2011, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by fan

i'm sure quite a few of us could carpool from toronto, if anyone needs lifts (i volunteer!).

Now, anyone have tips on how to get front row seats?

I spent some time in Toronto last year before SC and I would LOVE to visit again. Maybe I should just stay in Toronto and bum rides off people?

**Parsley Sage** · 02-20-2011, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by kimkom

A sparkly bus sounds fab!

Which hotel has been the official one for past events?

Last time SC was in Mississauga, the Airport Marriott was the official hotel.
Other times it was the Delta Meadowvale.

**OrioleBeagle** · 02-21-2011, 12:32 AM

deleted

**JasperBoy** · 02-21-2011, 01:26 AM

This is iffy for me. I have heard such negative things about the Hershey arena, like, there's no food available, just chocolate! OTOH, I could fit in a trip to visit my son and get him set up for Christmas. The GPF in Quebec City, if the rumours are correct, is a definite "go".

**cygnus** · 02-21-2011, 02:44 AM

Originally Posted by JasperBoy

This is iffy for me. I have heard such negative things about the Hershey arena, like, there's no food available, just chocolate! OTOH, I could fit in a trip to visit my son and get him set up for Christmas. The GPF in Quebec City, if the rumours are correct, is a definite "go".

Not true about the Hershey Centre food. It's your typical arena fare (chicken nuggets, fries, hot dogs, pizza etc), but definitely more than chocolate! It is true that there's not much around the arena- the closest hotels are a 20-25 minute walk away, and the closest restaurants a little further than that. But if you have a car- no more than a 5-10 minute drive. It's not scenic around the arena, but the situation is not THAT dire!

And the arena itself is fine- the seats are fairly comfy and it's fairly warm.

**yfbg722** · 02-21-2011, 05:32 AM

Originally Posted by JasperBoy

This is iffy for me. I have heard such negative things about the Hershey arena, like, there's no food available, just chocolate! OTOH, I could fit in a trip to visit my son and get him set up for Christmas. The GPF in Quebec City, if the rumours are correct, is a definite "go".

The arena food is not fabulous but it's okay. If you have a car, there are a couple of nice hotels within 10 minutes of the rink, Square One, a huge shopping centre, is also about 10 minutes away and there are many nice restaurants nearby as well. One of our favourite places to eat when in Mississauga is Panera. It's a chain we discovered in the States and the only Canadian location happens to be about 10 minutes from the rink, right by the mall. I actually really like going to events at the Hershey Centre but have always had the convenience of a car.

**JasperBoy** · 02-21-2011, 05:47 AM

It's the car thing that would be a problem. I would not have one, and really don't want to rent a car to drive in Toronto, or to park at the arena all day.

I guess it's good to know that there is rink food available. OTOH, having nothing but chocolate would be a great excuse for four day binge.

**Sally1214** · 02-21-2011, 06:54 AM

My hubby and I went to SC the last time it was in Mississauga (HC) and we had a wonderful time. We DID rent a car. Maybe that was the key?? But, we stayed with our son (in Toronto) and just drove to the venue. We found places to eat within just a few minutes' drive. I don't have any negative memories about the Hershey Centre .... had a great time and intend to again in Oct.

**kimkom** · 02-21-2011, 03:00 PM

No car for me either, and I'm not too thrilled about cabbing it from hotel to arena and back every day. IF the GPF is in Quebec City, I'm in the same boat. I hate that so many arenas are in the middle of nowhere.

**yfbg722** · 02-21-2011, 03:25 PM

Mississauga does have a transit system too. I haven't lived there in many, many years so I can't comment on the efficiency of it but it's there.

Here is a link to their website in case someone with more patience than I have (and more interest because I will have a car if I go) wants to check it out.

http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/miway

Here is a link for the Hershey Centre too:

http://www.hersheycentre.com/

There is a Mississauga Transit button on their website so might be some useful information there about how to get to and from the rink via transit.

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