2013 Worlds Tickets info

[Skateophile]

Some of us were planning to come over from the UK and extend the trip with a visit to Quebec but at these prices (and comments about hotels etc in London) I doubt we will be able to afford it. Such a pity, as I love Canada and thoroughly enjoyed Worlds in Edmonton, Vancouver and Calgary. If the arena is so small, I cannot understand Skate Canada opting for it as they would surely have filled somewhere bigger and made their usual good profit.

Nice is affordable only because we can get cheap flights from here.

All welcome for Europeans in Sheffield in January!

[SpeedySucks]

Some of us were planning to come over from the UK and extend the trip with a visit to Quebec but at these prices (and comments about hotels etc in London) I doubt we will be able to afford it. Such a pity, as I love Canada and thoroughly enjoyed Worlds in Edmonton, Vancouver and Calgary. If the arena is so small, I cannot understand Skate Canada opting for it as they would surely have filled somewhere bigger and made their usual good profit.

The Labatt Center in London holds about 9,000 for figure skating. IIRC, the crowds for most sessions at the Calgary Worlds were less than 9,000, with some in the 5-6,000 range. Even in Canada, Worlds no longer draws the attendance to fill an NHL arena.

[kylet3]

Sorry but to me those prices are a little bit outrageous. I was wanting to go to Worlds but at those prices, that is absolutely out of the question. I've gone to Vancouver and Calgary before and was able to do so at a cost of a lot less. The venue itself is fine, but there won't be nearly enough for hotel rooms and parking will still probably continue to be a bit of a nightmare. This one I will be glad to stay at home and watch on TV. Now if we can get nationals or Skate Canada back to Alberta one year then we will be back in business!

[kimkom]

I had every intention of going, even after hearing the price, but I'm concerned about hotel availability and that they will likely jack the prices wayyyy up for rooms for the week.

Now that they've announced Skate Canada will be in Windsor next year, I may just go there instead.

[Sally1214]

I was planning on attending Worlds in 2013; but, after seeing the ticket prices, it's a definite "no."

I'll stick to attending "Skate Canada," GPF (this year), and Nationals in Moncton. All quite reasonably priced, IMO.

As much as I enjoy figure skating comps, my enjoyment would be considerably diminished by knowing I had paid such a ridiculous amount of money to be there. So, it'll be watching it on TV from the comfort of my home for me.

[Lara]

Wow. Much as I'd love Worlds, I don't think it'll be happening either at that price. Shame.

[Hooloovoo]

I was really looking forward to to going to London as well. I haven't been able to get to Worlds since 2008 and was really hoping for 2013. But *yowch* those ticket prices are crazy! It's the reason I didn't go to Worlds in L.A., just way too expensive. Not sure what I'm going to do yet, but those prices do mean it's no longer an "absolutely I'm going" decision

-Hoo

[numbers123]

I think that in part the streaming live video options that people have in this current era greatly affects ticket prices. The ability of the fan to record their own videos and take somewhat professional looking photos from a small camera impacts the amount of revenue that the ISU gets from selling exclusive photographer rights. The lack of casual fan interest in skating, the cost of overall expenses of travel for ISU, skaters, fans travels and lodging go up, inflation will always happen and the current general tank of the economy are all factors in the inflated ticket prices.

If the ISU is not able to charge for television rights or other income generating revenue to make it profitable, then one of the alternative sources is going to be the ticket price/fan participation. Wrapped into that ticket price is the LOC's need to be somewhat profitable.

The lack of interest by the casual fan within a local economy, means that contracts are awarded to smaller venues. Venues that are smaller are going to be somewhat of a challenge for people to get to especially if you have to take smaller planes to get there. When you have a smaller venue it is natural that the number of hotel rooms will be decreased.

If your previous entertainment dollars are now going to pay necessities of life - like your shelter, food, medications, you simply can not afford to go. If like Really, your work is primarily during the winter months, then how you can allocate those precious vacation days impacts going to an event that is difficult to get to and longer than the days of vacation you have. Some people can simply take the days off without pay, it is appears that Really has to pay for someone's salary in addition to not being paid.

So think about the complaining we do about no live free stream - in part we are getting something free which can have a domino effect.

[luna_skater]

I flew direct to London from Calgary (WestJet) two years ago, and my flight was between $400-$500. Yes, it was a seat sale, but I wanted to mention it because it is worth keeping your eyes peeled if you're thinking about going from Western Canada.

[luckiest1]

Sorry so many are changing their minds about attending....I'm thrilled to death about having Worlds here and although the prices are higher than I anticipated, I'll figure it out some how. Luckily I don't need a hotel!

[kimkom]

Sorry so many are changing their minds about attending....I'm thrilled to death about having Worlds here and although the prices are higher than I anticipated, I'll figure it out some how. Luckily I don't need a hotel!

Yeah, I can save for the tickets no problem, but that many days in a hotel and the cost of a flight will probably be twice the ticket price.

I haven't ruled out a tour package yet....

[Aaron W]

Ouch. The all-event ticket price is outrageous. I think I paid $772 for my all-event "VIP" ticket (within first 6 rows) to the 2003 Worlds in DC. Paying over $500 more (ticket + tax) to see less skating is absurd. I had planned on attending, but now I doubt that'll happen.

[sk8er1964]

I sent an email to Skate Canada:

Hi (sk8er1964) -

Thank you for your email.
We understand that the price seems high, however ticket prices for Worlds in 2013 are comparable to the prices for Worlds coming up in 2012.
Keep in mind that there will be single event tickets available.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me.

Thanks,
(Skate Canada Person)

-----Original Message-----
From: (sk8er1964's email address)
Sent: October 31, 2011 7:27 PM
To: Skate Canada
Subject: 2013 Worlds

I don't know if you are aware of this thread, but you should take a
look at it: http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/showthread.php?t=80690
These are your hard core figure skating fans and the price is putting them (us, me) off.

[DaveRocks]

Thanks for copying the email, sk8er1964.

No, Skate Canada, the ticket prices are not similar to 2012 worlds.

Tickets for 2013 words are $1200 or $1000 PLUS HST and surcharges. So $1356 plus surcharges or $1130 plus surcharges.
Tickets for Nice are ~$1045 or ~$757 or ~$600. (All in US dollars; total price). My two all-event tickets (eighth row) for Nice cost just over $1500.

NOT similar.

Also, they tell us to keep in mind there will be single-event tickets. So, they'll be, what, $200/event??

I'll probably still go, at least for Thursday-Sunday, but this BS reasoning for the high price bugs me.

[ross_hy]

Is it feasible to commute back and forth to Toronto during this event? There just doesn't seem to be that much hotel space in London.

[emilieh]

Is it feasible to commute back and forth to Toronto during this event? There just doesn't seem to be that much hotel space in London.

I wouldn't recommend it, unless you are only going to one session. It's at least 2 hours, but traffic is almost always a headache. During Friday rush hour, I've had it take over 4 hours!

[essence_of_soy]

I paid for lower bowl at Worlds in Calgary, and got the worst seat imaginable.

It would have meant beating a massive black curtain back pinned to the wall next to me for the entire week.

Fortunately, some friends took pity on me and I sat with them 8 rows or so down.

These ticket prices are just too far out of my range. At least I can watch it free on TV.

[luckiest1]

There are quite a few hotels/motels in the south end of London, and the commute downtown is only about 10-15 minutes by car, depending on traffic, or maybe 1/2 hour on the city bus. Maybe the south end hotels might even offer shuttles if they had enough interest? Just a thought as I live in the south end and commute downtown to work every day.

[skatingfanfun]

I was thinking going for sure, but now I'm sure that I won't buy all event ticket. I'll see how much single event cost and go from there.

[rudi]

I was thinking going for sure, but now I'm sure that I won't buy all event ticket. I'll see how much single event cost and go from there.

Same exact thing here.