2013 US Figure Skating Championships Omaha - Information for Visitors

[numbers123]

I am starting a thread that will give information about Omaha. I will update frequently and other Omahans can add as we approach that week in January!

Airport Information
Eppley Airport is located to the north of Omaha and approximately 4.5 miles from the Century Link Center and the Old Market area where the “official hotels” are located. . As you exit the planes, you can be in one of two terminals, north terminal and south terminal. United, US Airways and Southwest are located in the North Terminal. Frontier, American Airlines, and Delta are located in the South Terminal. In addition to letting the airlines know if you have any special needs, the airport authority suggest that you contact our airlines' skycap service, Prime Flight Aviation Services in advance of your arrival at their local dispatch number 402-342-6066, regarding the services that are available once you arrive at Eppley Airfield. Both terminals are an easy exit to the central terminal where the baggage claims area is located.

Transportation from Airport
You have four transportation options: Taxi services (see information below), MAT – Metro Area Transportation (I will find the MAT schedule and post it later), Hotel Shuttles, and Car Rentals.

Car Rental desks are located in the central terminal near the baggage claim area.
Most of the downtown hotels (near the Century Link Center) have shuttles.

Taxi fares will be approximately $13-15 from the airport to the downtown hotels, but as I said most of the hotels have shuttles. The phone numbers for local taxis are:
Yellow Cab (402) 292-2222
Happy Cab (402) 333-8294
Checker Cab (402) 339-0110
Safeway Cab (402) 342-7474
Cornhusker Cab (402) 331-5558

Also available is OmaLink, a private shuttle service. I am not certain of the costs but with low cost taxi fares and hotel shuttles, I don’t believe that you will need to use the private shuttles. OmaLink’s phone number is 402-475-5465, which will be the best option to determine costs. In general, most people who use this service are traveling between Omaha and Lincoln, approximately 60 miles to the southwest.

When traveling from the airport to the Old Market area (a 4 mile distance) you will see a Welcome to Iowa and return to welcome to Nebraska, all in that 4.5 mile distance. The city known as Carter Lake, Iowa was a result a flood that occurred in March 1877, which redirected the course of the river.

Practice Ice
As I suspected the practice ice and the FanFest will be housed in the CenturyLink Center Omaha Convention Center (Halls A & B). While they are considered different buildings they are attached to one another making access to all the events very convenient. Once you are in the Century Link Center you will not need to leave the area for the practice session. The Junior/Intermediate event will take place at the Omaha Civic Auditorium just one mile from CenturyLink Center Omaha.

Shuttle Services from area hotels
The shuttle service is yet to be determined. A large number of the properties are within 4 blocks of CenturyLink Center Omaha. The majority of the hotels for this event have their own personal property shuttles that will be available during the event.

Parking at the Century Link
If you are driving to and from the arena and will be parking, CenturyLink Center Omaha has approximately 5,200 surface parking spaces. The building also has an attached parking garage that will have a limited number of public spaces available. Surface parking is $8 daily and garage parking is $12 daily (when available).

[acraven]

This is all well and good (and we thank you), but where are the cupcakes?

[numbers123]

Other places to visit
Council Bluffs, Iowa is just minutes away as you drive over the river. There are three casinos for your gambling pleasure. Horseshoe, Ameristar and Harrahs. Horseshoe. Historically the Iowa Casinos were to be Riverboat Casinos - the Ameristar and Harrah's have a Riverboat that is permanently docked.
Horseshoe Casino is approximately 11 miles from the arena
Harrahs Casino is approximately 7 miles from the arena
Ameristar Casino is approximately 4 miles from the arena

Henry Doorly Zoo
Approximately 4 miles south of the arena
Henry Doorly Zoo is nationally renowned for its leadership in animal conservation and research. During the winter months, visitors might enjoy walking through the Rain Forest, Aquarium, Butterfly Garden and the Dessert Dome. It is located approximately 6 miles from the arena. Hours: November 1 through February 28: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily. Buildings stay open until 5 p.m
Zoo Admission:
Children (ages 3 - 11): $9.00
Adults (ages 12 and over): $13.50
Seniors (ages 65 and over): $12.50

Zoo and IMAX admission:
Children (2 and under if sitting on lap): FREE
Children (ages 3 - 11): $13.50
Adults (ages 12 and over): $18.00
Seniors (ages 65 and over): $17.00
To find out what is currently playing at the IMAX: http://www.omahazoo.com/visit/lozier...r/now-playing/

The Durham Museum is approximately 10 blocks to the south of the arena.
The Durham Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of the region and offers a broad-range of traveling exhibits covering subjects ranging from history and culture, to science, industry and more through our affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution and strong ties with the Library of Congress. The scheduled exhibit during the US Figure Skating Championships; WORN WITH PRIDE: AMERICANS IN UNIFORM
Worn with Pride: Americans in Uniform will give visitors an up-close examination of the lives of service men and women in the midst of combat. Artifacts from each conflict the United States has been involved with from the Civil War to present day Iraq and Afghanistan will be showcased to bring home the very personal experiences of war and how advances in technology has changed that experience over the last 150 years. Items to be included in the exhibition are uniforms, diaries, weapons, equipment, and personal effects.
Hours:
Sunday 1 PM - 5 PM
Tuesday 10 AM - 8 PM
Wednesday through Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM
Admission

Members ALWAYS FREE!
Adults $8.00
Seniors (62+) $6.00
Children (ages 3 - 12) $5.00
Closed Mondays and major holidays

The Strategic Air and Space Museum is a museum featuring United States Air Force military aircraft and nuclear missiles. The museum is located approximately 25 miles from the arena, in Ashland, Nebraska.

[numbers123]

This is all well and good (and we thank you), but where are the cupcakes?

Approximately 5 miles to the west of the arena

[numbers123]

Medical Care:
Creighton Medical Center is close the Century Link Arena and is one of the two trauma centers in Omaha.

Are there any food markets/grocery stores nearby?

Patrick's Market, 1416 Howard St. Their description: a convenient and friendly neighborhood market for the residents and business people of downtown.
Cubby's Old Market, 601 S. 13th St. The best description I have for this place, is a convenient store with gas station.

[A.H.Black]

Walking Information

I am registered at Embassy Suites Downtown on 10th. I am hoping to walk back and forth to the arena (barring bad weather). From the looks of the google map, it looks like the walk is 4-5 blocks and about 15-20 minutes. Am I right? Is the walk flat, uphill/downhill? I really need a good walk during Nationals.

[Sayana_mnk]

From the looks of the google map, it looks like the walk is 4-5 blocks and about 15-20 minutes. Am I right? Is the walk flat, uphill/downhill? I really need a good walk during Nationals.

Well, it would be more about the equivalent of 7 blocks or so to walk, but it is just down 10th street and it is definitely flat all that way. So it should not be too bad, even in cold weather. If there is snow, that part of the city is always kept very clear.

[CoyoteChris]

Good thread. Thank you. After a number of events, it is my belief that walking even at 11 pm at night is safe since you will be with hundreds of others going to their hotels. I am two block away to the south. Info on food is always good and I like to make goggle maps with info about drug stores, delis, and good eateries on them. If anyone has any reccommendations as to the restaurants, that would be good.

[numbers123]

Chris - I am going to add restaurants in a bit. The Old Market has many restaurants and I want to have an idea of their costs before adding, plus am trying out a few to be able to add my recommendations.

AH - you will be with a group of people, the walk is flat, an area that is plowed first if there is snow. With additional visitors in Omaha, I am certain that it will be even higher on priority

[TanithandBenFan]

I stayed at the Harrah's Casino when we went to the College World Series, and I think it was only about three miles from the arena. We went down to that area for a pep rally, and it was a really quick drive. The casino is a very nice place to stay if you're looking for a different atmosphere.

[Carolla5501]

Thanks for doing this. I think I have worked it out where I can be there working during the week which means I get to see more then I expected (won't get to do "during the day" events during the week but more evening stuff )

[numbers123]

Omaha has local restaurants and some that are chain type of restaurants.

Omaha does have a restaurant tax – The tax is 2.5% of the total gross receipts for food and/or beverage. In general gratuity of 18% is added to parties of 8 or more. Many places will accommodate a separate check request – just ask before ordering.

Remember, I am only suggesting, not endorsing. I will rate them from my personal favorites to those that I have not experienced, but will take their descriptions and link to menus where ever possible.

Please anyone else from the Omaha area - offer your input too.

[numbers123]

I will begin with the Old Market area eating/pubs-bars - moving on to other areas of the city in the next few weeks. Checking out the calendars for most of the major performing arts that would be held at the Holland Center, Orpheum Theater and/or D.J. Sokol arena, the only events that are co-scheduled during this time are two Creighton Women’s basketball games on Friday, January 26 (evening game) and Sunday, January 28 (afternoon game). They might impact any restaurant activity, so we should plan accordingly.

Casual Dining

Upstream Brewery: We love this restaurant and probably eat here one time a month. It is a microbrewery on site and both year round beers and seasonal beers.
Menu includes appetizers, salads, main dishes, steak, and desserts. The steak filet is the most expensive item on the dinner menu at $37.00. My husband loves the caramel bread pudding. The dinner menu: http://www.upstreambrewing.com/Great-Food.aspx

O’s Dining: I have not eaten here in a couple of years, but my office was next to their first restaurant before it was moved to the Old Market location. They describe themselves as fusion between French, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, American cuisine. Informal attire and group friendly, they do not have pricing on their menus but I would consider this in the range of Upstream listed above. Menu link: http://www.odining.com/pdf/dining.pdf

Nicola’s Italian Wine & Faire: Nicola's was founded in August of 2003 by Nicola Collier-Nick. Everything is being freshly prepared in our tiny kitchen. I found this place small but charming. I believe that I had one of the Ravioli dinners and it was very nice. Reasonable pricing: under $25.00-30.00. Menu link: http://www.nicolasintheoldmarket.com...nner_Menu.html

Zio’s pizza: An Omaha favorite; Omaha's original Handstretched New York Style Pizza. Recipient of more than 25 best pizza awards. http://www.ziospizzeria.com/menu.html

Wheatfields: A casual restaurant and bakery. Hours: 7am-4pm Love their baked goods: rolls, cakes, bars and cookies. Yummy. http://www.wheatfieldscatering.com/F...st%20Lunch.htm

Other Omaha specific restaurants of casual dining in the Old Market: Billy Froggs, Jackson Street Tavern, Julio’s (Mexican), Michael’s (Mexican), O’Connors Irish Pub, Spaghetti Works, The Diner, The Stadium Club, Vincenzo's (Italian) , Vivace (Italian)
Additional casual dining in the Old Market area: http://www.oldmarket.com/results.aspx?cat=19

Fine Dining options – reservations are preferred

Omaha Prime: Of course one should experience steaks while in Omaha. Omaha Prime is one of our favorites. For meal and wine, one should plan on spending $50-100.

V. Mertz: One should plan on spending $75-100+ for a meal and wine.
Additional fine dining in the Old Market area: http://www.oldmarket.com/results.aspx?cat=20

Fast food options: Subway and Pepperjax

Coffee Houses: http://www.oldmarket.com/results.aspx?cat=22

Specialty places: http://www.oldmarket.com/results.aspx?cat=21 My daughter in laws love Ted and Wally’s Ice Cream.

[k6267]

VENUE CHANGE: The first day of the Juvenile & Intermediate events on Friday 1/25/13 are at the Civic Auditorium, but the second day of Juvenile & Intermediate events on Sunday 1/27/13 have been moved from the Civic Auditorium to the Convention Center. This is according to the schedule listed on the Event Info link at the official site: http://www.2013uschampionships.com/event-info/ and confirmed from the project coordinator of the Omaha Sports Commission.

[CoyoteChris]

Great job, numbers123. I appreciate this. I have to see if my hotel serves breakfast and it what time. I need a good breakfast to get me through the day. I am at the Courtyard Downtown 101 S. 10th. which looks pretty close to the arena. As a small town hick, I find it odd that a restaurant has no prices on its menu....makes me uncomfortable) What do you think about Spencer's?

I will begin with the Old Market area eating/pubs-bars - moving on to other areas of the city in the next few weeks. Checking out the calendars for most of the major performing arts that would be held at the Holland Center, Orpheum Theater and/or D.J. Sokol arena, the only events that are co-scheduled during this time are two Creighton Women’s basketball games on Friday, January 26 (evening game) and Sunday, January 28 (afternoon game). They might impact any restaurant activity, so we should plan accordingly.

Casual Dining

Upstream Brewery: We love this restaurant and probably eat here one time a month. It is a microbrewery on site and both year round beers and seasonal beers.
Menu includes appetizers, salads, main dishes, steak, and desserts. The steak filet is the most expensive item on the dinner menu at $37.00. My husband loves the caramel bread pudding. The dinner menu: http://www.upstreambrewing.com/Great-Food.aspx

O’s Dining: I have not eaten here in a couple of years, but my office was next to their first restaurant before it was moved to the Old Market location. They describe themselves as fusion between French, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, American cuisine. Informal attire and group friendly, they do not have pricing on their menus but I would consider this in the range of Upstream listed above. Menu link: http://www.odining.com/pdf/dining.pdf

Nicola’s Italian Wine & Faire: Nicola's was founded in August of 2003 by Nicola Collier-Nick. Everything is being freshly prepared in our tiny kitchen. I found this place small but charming. I believe that I had one of the Ravioli dinners and it was very nice. Reasonable pricing: under $25.00-30.00. Menu link: http://www.nicolasintheoldmarket.com...nner_Menu.html

Zio’s pizza: An Omaha favorite; Omaha's original Handstretched New York Style Pizza. Recipient of more than 25 best pizza awards. http://www.ziospizzeria.com/menu.html

Wheatfields: A casual restaurant and bakery. Hours: 7am-4pm Love their baked goods: rolls, cakes, bars and cookies. Yummy. http://www.wheatfieldscatering.com/F...st%20Lunch.htm

Other Omaha specific restaurants of casual dining in the Old Market: Billy Froggs, Jackson Street Tavern, Julio’s (Mexican), Michael’s (Mexican), O’Connors Irish Pub, Spaghetti Works, The Diner, The Stadium Club, Vincenzo's (Italian) , Vivace (Italian)
Additional casual dining in the Old Market area: http://www.oldmarket.com/results.aspx?cat=19

Fine Dining options – reservations are preferred

Omaha Prime: Of course one should experience steaks while in Omaha. Omaha Prime is one of our favorites. For meal and wine, one should plan on spending $50-100.

V. Mertz: One should plan on spending $75-100+ for a meal and wine.
Additional fine dining in the Old Market area: http://www.oldmarket.com/results.aspx?cat=20

Fast food options: Subway and Pepperjax

Coffee Houses: http://www.oldmarket.com/results.aspx?cat=22

Specialty places: http://www.oldmarket.com/results.aspx?cat=21 My daughter in laws love Ted and Wally’s Ice Cream.

[MountainTime]

I'm arriving on Amtrak which appears to be within 2 miles of the official hotel. For restaurants, don't forget Omaha Steaks, the same company that does the fabulous, mailed to your home gift packs.

[CoyoteChris]

Would that be the same as Omaha Prime? Nice to have so many good retaurants in the Old Market district, six blocks away from the arena. I just hope they leave a bit of room in the schedule for eating supper!

[PDilemma]

For steak or prime rib, I would recommend The Drover. It is away from downtown but would definitely be worth the trip.

http://www.droverrestaurant.com/

The restaurant in the Hilton across from the arena also has excellent steak.

[Catherine M]

Thanks everyone for their recommendations on where to eat in Omaha. Seems like there are plenty of options at various price ranges so that's good. And thank goodness for the ability to walk off all the calories getting to and from the arena!

[euterpe]

Has anyone gotten their Omaha tickets yet?