Here's my General Information post for the Salt Lake Classic this year. If someone wants to cross post on Kiss 'n Cry, feel free.
- This is a low key competition and that's on purpose. Tickets are sold at the door. We pay less for this competition than we do for regionals. I think the price was $30.00 last year for an all-event pass (there is a senior citizens discount). In September the weather is usually lovely - cool nights and warm days (80's). We have had rain from time to time but it's not serious. It's a great time to drive up the canyons and see the leaves.
- Steiner (the local name for the complex/rink) serves the community and the University of Utah with a pool (which will still be uncovered) gym, dance studio, etc. There are 2 rinks next to each other. You go up the stairs and enter from the top (there is an elevator) and then walk down to the seats. This is the reason it looks so empty on the Ice Network stream - most people are at the top. You can look into the practice rink through glass at the top of the larger rink. The larger rink seats about 1500 (maybe 2000). The practice rink has 3-4 rows for spectators at the top - maybe seats 100-200. Steiner was the practice rink for figure skating during the 2002 Olympics.
- The seats are bleachers. They get hard. Last year I brought one of those padded cushions you tie to a wooden kitchen chair. It helped a lot. Also, the rink is quite cold. We go outside to get warm.
- There is a refreshment stand. Not bad. Standard food. They do make a good hot chocolate.
- You can walk laps around the top of the rink for exercise. There used to be a little plaque that said it was 7 laps to a mile but we can't find it anymore. Sometimes they block off one end of the rink (during competition) but we haven't had any problem during the off times.
- We have heard there is more interest from the media this year. This is Nathan Chen's home rink. He learned to skate here. I'm sure there will be more attention paid to him by local media. I hope they don't get in the way.
- In anticipation of the question - In the past we have had Miyahara (twice), Uno, Mura, Murikami (he and she). I sort of remember seeing a few Asian fans, but not many and certainly not enough to make a difference. I have seen no evidence at all that more are expected (to see Honda etc.). I have seen a copy of the volunteer sign-up schedule and there is no indication that they are asking for more volunteers. This just isn't like the Autumn Classic.
- Football Game. The University of Utah (wear red) plays San Jose State at 8:00 pm (probably right during Ladies Free) on Saturday the 16th. The stadium is right down the block from the rink and the tail gate party is right outside the door of the rink. It's wild and noisy and fun.
- Parking. There is plenty of parking for the complex. The only problem will be on Saturday for the football game/tailgate party (as mentioned above). The complex does have parking of its own and that will be reserved for the rink/complex but the whole area will be crazy for a while and you may need to get in, get parked and stay put.
- There is public transportation (TRAX) that stops a short half mile away. The area is a bit hilly but it's not a bad walk. Keep in mind that blocks are long in Salt Lake City - 8 blocks to a mile - and streets are wide.
If I missed anything, just ask. I'll do my best.
oh such a brutal year this is, and right away. 
(and the Chris Dean LP) 
