Las Vegas, Nevada to host 2019 Skate America!

[miffy]

Thank you very much for the info @all_empty

 

[Winnipeg]

Will there be gambling options in the arena and during events?

 

[Debbie S]

Personally if my only option is Spirit, I stay home! Make sure you are very aware of their "rules" and seating. I am not spending that much time being miserable LOL!

I took Spirit home from Nats after SW canceled all their flights. It wasn't horrible but of course the flight was only an hour and the plane was only half full. I know next time, I'll need a slightly smaller carry-on.....no one said anything about mine but when your whole row and overhead bin are empty, it likely doesn't draw much scrutiny.

Even with the carry-on bag fee, the flight is over $100 cheaper than SW. Not sure if I would bother paying for a specific seat...I didn't last time, since I made the res at the last minute and didn't care where I sat as long as I got home. I'll see what the prices are. Truthfully, I didn't see much difference between the seat size/plane structure on Spirit vs SW. Airplanes are the Greyhound bus of the 21st century regardless of which one you're on, unless you are in first/business class.

 

[chewy]

I noticed that Boyd now has put all their properties off market for October, everything was open about two weeks ago, a Deluxe room was around $159 a night at rack. Also, the Swoop Air prices from Hamilton (Toronto area) to Vegas have gone from $200 to $500 round trip for the Thurs-Sun flight pretty well overnight. This is the gamblers special, I don't know what they're going to think when it's full of figure skating fans.

 

[Tavi]

I see that in addition to Nathan, they’re featuring Jason’s picture - is that a hint we’ll see him there? I guess Nathan and Vincent can’t both be selected due to Worlds seeding.

 

[Debbie S]

I see that in addition to Nathan, they’re featuring Jason’s picture - is that a hint we’ll see him there? I guess Nathan and Vincent can’t both be selected due to Worlds seeding.

I think the host country is allowed to choose any of its own skaters regardless of seeding or ranking. But I don't see Vincent going there - USFS will likely want to spread out assignments of its top skaters so they don't 'cancel each other out', so to speak, and maximize their chances of making it to the GPF. The pics and videos on that site are from previous SAs - I doubt this year's organizers have any clue who might be there outside of the current nat'l champs.

 

[Tavi]

I think the host country is allowed to choose any of its own skaters regardless of seeding or ranking. But I don't see Vincent going there - USFS will likely want to spread out assignments of its top skaters so they don't 'cancel each other out', so to speak, and maximize their chances of making it to the GPF. The pics and videos on that site are from previous SAs - I doubt this year's organizers have any clue who might be there outside of the current nat'l champs.

Yeah I know they’re old pictures. I think it’s hard to say. Jason is really popular and sells tickets, so that may be why they’re using his. I guess we’ll see.

 

[legjumper]

Has anyone stayed at the Orleans Hotel? Yes the rates are good but some travel site reviews are painting a poor picture of the hotel. I am guessing the convenience is worth it, though.

I posted about the Hotel upthread: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...o-host-2019-skate-america.105179/post-5515198

Feel free to PM me for more details.

 

[all_empty]

I've never stayed at the Orleans, but looking at the photos and price points, it's probably one category above "budget" (not as bad as say, Excalibur). I'd say two diamonds if you're familiar with AAA.

It's probably clean but a bit dated. Being off Strip, it probably doesn't attract a party crowd, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on who you ask.

All Vegas hotels are open to the public, so if you want to go to a nicer lounge or restaurant there's nothing stopping you (I am a super snob so feel free to DM me about bougie food recommendations). There's also a ton of relatively cheap eats as well.

The other thing I recommend is picking up a Vegas tour guide book from the airport or taxi cabs (but take Ubers instead of cabs). There are always coupons and deals in those as well.

Fremont Street is a great place to get good meal deals and see old Vegas. Be wary of pickpockets though.

 

[Debbie S]

Was just looking at the tickets page - I was hoping they would have a seat map so you could see where each price level is - and I noticed it says tickets are on sale April 19, one week later than the hotel booking opens up. I hadn't seen that posted here so thought I'd point that out in case anyone else hadn't noticed.

 

[HeatherC]

Was just looking at the tickets page - I was hoping they would have a seat map so you could see where each price level is - and I noticed it says tickets are on sale April 19, one week later than the hotel booking opens up. I hadn't seen that posted here so thought I'd point that out in case anyone else hadn't noticed.

*raises hand as someone who totally missed that part* Thanks for the heads up! I have no idea how I missed that the first time I looked at the site, LOL

 

[SkateSand]

*raises hand as someone who totally missed that part* Thanks for the heads up! I have no idea how I missed that the first time I looked at the site, LOL

I think they changed it. When I first noticed the on sale date for the tickets, it was the same date as the hotel room reservations.

 

[Debbie S]

I think they changed it. When I first noticed the on sale date for the tickets, it was the same date as the hotel room reservations.

I thought so, too. Good to know I'm not losing my mind, or reading skills, lol.

 

[SkateSand]

I thought so, too. Good to know I'm not losing my mind, or reading skills, lol.

I know the original date was the 12th because I wrote it down on my calendar to make sure I scheduled my break time at work so I could buy my ticket while on break. Glad you noticed the change because I would have been surprised on the 12th when I couldn't get my ticket.

 

[Doggygirl]

I have been melting my plastic this week in scary ways. Within 48 hours air plane tickets to and from Greensboro, to and from Las Vegas, and to and from Florida for a personal trip. And two rental cars. YIKES!! I am quickly making up for no travel last FS season!

 

[Lanie]

I really hope I can make it to Vegas! We had a move planned to North Carolina this summer but it looks like we may wait til December or even next summer depending on housing situation. Grand Prixes are always so much fun.

 

[all_empty]

I encourage all of you to check out Flixbus.com. Fares can be in the single digits.

Perhaps fly into a nearby airport and bus in -- the Wi-Fi is spotty and the buses aren't anything to write home about, but it's gotten me to Vegas on time several times. The drop-off/pick-up is Caesar's Palace mid-Strip.

 

[4rkidz]

Well I impulsively booked swoop, I’m part of a conference on the Friday so can’t leave till that night but will be in Vegas by 9pm so can see all the longs on the Saturday then fly back on the Tuesday. Flights only 99$ from my home city so what the heck. Be nice to see my skating FSU travel buddies.

 

[4rkidz]

Well I impulsively booked swoop, I’m part of a conference on the Friday so can’t leave till that night but will be in Vegas by 9pm so can see all the longs on the Saturday then fly back on the Tuesday. Flights only 99$ from my home city so what the heck. Be nice to see my skating FSU travel buddies.

And had to cancel lol.. it’s my sisters 50th birthday weekend so she is visiting from Ottawa I completely forgot!! Luckily swoop airline has a 24 hour cancellation no fee policy!! Will have to watch on tv

 

[Spikefan]

I am thinking of staying at the Hampton Inn Tropicana as it is completely non-smoking and has airport and strip shuttle. Does anyone know how safe it would be to walk to The Orleans on this stretch of Tropicana? I can also Uber but in the mornings it might be nice to get a walk in.

 

[Vash01]

I used to go to Vegas pretty often, but it's been a few years and I don't remember the resort fees being so high. It's kind of outrageous, really, that they can get away with this. Keep in mind these are charged daily on top of the room rate and taxes. This list seems fairly current. There are a small handful of places without fees but they may not end up being any cheaper or more convenient, from what I found.

https://www.vegasunzipped.com/vegas-resort-fees/

The resort fees are truly outrageous and very unfair IMO.

If I go (still undecided) I may stay in my timeshare. I can take Uber or if I stay in the one close to Orleans it is just a 15 minute walk. The problem is cancellation is not an option, so I have to be sure that I want to go to SA (and postpone my other plan).

I may be able to rent out my timeshare room to someone, but it has to be a certainty, and ahead of time (probably not at the last minute but I can ask the timeshare company). In the past I have rented my Sedona timeshare to friends at very low rates.

The uncertainty is killing me. I need to make up my mind soon.

 

[Sylvia]

"The complete list of athletes selected to compete at 2019 Skate America and all other 2019 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events will be announced in June." https://www.usfigureskating.org/story?id=92100&type=media

"Competing athletes will be confirmed August 15, 2019." https://www.2019skateamerica.com/
According to last year's Grand Prix Announcement, this date is for the Confirmation of Participation of Seeded Skaters/Couples.

 

[Vash01]

I am thinking of staying at the Hampton Inn Tropicana as it is completely non-smoking and has airport and strip shuttle. Does anyone know how safe it would be to walk to The Orleans on this stretch of Tropicana? I can also Uber but in the mornings it might be nice to get a walk in.

The distance is 1.6 miles between the two, as per hotels.com. It is not a lot by Vegas standards. If I were you, I would take Uber on the way back. I have no idea how safe it is. I thought the strip was always safe because there are people and casinos but I could be wrong. I don’t live there.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

"Competing athletes will be confirmed August 15, 2019." https://www.2019skateamerica.com/
According to last year's Grand Prix Announcement, this date is for the Confirmation of Participation of Seeded Skaters/Couples.

Finally, a really well done website that I lurvvvee!!!!

 

[meggonzo]

Finally, a really well done website that I lurvvvee!!!!

Isn't this the same format that they've used for several years?

 

[DobrinFan]

Isn't this the same format that they've used for several years?

It is

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

But its prettier.

tee-hee

 

[Marge_Simpson]

Resort fees are always negotiable when you are checking out

 

[Megi]

I'll be in town during Skate America. You won't likely see me at the rink but as a Vegas veteran, I'll gladly attend (or even organize/host) any after party that might be happening.

 

[Carolla5501]

I am thinking of staying at the Hampton Inn Tropicana as it is completely non-smoking and has airport and strip shuttle. Does anyone know how safe it would be to walk to The Orleans on this stretch of Tropicana? I can also Uber but in the mornings it might be nice to get a walk in.

The distance is 1.6 miles between the two, as per hotels.com. It is not a lot by Vegas standards. If I were you, I would take Uber on the way back. I have no idea how safe it is. I thought the strip was always safe because there are people and casinos but I could be wrong. I don’t live there.

I would not walk that. I’m not even sure there’s a sidewalk the entire way. If there is it’s right up on an incredibly busy street with a lot of entrance points.