2022 Nationals in Nashville

[MacMadame]

I have been sitting behind Peter Carruthers all week. No one seems to recognize him. Today Jill Watson and John Zimmerman came and sat with him for the men’s and pairs.

We saw Zimmerman at the bar in the Renaissance lobby. Apparently the woman in the group told our waitress "do you know who this is?" and said he was an Olympian. Which is true, he is. But it seemed kind of weird to me. I mean John Zimmerman isn't a name or face most people would recognize.

Can us lowly peons use the tunnel? It’s supposed to be raining all day tomorrow so that would be much appreciated!

I wonder if they aren't telling us it exists so that it can be used only by USFS people?

 

[Judy]

Can us lowly peons use the tunnel? It’s supposed to be raining all day tomorrow so that would be much appreciated!

I am probably too late saying this but phoning the front desk and asking would be the simple solution.

 

[YukiNieve]

I heard Tracy was not at the morning practice (warm up) today.
I hope that she is just tired because of all the travel saga and is resting.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

I am probably too late saying this but phoning the front desk and asking would be the simple solution.

I asked them the other day about the best way to get to the arena and they gave me the outdoor route.

 

[Judy]

I asked them the other day about the best way to get to the arena and they gave me the outdoor route.

li know I would have said can I use the tunnel? Do you take bribes to use the tunnel?

 

[angi]

I heard Tracy was not at the morning practice (warm up) today.
I hope that she is just tired because of all the travel saga and is resting.

It was just announced she tested positive for YKW. Jason is at real risk here, and so is anyone in his skating group tbh considering how contagious this is.

 

[soogar]

It was just announced she tested positive for YKW. Jason is at real risk here, and so is anyone in his skating group tbh considering how contagious this is.

I'm hoping Jason can compete in the long.

 

[acraven]

The roof in the arena has been leaking since it snowed (per rink personnel). It has been raining on my seat since the beginning of the men's FS. A non-leakig roof is the minimum that I'd expect in an arena, so I would not support Nashville as a site for Worlds.

 

[Stefanie]

From where did Jason and Tracy drive to get to Nashville?

 

[Debbie S]

From where did Jason and Tracy drive to get to Nashville?

Atlanta

 

[4rkidz]

Was the gala postponed? Usually a thread?

 

[kittyjake5]

There was a Gala. It was not available to watch in the US.

 

[dianedebuda]

Gala on NBC, Sat 1/15 afternoon.

Gee, see this is my first post, but have been a member lurking for years and years....

 

[YukiNieve]

Nathan did not skate for gala.

 

[CantALoop]

Nathan did not skate for gala.

Why am I imagining USFSA handlers in Tyvek suits whisking Nathan away immediately after the medal ceremony, spraying him with disinfectant, and ushering him into a driverless vehicle where he will skate in a pressurized tent with an Olympic sized rink until Beijing

 

[ross_hy]

A couple of observations now that I'm home (I'm from Tennessee, so I'm absolutely biased):

-So glad the food hall is open across the street from the arena now. Some of the arena food looked decent, but the chicken I had Thursday night was awful. The selection in the food hall wasn't any cheaper than the arena, but there was more variety and the quality was pretty good.
-The in-arena entertainment during resurfacings was kind of weird, but I guess TPTB decided that's better than everyone sitting in silence while the same ads play on the video boards over and over.
-I really hope all the issues this week don't sour Nashville as a host with USFS. Sure, there were lots of ***** issues. Sure, the ***** protocols in Tennessee as a state are few to non-existent. However, I think some (but maybe not all, who knows) of the issues would have happened regardless of which city was hosting. I also think some of the logistical issues (specifically, nothing starting at the announced time) were more on USFS and NBC because of the withdrawals and TV timing, not the local organizing committee. I hope Nashville gets another chance to host soon in non-***** times, and I like Scott Hamilton's idea of potentially bidding to host Worlds. Bridgestone Arena is typically one of, if not the most, successful arenas in the country at hosting events so they know what they're doing. Having tons of entertainment, food, and hotels right outside the arena's door should play in their favor as well. The growth of the city and the tourism should mean even more direct national and international flights in the future.

 

[MacMadame]

There was a Gala. It was not available to watch in the US.

But those of us who saw it in person could tell you about it!

It was the best Gala I've been to. It was more coherent and having live music made it seem more like a real show. Though the Olympic team being given Gibson guitars was a very WTF moment.

I think Nashville did a great job in trying circumstances. It seemed very well organized. And the live entertainment throughout was much better than having Rusty make Dad jokes and interview fans who go silent on camera. (I think maybe only 3 songs per ice make though; four was a bit much.)

 

[kittyjake5]

^^^^^What was the reason that Nathan did not skate at the Gala?

 

[livetoskate]

Nashville did a good job hosting nationals. The security check & checking of vaccination cards was really smooth & fast. Lines for food & bathrooms were fine (though those weird flat surfaces instead of sinks were impractical). Food in the arena was fine. There were lots of choices for food & museums/stores nearby, but due to covid concerns, I didn't go into any of them. The arena seats were comfortable. My only complaint was the ridiculous cost of parking at the Residence Inn-- $47 a day for valet parking! Anyway, if nationals were held again in Nashville, I'd likely return. If Detroit, no (too far, bad winter weather, sort of dangerous walking to the arena). Greensboro, definitely because it's so close to home. Anyone know where nationals will be next year?

 

[livetoskate]

^^^^^What was the reason that Nathan did not skate at the Gala?

I am not sure but it's a relief to hear he skipped it, after severely injuring himself at the gala 6(?) years ago on a jump. He can't take any risks to his health now. Hope all the Olympians stay safe and healthy!

 

[Vash01]

2023 nationals will be in San Jose. Good for me. I could stay with relatives but transportation could be a problem.

San Jose to Host 2023 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships – San Jose Sports Authority

sjsa.org

 

[Karen-W]

Anyone know where nationals will be next year?

San Jose was awarded it last year since they didn't get to host it

 

[livetoskate]

San Jose was awarded it last year since they didn't get to host it

Thanks! Depending on the ykw situation next year, maybe I'll go. I was last there for the 1996 nationals. At least it's near an airport & there's public transportation.

 

[aka_gerbil]

It was the best Gala I've been to. It was more coherent and having live music made it seem more like a real show. Though the Olympic team being given Gibson guitars was a very WTF moment.

I’m going through the team in my head and I think the only one who will get any use of the guitar is Zach. Everyone gets a headache of a prize to get home.

 

[Karen-W]

I’m going through the team in my head and I think the only one who will get any use of the guitar is Zach. Everyone gets a headache of a prize to get home.

Nathan also plays the guitar.

 

[MacMadame]

Tim looked like he was excited to have a guitar too.

 

[AnnM]

Why am I imagining USFSA handlers in Tyvek suits whisking Nathan away immediately after the medal ceremony, spraying him with disinfectant, and ushering him into a driverless vehicle where he will skate in a pressurized tent with an Olympic sized rink until Beijing

He was actually there for the Olympic team introduction at the top of the 2nd half of the gala, but then left apparently.

 

[MacMadame]

He was actually there for the Olympic team introduction at the top of the 2nd half of the gala, but then left apparently.

So do we know why?

 

[AnnM]

My husband and kids joined me for the gala tonight. Since my kids are too young to add to my Clear app, I had to bring their original vaccination cards. I thought they'd take just a cursory glance, but the security guard actually took the cards and tried to verify by asking them to confirm their names and dates of birth.

 

[AnnM]

So do we know why?

Haven't heard or read anything yet.