The Fifth ISU Grand Prix and the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final of the 2023/24 Allotted to Espoo and Beijing

[SidelineSkater]

There was also a gif of a Nashville Predators player giving a thumbs up in a reply to a guess about Nashville - so who knows.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

I think the Allen, TX information is probably true since no announcement has been made today and USFS hasn’t dropped any more hints since last week.

 

[MacMadame]

See @Tinycities post above that SA is going to be in Allen, TX.

That's interesting because I heard it was going to be in either Vegas or SoCal.

 

[mattiecat13]

What's taking so long?

 

[TanithandBenFan]

What's taking so long?

In light of the horrific event in Allen, TX I’m glad USFS for once isn’t being tone deaf. Maybe they’ll announce it early next week.

 

[Rhumba d’Amour]

What's taking so long?

Well—if they were thinking Texas, they might be reconsidering that. What would the policies be, regarding bringing firearms into the venue? Let’s hope some intelligent person at USFS might realize that this concern could impact spectators’ willingness to attend.

 

[Vagabond]

With mass shootings occurring so frequently across the country, but particularly in states with loose gun controls, USFS should think carefully about where it stages it Grand Prix before the ISU does the thinking for them.

 

[tony]

Move it to Ohio- Nationals, Adult Nationals, and Skate America can all be there this year. I do think the delay in announcement points to Allen, as having been reported, as the site.

With mass shootings occurring so frequently across the country, but particularly in states with loose gun controls, USFS should think carefully about where it stages it Grand Prix before the ISU does the thinking for them.

Mass shootings tend to happen more often in blue states with higher ‘control’ than the opposite. So where would you suggest?

 

[mattiecat13]

I suspect USFS doesn't have a lot of locations who bid on SA so they have to go with what they get.

 

[Karen-W]

Y'all really think a figure skating competition is gonna be a target for a mass shooter?

I mean, sure, it's possible, but the same can be said of any sporting event or other activity that causes people to congregate in the same location.

 

[Judy]

Beijing? Really?

 

[PRlady]

Beijing? Really?

??

 

[Judy]

??

Not a fan of the govt let’s say.

 

[Rukia]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1656398116130545664

 

[Rukia]

I suspect USFS doesn't have a lot of locations who bid on SA so they have to go with what they get.

I think you are correct. And truthfully Allen is a great place to have it. There's a hotel right next door, tons of places to eat nearby, the community rink is attached as a practice rink, and there's lots of free parking available. They've held many events there. Big local figure skating club. Only downside is distance from airports. And being in Texas.

 

[PRlady]

I’m happy for FSU’s Texans and others nearby for an easy trip, it’s been a long time since there was a big event there. (Nats in Dallas maybe?) I wouldn’t go even I were going to be in the US but do think they should move it around.

 

[Private Citizen]

Florida isn't exactly a place where you'd hear y'all, at least in the major cities here

Off topic, but Florida is a big state and "y'all" is extremely common in north and even central Florida. You'll hear it everywhere in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and even Orlando, and Tampa/St Petersburg where it's dominant. You won't hear it as much in Miami or South Florida, though I definitely still hear it in southwest Florida (Naples/Ft Myers) even if less common.

Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/hillaryrei...and-10-other-maps-showing-where-americans-say (2nd map) and personal experience

 

[crzesk8dad]

I think you are correct. And truthfully Allen is a great place to have it. There's a hotel right next door, tons of places to eat nearby, the community rink is attached as a practice rink, and there's lots of free parking available. They've held many events there. Big local figure skating club. Only downside is distance from airports.

Here is information about the arena in Allen, TX:

About the Arena | Credit Union of Texas Event Center

www.cutxeventcenter.com

Booking | Credit Union of Texas Event Center

www.cutxeventcenter.com

Directions & Parking | Credit Union of Texas Event Center

www.cutxeventcenter.com

The arena is only 7000+ seats, a good size for SkAm, but tickets may be limited. It is home to an ECHL (minor league) hockey team, the Allen Americans, so ice events are no stranger. As stated earlier practice rink, Allen Community Ice Rink, is attached. Marriott hotel and eateries near by.

 

[Wyliefan]

Florida isn't exactly a place where you'd hear y'all, at least in the major cities here

I picked up "y'all" from living in Tampa for three years as a child. My friends there said it all the time. Granted, that was a very long time ago , and maybe it's not much in use there anymore.

 

[ChillSkate]

Aside from the recent tragedy, I think this is a fantastic location choice. Great location for all the reasons Rukia stated. Nice size arena. Also very nice to see a major event in TX and in the South more generally. And within reasonable distance of a major international airport. Very impressed with this selection (or glad Allen submitted a bid, if they were the only choice)

 

[Debbie S]

Obviously, east coast is preferable for me, but this is a good location. No need to rent a car, lots of food options nearby, and a direct flight (for me). And I've never been to Texas...admittedly not a fan of the politics but it's always nice to visit a new place.

 

[Spikefan]

I have distant family in Allen and have been before for a wedding. Loved the diversity and my favorite food was at a Persian restaurant we all went to.

We stated we wanted hotels and food within walking distance, this checks that box. It looks like the venue is nice. It is a very short, direct flight for me. I refuse to hold a community/city responsible for its states policies, probably because I live in such a state and I love my city. The venue says, “no weapons” so I doubt guns would be allowed in the venue. I plan to be there to support skating and will show major love to Allen. I still believe we fight hate with love.

 

[CassAgain]

My parents live in Dallas, so this is an ideal location for me. Really excited about attending my first Grand Prix event! When do tickets usually go on sale?

 

[Sylvia]

My parents live in Dallas, so this is an ideal location for me. Really excited about attending my first Grand Prix event! When do tickets usually go on sale?

USFS has delayed announcing the ticket sale date - we can start a new thread in GSD as soon as they announce when.

 

[Rukia]

Yes the wank about it being in Texas has grown exponentially today. I'm not going to go into my reasons of why I find it reductive and a little bit insulting, so instead I'm just gonna be hype for this. I will 100% be there ready to cheer as loudly as possible.

 

[On My Own]

Texas contains a NASA field centre therefore it's good

 

[BlueRidge]

Yes the wank about it being in Texas has grown exponentially today. I'm not going to go into my reasons of why I find it reductive and a little bit insulting, so instead I'm just gonna be hype for this. I will 100% be there ready to cheer as loudly as possible.

Texas is one of the places I most want to visit. Politics is not a consideration for such things as far as I'm concerned. If I had the time and money and liked traveling even a little more than I do, I'd definitely go to SA in Allen, it sounds like it'll be a really good place for SA.

I loved having it in Norwood MA but I certainly didn't love being in Norwood!

 

[Lanie]

Norwood was... well, it was something!

I booked my flight and rental car. Assuming I'll book the Courtyard by Marriott that's Right There. Flying into Love Field, not DFW, but would be happy to carpool!

 

[Karen-W]

The SJW who are bitching on social media about the choice are showing just how little they know about the sport and its status in the US currently, not to mention the logistics and willingness to organize an event like this by the local folks on the ground. I completely understood the choice of Norwood last year and I completely understand the choice of Allen this year. There's a big club in a wealthy area that is able to step up to the challenge. Once these little twerps who are complaining on social media are in a position within the sport to organize an event like SkAm and they're rebuffed by the USFS, then they'll have a valid reason to criticize the selection of a red-state location. Until then, they don't deserve any of the attention they're getting.

 

[thvu]

The SJW who are bitching on social media about the choice are showing just how little they know about the sport and its status in the US currently, not to mention the logistics and willingness to organize an event like this by the local folks on the ground. I completely understood the choice of Norwood last year and I completely understand the choice of Allen this year. There's a big club in a wealthy area that is able to step up to the challenge. Once these little twerps who are complaining on social media are in a position within the sport to organize an event like SkAm and they're rebuffed by the USFS, then they'll have a valid reason to criticize the selection of a red-state location. Until then, they don't deserve any of the attention they're getting.

I had to explain this to Mr. Thvu, that it's pretty much too late in the game to change the location, and that the location has probably been in the works for months. He's a hard no to going to Skate America this year . So, maybe we'll try to make the trip to Angers instead?