2018/2019 Grand Prix Final will be in Vancouver

[made_in_canada]

Speaking as a tourist, I would rather be in a well populated area with more options for a hotel room that is within walking distance from the event. This arena has Nothing.

I don't care about eating places. It's convenience and safety that matter to me. It is not easy for me to be in an unfamiliar place, because as a tourist I don't know anything to begin with. Being alone late at night in any part of an unfamiliar city (and country) is too scary.

If I have to drive on unfamiliar roads in bad weather it is not a desirable situation to me. I live in a place that has good weather most of the time, and I still hate looking for an unknown address in an unfamiliar part of the metroplex. I am not used to public transportation. When you talk about 44 or 99 bus, I have no clue what it would be like to ride them, not knowing the direction or the bus stops. Getting lost in a strange place is not my idea of fun. I could be totally stressed out.

Ok, I am whining a lot but I am really disappointed that I bought an all events ticket and I may have to just take a loss and cancel my trip.

If Vancouver had no other choice, I could understand selecting this arena. I just assumed that there would be convenient accommodation. From what I am reading here, you have to know a lot about buses and trains and be able to make connections, even walk for several minutes at night. It may seem easy to locals. It is scary to me.

If your criteria for going to competitions is you must be within walking distance to the event you aren't going to be happy. But it is a populated area, and there are solutions if you want them. You can go on the transit website and it will tell you exactly what bus or skytrain you need to get on and when to get you to your destination. You've made a reservation at a location where you've eliminated the need for a complicated transit plan. If you get confused, there are people to ask that are very willing to help you. Vancouver gets lots of tourists, anyone that works at a hotel or in transit has probably answered a zillion questions dumber than yours. If you really need to see things, spend some time on google earth and look around the area so it isn't completely foreign. But if it's too much for you, that's okay too. Lots of people don't travel because of issues like you have.

 

[Japanfan]

I bought my all events ticket today. It was a struggle and the seat is not that great (row 18 in a corner), but at least I will have a ticket, when they send it to me to print at home.

Look forward to meeting you finally Vash 01.

Also, for those who are concerned about cold, maybe you don't know that it doesn't get really cold here in the winter usually (not for Canada in any case). Last year we did have a cold spell in January and snow that stayed for about month (rather paralyzed the city), but that's unusual. Most years we get little if any snow, and it melts quickly. Temps in January usually stay above 0 degrees C, and there's a lot of rain (28 days straight one year, then it stopped for a day and started again).

Without checking I'd say 5 or 6 degrees C is a typical January day.

 

[Vash01]

If your criteria for going to competitions is you must be within walking distance to the event you aren't going to be happy. But it is a populated area, and there are solutions if you want them. You can go on the transit website and it will tell you exactly what bus or skytrain you need to get on and when to get you to your destination. You've made a reservation at a location where you've eliminated the need for a complicated transit plan. If you get confused, there are people to ask that are very willing to help you. Vancouver gets lots of tourists, anyone that works at a hotel or in transit has probably answered a zillion questions dumber than yours. If you really need to see things, spend some time on google earth and look around the area so it isn't completely foreign. But if it's too much for you, that's okay too. Lots of people don't travel because of issues like you have.

No need to insult me. I am not dumb and I am not one of those who never travel. I have been to 20 countries, including the one I live in, but if I go to a major event, I want to enjoy the event without these distractions and worries. I have been to many events, including the Olympics and I have never seen a major event held in an isolated place. I also read in another thread that this is a horrible arena. Even less motivation for me to go there. Skate Canada is not representing itself very well, it seems.

 

[Vash01]

Look forward to meeting you finally Vash 01.

Also, for those who are concerned about cold, maybe you don't know that it doesn't get really cold here in the winter usually (not for Canada in any case). Last year we did have a cold spell in January and snow that stayed for about month (rather paralyzed the city), but that's unusual. Most years we get little if any snow, and it melts quickly. Temps in January usually stay above 0 degrees C, and there's a lot of rain (28 days straight one year, then it stopped for a day and started again).

Without checking I'd say 5 or 6 degrees C is a typical January day.

I am not worried about the cold (and 41 deg F is not that cold. We get down to the thirties in the desert). I just returned from Alaska, remember? I want to go there every winter. I don't like driving in bad weather though, with rain or snow, when visibility is limited, and I have to find an unknown place (or ride a bus, not knowing the area).

Since this arena is on the campus of a major university (I would love to see UBC actually, but during work hours) it means there would be a long walk from the bus stop to the arena, so I have to find a campus map and figure out where I have to go. I am sure the campus is Huge!

I also don't want to sit in an arena that has rats running around.

So we may not meet this time it seems.

 

[Sylvia]

I also don't want to sit in an arena that has rats running around.

According to @cygnus, "Ben the rat had disappeared once the crowds showed up."

 

[Japanfan]

I wish they had used the hockey arena near downtown, where the 2001 worlds took place. I had attended that. There were many hotels within walking distance.

GM Place. It's an excellent venue, but hasn't been used for figure skating since that Worlds.

Why did they have to choose a location that is so hard to get to? No hotels in the vicinity. May be i should just sell my tickets and not go there. I am afraid of public transportation, unless there is a direct bus, arranged by the event organizers. Not used to trains at all.

I don't know why they chose the UBC arena - I don't think anyone does. GM Place and the PNE arena (08 and 09 Nationals/4CCs, and the Olympic events, were held at the PNE).

Speaking as a tourist, I would rather be in a well populated area with more options for a hotel room that is within walking distance from the event. This arena has Nothing.

I don't care about eating places. It's convenience and safety that matter to me. It is not easy for me to be in an unfamiliar place, because as a tourist I don't know anything to begin with. Being alone late at night in any part of an unfamiliar city (and country) is too scary.

When you talk about 44 or 99 bus, I have no clue what it would be like to ride them, not knowing the direction or the bus stops. Getting lost in a strange place is not my idea of fun. I could be totally stressed out.

If Vancouver had no other choice, I could understand selecting this arena. I just assumed that there would be convenient accommodation. From what I am reading here, you have to know a lot about buses and trains and be able to make connections, even walk for several minutes at night. It may seem easy to locals. It is scary to me.

Vash01 Mr. Japanfan and I are driving and would be happy to drop you on West Broadway or at a bus stop where you can easily get a bus downtown.

I assure everyone that UBC busses are clean, comfortable and safe. That's true of most Vancouver buses, although you may want to avoid any bus that goes through the downtown Eastside, because some 'characters' get on, and you probably won't enjoy the bleak view of life on the streets. But traveling from UBC to West Broadway or downtown does not take you through the Eastside. The worst thing that can happen is that the bus will be packed with people attending the skating and you might not get a seat.

Also, UBC is a very safe area. The part of the campus where the arena is located has mainly commercial/educational buildings. It is largely deserted at night and is close to UBC Hospital - some people got cabs from there during Nationals.

I have walked around UBC campus at night in the dark for many years and never once felt unsafe. And during the skating there will probably be a pack of people walking to the bus stop after the event.

I've also seen notices on campus for a number to call for a safe ride. I'll jot that that number down the next time I see it and and post it here.

 

[Vash01]

As a rule of thumb, I would suggest always checking out the hotel and transportation situation for an event before buying tickets.

Normally I do thorough research before any trip but when I saw that the GPF tickets were nearly all gone, I rushed to get whatever was left (and it is not good). I had not seen that the tickets went on sale in January of this year! I thought they would go much closer the event. Besides, I never suspected that a city like Vancouver would host a major event in an isolated arena, away from downtown, without any hotels nearby.

The fact that my seat is not that good is another factor driving me away from going there. A bad seat in a bad arena, staying in a so so hotel that is overpriced, and feeling scared all the time. I would rather go to Vancouver another time and enjoy my visit. I have been there but it was 17 years ago.

 

[Vash01]

GM Place. It's an excellent venue, but hasn't been used for figure skating since that Worlds.



I don't know why they chose the UBC arena - I don't think anyone does. GM Place and the PNE arena (08 and 09 Nationals/4CCs, and the Olympic events, were held at the PNE).






Vash01 Mr. Japanfan and I are driving and would be happy to drop you on West Broadway or at a bus stop where you can easily get a bus downtown.

I assure everyone that UBC busses are clean, comfortable and safe. That's true of most Vancouver buses, although you may want to avoid any bus that goes through the downtown Eastside, because some 'characters' get on, and you probably won't enjoy the bleak view of life on the streets. But traveling from UBC to West Broadway or downtown does not take you through the Eastside. The worst thing that can happen is that the bus will be packed with people attending the skating and you might not get a seat.

Also, UBC is a very safe area. The part of the campus where the arena is located has mainly commercial/educational buildings. It is largely deserted at night and is close to UBC Hospital - some people got cabs from there during Nationals.

I have walked around UBC campus at night in the dark for many years and never once felt unsafe. And during the skating there will probably be a pack of people walking to the bus stop after the event.

I've also seen notices on campus for a number to call for a safe ride. I'll jot that that number down the next time I see it and and post it here.

That is very nice of you Japanfan, to do all those things to help.

 

[overedge]

Vancouver is generally a safe city, especially on the west side where UBC is. Transit to and from UBC will likely have the occasional random weirdo, but that's about it. The most dangerous part of Vancouver is the Downtown Eastside, which you need to be aware of if you're staying downtown or doing tourist things there (aware of = know which streets to avoid), but everywhere else is pretty reasonable.

And as in any big city, if you want to be safer, pay attention, know where you're going, and don't wear expensive stealable things.

 

[made_in_canada]

No need to insult me. I am not dumb and I am not one of those who never travel. I have been to 20 countries, including the one I live in, but if I go to a major event, I want to enjoy the event without these distractions and worries. I have been to many events, including the Olympics and I have never seen a major event held in an isolated place. I also read in another thread that this is a horrible arena. Even less motivation for me to go there. Skate Canada is not representing itself very well, it seems.

I wasn't insulting you Sorry you took it that way. Just making some suggestions to ease your anxiety. If you're posting about your issues with the event I maybe made an incorrect assumption that you were looking for help. It's completely doable and really not all that inconvenient or isolated. You just can't walk from a hotel.

 

[WildRose]

Vancouver has a fantastic transit system. I never worry about using it by myself when I am there visiting and I am normally a car person. Buses run on time and the drivers are friendly and helpful. Everyone had to use transit to get to the arena for figure skating during the Olympics - there was no other option -it worked out just fine.

 

[kalamalka]

Since this arena is on the campus of a major university (I would love to see UBC actually, but during work hours) it means there would be a long walk from the bus stop to the arena, so I have to find a campus map and figure out where I have to go. I am sure the campus is Huge!

I really hope that you and others are not too put off by the prospect of riding buses (and/or walking to bus stops).
Vancouver is really quite an easy city to get around on by transit, compared to many others I've visited. And for anyone who's concerned about the 10 minute walk to the bus loop (99 express service), there are several routes in the other direction that stop directly outside the arena and connect with the Canada Line skytrain (the YVR/downtown service) after about a 20 minute ride (in the evening when traffic is less). UBC is a very large university (more than 60,000 students), with a lot of people on campus at any hour that GPF attendees will be there. The UBC hospital is also between the arena and the bus loop. And there are pretty sure to be FSUers going your way, whereever that is, and many people willing to help with navigation!

 

[Japanfan]

No need to insult me. I am not dumb and I am not one of those who never travel. I have been to 20 countries, including the one I live in, but if I go to a major event, I want to enjoy the event without these distractions and worries. I have been to many events, including the Olympics and I have never seen a major event held in an isolated place. I also read in another thread that this is a horrible arena. Even less motivation for me to go there. Skate Canada is not representing itself very well, it seems.

I like to figure out details such as as transport when I got to a competition as well. If getting too and from an event is a hassle, it can impede one's enjoyment of that event.

I actually decided not to go to Skate America in part because I wouldn't want to take my car, so would need to figure out how to get around. I did it once before, but don't remember exactly how I got around. If we hadn't had Nationals in Vancouver this January and also had GPF upcoming here, I'd probably try to figure it out. As it is, I've just decided to skip Skate America.

 

[Vash01]

I like to figure out details such as as transport when I got to a competition as well. If getting too and from an event is a hassle, it can impede one's enjoyment of that event.

I actually decided not to go to Skate America in part because I wouldn't want to take my car, so would need to figure out how to get around. I did it once before, but don't remember exactly how I got around. If we hadn't had Nationals in Vancouver this January and also had GPF upcoming here, I'd probably try to figure it out. As it is, I've just decided to skip Skate America.

It is odd that SA and GPF are both in the Northwest this year. Usually most competitions are in the east. I was so excited about Skate America because I also get to visit my relatives in the Seattle area (though for a day or less, I think). Then I was excited about GPF in Vancouver. Now I am thinking I should cancel one of the two. They are within 6-7 weeks of one another.

For Skate America in Everett, getting around should not be a problem, if you are staying close to the arena, and although I have never been to Everett, the town itself may be quite small. Boeing is there, so most of the population probably works there. However, I understand why you want to skip SA. The two events are really close to one another, schedule wise and geographically.

 

[Japanfan]

According to @cygnus, "Ben the rat had disappeared once the crowds showed up."

There was one incident with one rat.

 

[overedge]

For Skate America in Everett, getting around should not be a problem

IIRC there are not too many hotels in downtown Everett where the arena is. Many of the nearby hotels are along the I-5 highway, and the public transit to/from Everett isn't always convenient. If you don't have a car and you can't get a hotel room near downtown, it could be a problem to get around.

 

[allezfred]

Right now i am seriously considering selling my all events ticket.

Sounds like a plan. Would save us all from hearing you obsess for the next eight months.

 

[SkateSand]

IIRC there are not too many hotels in downtown Everett where the arena is. Many of the nearby hotels are along the I-5 highway, and the public transit to/from Everett isn't always convenient. If you don't have a car and you can't get a hotel room near downtown, it could be a problem to get around.

Yeah, but at least one of the Skate America hotels listed on the Skate America website is offering shuttle service to the venue. And there are hotels within walking distance - I'm staying at one of them, just like I did the last time.

 

[ElizabethAnne]

There is a Holiday Inn on Broadway W. That i am considering. It is in the 700 block. The Radison is in the 800 block, i think. Any idea if there may be a bus stop near the HI?

I stayed at the Radisson Park Inn for Canadians and I am booked at the Holiday for Grand Prix.

Going to the rink from the Park Inn, the bus stop is in the same block across the street a little way down. Returning at night from the rink the bus stop at Heather is 2-3 blocks walk back to the hotel. I was by myself and never felt unsafe.

At the Holiday Inn the bus stop to the rink is on the same side of the road about 1/2-1 block away. There are tons of people around in the morning. Coming home at night the bus stop is literally right across the street if you jaywalk, and only 1/2 block from the corner to cross at the light. Always a few people around and I am sure there will be other skating fans too.

For either hotel, to catch the bus at the Thunderbird Arena it's 1.5 block walk to a bus stop or 4 block walk back to the loop where you catch the 99 bus.

I decided to stay at the Holiday Inn for GPF since it is closer to the return bus stop, more restaurants, and to the Canada Line. If you buy a Compass Card the first day and load bus money on it then you are all set. Saturday and Sunday the buses don't run as frequently. If you stay at the Holiday, PM me closer to the time. We can arrange to meet and I will show you the ropes. It is not hard.

 

[dramagrrl]

If Vancouver had no other choice, I could understand selecting this arena. I just assumed that there would be convenient accommodation. From what I am reading here, you have to know a lot about buses and trains and be able to make connections, even walk for several minutes at night. It may seem easy to locals. It is scary to me.

I went to Canadians at this arena as a non-local with no car and while I do have to say the transportation was a bit annoying (just because of how long it took to get there from downtown and the fact that I would've liked somewhere closer to be able to squeeze in some downtown Vancouver activities in the very few breaks between events), and I would have also preferred if Vancouver were a city that had Uber or another ride-sharing service, the transit system was certainly not inconvenient. There were several buses that stopped directly in front of my hotel (which was downtown-ish, about 35-40 minutes from the UBC campus by bus) and had a stop to get off that was right in front of the arena (literally less than a 30-second walk). You don't have to walk anywhere to get a bus at night because the stop is right across from the main arena doors and several different bus routes stop there. The Vancouver transit system is, as others have said above, very clean and safe. There are automated signs and voice announcements made to announce every stop on the bus routes, so it is very difficult to get lost if you know what stop you are getting off at.

I have been to many events, including the Olympics and I have never seen a major event held in an isolated place. I also read in another thread that this is a horrible arena. Even less motivation for me to go there. Skate Canada is not representing itself very well, it seems.

Skate Canada has often held major events in places that you would likely consider "isolated". The Kitchener Auditorium, which has been host to many major events, used to literally be in the middle of nowhere - there weren't even any eating places within walking distance and no transit near the rink. It was extremely inconvenient to not have a car when attending events there. I haven't been there for awhile, and the last time I attended an event there, there was some development in the area and I think walking-distance options to food and possibly transit had improved a bit, but it was still not ideal for someone without a car. The Hershey Centre in Mississauga also hosted events back when there was literally nothing within walking distance of the arena and very poor transit options. I remember attending events there without a car and when they would kick everyone out of the rink for up to three hours between events, I had nowhere to go. I found the Thunderbird Arena at UBC much less isolated than both of the rinks I just mentioned, at least for me as a non-local who doesn't drive.

 

[Vash01]

I stayed at the Radisson Park Inn for Canadians and I am booked at the Holiday for Grand Prix.

Going to the rink from the Park Inn, the bus stop is in the same block across the street a little way down. Returning at night from the rink the bus stop at Heather is 2-3 blocks walk back to the hotel. I was by myself and never felt unsafe.

At the Holiday Inn the bus stop to the rink is on the same side of the road about 1/2-1 block away. There are tons of people around in the morning. Coming home at night the bus stop is literally right across the street if you jaywalk, and only 1/2 block from the corner to cross at the light. Always a few people around and I am sure there will be other skating fans too.

For either hotel, to catch the bus at the Thunderbird Arena it's 1.5 block walk to a bus stop or 4 block walk back to the loop where you catch the 99 bus.

I decided to stay at the Holiday Inn for GPF since it is closer to the return bus stop, more restaurants, and to the Canada Line. If you buy a Compass Card the first day and load bus money on it then you are all set. Saturday and Sunday the buses don't run as frequently. If you stay at the Holiday, PM me closer to the time. We can arrange to meet and I will show you the ropes. It is not hard.

Thank you. This definitely helps.

 

[dramagrrl]

Also, I was terrified when I heard about the rat the day before I flew to Vancouver for Canadians, because rodents of any kind are my mortal fear, but I didn't see any kind of rodent at the rink in the two full, morning-to-night days I was there. Other than that, I thought the rink was comparable to most smaller arenas (like the Kitchener Aud, which I mentioned above) and nothing major to complain about. There were the usual complaints - hard seats, long bathroom lines for women, etc. - but even the long bathroom lines moved faster/better than a lot of other events I've attended, and in terms of food, there were enough food stalls that you could avoid lineups at the main food kiosk (where there were always long lines) and still not starve. There was also a table where they were selling healthier food options for people who wanted to avoid fried food and hot dogs. Getting in and out of the arena was pretty easy and they had no problems scanning your ticket if you wanted to go out for a walk or alternate food choices and then come back. I was able to sneak outside food in a few times without getting my bag checked carefully.

I have been to Worlds and the Olympics in Vancouver before and yes, I much preferred GM Place (the 2001 Worlds venue) for sure, but between Pacific Coliseum (where the Olympic skating events were held) and the UBC arena, it's a toss up for me. PNE was a nicer arena, definitely, but it was also a pretty far bus ride from downtown and unlike the UBC rink, you can't easily walk in and out of PNE to find food, take a walk, etc. As for GM Place, it is no longer a realistic size for skating events (unless it was Worlds again, maybe, and possibly not even then) - in 2001, a major skating event could fill an arena that size, but Skate Canada tends to put events in smaller arenas now and hope for sellouts rather than putting them in big arenas and not having them sell as well.

 

[Brenda_Bottems]

I'd rather be dead in California then attending the Grand Prix Final in Vancouver!

-BB

 

[StasiyaGalustyanLove]

I'd rather be dead in California then attending the Grand Prix Final in Vancouver!

-BB

I also feel the same way as you do, although my wife and I live in New Mexico but either New Mexico or California would be better then an arena in the middle of no-where filled with toxic rodents trying to steal food and beveridges from the fans. Awful!

I am beginning to think there is some sort of conspiracy that is trying to get skating lovers to go to awful places where unless you bring multiple bullet proof clothes, guns, tasers, and safety harnesses you will have no chance at avoiding the gang members, druggists, and feral animals in mean empty law-less streets.

I was thinking about bying a ticket to go to Detroit or Vancouver or Anaheim for events in the next year/season but I think I will wait until either they go to: 1. Albuquerque, which is scary but it is near-by so I know what to get into and I can stop at the Walmart when I am there. 2. Gary, Indiana, a safe and manly city near where I did my training before I was a service man for the U.S.A. armed services.

 

[kwanfan1818]

I have been to many events, including the Olympics and I have never seen a major event held in an isolated place. I also read in another thread that this is a horrible arena. Even less motivation for me to go there. Skate Canada is not representing itself very well, it seems.

There are over 50,000 students at UBC: the campus isn't isolated. It's simply at the far-west corner of that part of Vancouver and is a big campus. One of the biggest bus exchanges in Vancouver is on campus, with many buses going there, and Thunderbird Arena is on one of the major thoroughfares on campus, a ten-minute walk from that bus exchange, which is 1/2 block from a major intersection with bustling businesses and restaurants.

Thunderbird not an NHL-sized arena with NHL arena amenities, but the last row of the arena is still like sitting at the back of the bottom section of most big arenas. As far as horrible, everyone has their own line, but I've been to way worse arenas.

It's not for everyone, though, and I'm sure you can re-sell your tickets if you decide to.

 

[ximianKernel]

Another one to consider other than hotel options, is looking at AirBNB. There are options like rooms and even guesthouses right inside UBC itself

 

[Vash01]

Another one to consider other than hotel options, is looking at AirBNB. There are options like rooms and even guesthouses right inside UBC itself

I didn't see anything on UBC campus on AirBnB. I have never used AirBnB. I find the idea of using someone's home a bit odd. Are these homes or rooms clean? If it is just a room and I have to share the rest of the house with the owners, i would feel very uncomfortable. OTOH if I registered as a host i could make some money when I am out of town, so hosting must be a good business. Of course my home would have to be spotless and it seems AirBnB even offers insurance (going OT here). It would probably not work for me though to be a host because I wouldnt lije people having wild parties in it, with booze, etc.

 

[Sylvia]

I didn't see anything on UBC campus on AirBnB. I have never used AirBnB. I find the idea of using someone's home a bit odd. Are these homes or rooms clean? If it is just a room and I have to share the rest of the house with the owners, i would feel very uncomfortable. OTOH if I registered as a host i could make some money when I am out of town, so hosting must be a good business. Of course my home would have to be spotless and it seems AirBnB even offers insurance (going OT here). It would probably not work for me though to be a host because I wouldnt lije people having wild parties in it, with booze, etc.

Here's a thread from last year in the OTBT forum: To AirBnB or not to AirBnB? That is the question...

 

[overedge]

Thank you. This definitely helps.

If you put an address into Google Maps it will show you what other businesses, including other hotels, are nearby, and it will also show where the public transit stops are.

 

[mag]

I'd rather be dead in California then attending the Grand Prix Final in Vancouver!

-BB

“than”
If you are going to insult Vancouver, at least do it with correct grammar.