2023 Skate America in Allen, Texas

[sk9tingfan]

I'll be an outlier and say that I hope Texas isn't a regularly recurring location due to their position on women's bodily autonomy, LGBTQ rights, and the number of race based mass shootings they've had in recent years. Some people may view any or all of these concerns as hypothetical; if so, I'm glad for you. For me, they're not.

And this:

https://twitter.com/sissyroxx/status/1716034935998300535

 

[Debbie S]

I'll be an outlier and say that I hope Texas isn't a regularly recurring location due to their position on women's bodily autonomy, LGBTQ rights, and the number of race based mass shootings they've had in recent years. Some people may view any or all of these concerns as hypothetical; if so, I'm glad for you. For me, they're not.

I don't approve of Texas policy on abortion rights, gun control or LGBTQ rights, either. But looking at other previous USFS event locations....in SF Bay Area (and many other cities), there have been multiple pro-Hamas demonstrations (IOW, large crowds supporting Jews being kidnapped, raped, tortured and murdered) over the past 2 weeks. In Detroit, a synagogue president was stabbed to death yesterday in front of her home (to be fair, we don't yet know the exact motive). Right now, I'm not sure I would feel safe in Detroit or San Jose.

There is a lot of shite going on right now. I wish it weren't this way. But I don't know if USFS should be expected to avoid any problematic areas, b/c there might not be too many (or any) options left.

 

[Karen-W]

People are always going to find some particular city or state objectionable on "political grounds" and it is part of what is causing even more divisiveness in American society. As far as I'm concerned, people need to get over it and support locations that are exactly like Allen as far as hotels/amenities, easy air access, arena size, etc, if they want this sport to grow or at least have decent attendance at one of the two premier skating events the USFS holds yearly.

 

[tony]

And this:

https://twitter.com/sissyroxx/status/1716034935998300535

I got told the same thing thousands of times-- no exaggeration-- over the years and also made $2.12 an hour. It's not a Texas or a Governor-specific thing. There have been people with plenty of money who say 'get a real job' or 'have your employer pay you more'.

So I did get a 'real' job.

 

[Rukia]

lol do you think the concerns are less concerning for people who live here? And are you actually trying to help us change things?? If you think we just sit back and wait for change guess again. But I'm sure we deserve nothing good.

someone please remind me to stop responding to things hahaha

 

[jlai]

I had serious concerns about going to Allen because of the mass shooting in Allen last May (several Asian Americans) and it is obvious Rep Leach is not going to do a thing about it.

I did go to Allen but my hotel room was in Dallas.
Last time I visited the area I also booked a room elsewhere.

the district is so geomandered it is so hard to find a hotel in a district not pro gun

 

[Carolla5501]

I should not have given into the temptation to get involved in a political discussion in a place where there’s no reason to have one. Have a good day.

 

[jlai]

Oh yes Allen is much more dangerous than your hometown. It’s not. If you have serious concerns about going there because of gun shooting You probably shouldn’t leave your front door.

And unfortunately, while this representative isn’t doing anything, he’s far from alone. Basically, our elected officials have decided to abdicate the problem and pretend like everybody having a gun is a solution.

You don’t know where I live nor my situation. I feel strongly about the representative and the laws he passed and supported. Ymmv

 

[AnnM]

People are always going to find some particular city or state objectionable on "political grounds" and it is part of what is causing even more divisiveness in American society. As far as I'm concerned, people need to get over it and support locations that are exactly like Allen as far as hotels/amenities, easy air access, arena size, etc, if they want this sport to grow or at least have decent attendance at one of the two premier skating events the USFS holds yearly.

Having recently unexpectedly developed an ongoing medical condition, for which certain treatment options or medication in an emergency situation may be considered illegal in TX, I won't get over it and will just stay out of the state. As much as I love skating, my access to appropriate healthcare should the immediate need arise is more important to me than access to an arena. If that makes me divisive then so be it.

No place may be perfect for every single person, but in balancing all the pros and cons, TX wasn't it for me.

 

[jlai]

To me boycotting an event is no different from boycotting goods made in Russia or China or things sold at Walmart or refusing to watch Russian competition or whatever that is that helps us feel we are taking a stand.

I think it is ok to express how I feel as long as I am not trying to paint the ‘other side’ as evil or anything other than just someone who don’t share my views

 

[Miezekatze]

Isn't Amber Glenn from Texas? I'd guess she'd prefer skating in front of a home crowd, with lots of fans waving pride flags for her instead of them sitting at home for reasons of boycotting because of their principles

Even if politics in Texas are not pleasant (I'm also a woman and queer), there's all sorts of people living everywhere and it's nicer if open minded people are open minded everywhere and not just in places that they feel the most comfortable in. (not going for a personal valid reasons and concerns is something different of course, but then i wouldn't call it "boycotting")

 

[Carolla5501]

I think this really needs to be moved someplace. It’s not a discussion of skating any longer.

I have removed my earlier post because I realized that a figure skating group is really not the place to be having this discussion.

 

[Frau Muller]

I am Orthodox Christian. If I would decide to boycott New York City, I would miss out on great culture (incl. dance). So this boycotting geographic locales due to politics makes no sense.

 

[jlai]

Isn't Amber Glenn from Texas? I'd guess she'd prefer skating in front of a home crowd, with lots of fans waving pride flags for her instead of them sitting at home for reasons of boycotting because of their principles

Even if politics in Texas are not pleasant (I'm also a woman and queer), there's all sorts of people living everywhere and it's nicer if open minded people are open minded everywhere and not just in places that they feel the most comfortable in. (not going for a personal valid reasons and concerns is something different of course, but then i wouldn't call it "boycotting")

I agree that this is beginning to be off topic.

Also I don’t think it is appropriate to label personal decisions, no matter the reason, to be open minded or not based on quick fsu sound bites.
This is a online community and we we are all different and be ok with different

 

[Debbie S]

Late in posting this....just wanted to say I had a great time at SA and thought the setup, with the hotel next to the arena, was perfect. If only the Courtyard hadn't bumped a bunch of people. Unfortunately, it's a small hotel. And like most hotels, its staffing and amenities have likely suffered due to Covid...that's a given in the hospitality industry right now.

Even for those staying further away, there were multiple places to eat across from the arena, and the weather was great. The arena temp was way too cold....I'd rank it with Reading (07 SA) as coldest comp rink ever, but other than that, I thought it was a good venue. On Saturday night, it was close to full, maybe half full on Friday and Sunday but I don't know where, other than Boston, that SA could fill a rink.

But as with all other comps, the best parts are the skating (most memorable performances for me were C/B, Kevin, and Ilia, plus Isabeau's FS) and being with friends, and meeting FSUers. @CassAgain it was great to meet you! Looking forward to seeing more FSUers in Columbus and Montreal.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

but thought Boston was terrific as an event site.

really? It seems like a mini rink…meh

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

I am in the venue and last night, was pleasantly surprised how many folks had rainbow flag and how loud the cheering was for Amber. Total love fest here

and Kevin too!!!!

you know, I think about this a lot but you know if this was going on a cup of russia, everybody would be arrested for propaganda, people may not like Texas but there’s always cup of Russia

 

[dancefan17]

really? It seems like a mini rink…meh

Was thinking TD center for worlds vs Norwood.

 

[Rukia]

and Kevin too!!!!

you know, I think about this a lot but you know if this was going on a cup of russia, everybody would be arrested for propaganda, people may not like Texas but there’s always cup of Russia

Well and I think a lot of people fail to realize that what's going on with the government of Tx just isn't reality for a lot of parts of Tx, particularly the more metropolitan areas. I'm not at all surprised by the support Kevin and Amber got because people aren't exactly hiding up here or anything haha.

 

[jlai]

Well and I think a lot of people fail to realize that what's going on with the government of Tx just isn't reality for a lot of parts of Tx, particularly the more metropolitan areas. I'm not at all surprised by the support Kevin and Amber got because people aren't exactly hiding up here or anything haha.

I think people (including me) do understand that government and people are separate.

I saw the rainbow flags too.

 

[Laura4]

From Evan Bates: "Crowd was amazing and we felt the energy and support all weekend long."

From Loena Hendrickx: "This crowd was insane..."

Sounds like the skaters were very happy with the Allen Texas crowd.

 

[sk9tingfan]

Was thinking TD center for worlds vs Norwood.

Norwood was never a contender with~3,000 seats. But, I hate the TD center. One of the most uncomfortable arenas of all and unless things have changed since 2016, insufficient number of restaurants near the arena.

 

[Spikefan]

Norwood was never a contender with~3,000 seats. But, I hate the TD center. One of the most uncomfortable arenas of all and unless things have changed since 2016, insufficient number of restaurants near the arena.

We left for Maine from North Station in September and there appeared to be several restaurants, it was early morning so not much open. We walked around as I wanted to take note of what hotels were easy walking distance. There was a decent food court in the NS terminal too. Maybe that is all new since 2016?

Edit: it is new and this is just one part as there were restaurants down side streets too. https://www.thehuboncauseway.com/

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Norwood was never a contender with~3,000 seats. But, I hate the TD center. One of the most uncomfortable arenas of all and unless things have changed since 2016, insufficient number of restaurants near the arena.

A huge shopping/dining complex was built adjacent to TD Garden in recent years so that should help. The connected T station always made it a great spot, though.

 

[Lanie]

Norwood was never a contender with~3,000 seats. But, I hate the TD center. One of the most uncomfortable arenas of all and unless things have changed since 2016, insufficient number of restaurants near the arena.

I see you have not been to the Palavela with concrete and metal seating, no backs THE WORST

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

I see you have not been to the Palavela with concrete and metal seating, no backs THE WORST

this has to be Torino?

 

[sk9tingfan]

I see you have not been to the Palavela with concrete and metal seating, no backs THE WORST

Oh, yeah. Forgot about that one. Reminds me of the rinks in Marlboro, MA that have concrete blocks. I bought a double-padded "chair" that ratcheted in half that saved my life there. Many covetous looks from other spectators then.