2023 U.S. Nationals in San Jose

[once_upon]

The $1,220 tickets are platinum level - the $700 you are looking at is non-platinum level. The real difference between all event tickets that offer the spectacular is only about $100.

Thanks. I thought that not even the USFS could be that out of touch.
Not that I can attend, we will be traveling back from New Zealand that week. I was.just curious as to the ticket cost

 

[Frau Muller]

The $1,220 tickets are platinum level - the $700 you are looking at is non-platinum level. The real difference between all event tickets that offer the spectacular is only about $100.

“Only”? Platinum vs Non-platinum? The recession has obviously not hit FS fans. I’m planning on going Pewter Level (Peacock Streaming the competition + watching the Spectacular on NBC a week later)! Whee!!!

 

[TanithandBenFan]

The SAP Center bag policy requires bags be 5"x9"x2" or smaller. That is TINY for a skating event. Why couldn't they have the usual clear bag policy most arenas have these days.

Bag Policy | SAP Center

www.sapcenter.com

 

[beebee]

Scrolling to the questions: “While there is no limit to the number of bags you can bring in, please note that all bags must be 5"x9"x2" or smaller and fit under your seat to avoid any tripping hazards”

This policy makes little sense to me. Two or three smaller bags, as opposed to one larger bag, is ok?

 

[SkateSand]

They only want you to have room for your wallet.

 

[Spikefan]

If I were going I would be tempted to be that person. Fanny pack, crossbody, backpack and neck passport holder all that meet the size requirement.

 

[MacMadame]

The SAP Center bag policy requires bags be 5"x9"x2" or smaller. That is TINY for a skating event. Why couldn't they have the usual clear bag policy most arenas have these days.

Bag Policy | SAP Center

www.sapcenter.com

USFS often negotiates exceptions to an arena's policies for Nationals. I know at Nashville, they mostly only cared that the bag was clear. Mine was technically too wide but no one cared if they even noticed. I think it makes sense to either wait until closer to the event to see what the policies will really be or to ask for clarification if you can't wait.

 

[Carolla5501]

I carried a clear bag the first day at Nationals in Nashville. Then moved to my normal purse. No problem they seemed to let anything in

 

[ice coverage]

If anyone was waiting for anything from USFS regarding hotels ... I just noticed that the event page now has a link to "fan housing" bookable via hotelplanner.

Warning: The hotelplanner rates generally are high.
But maybe(??) it is possible that they are not quite as high as what would be currently available from other booking sites for the same hotels??
(I have not gone so far as to actually compare numbers. Am clinging to reservations that I made in March.)

2023 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships | U.S. Figure Skating

www.usfigureskating.org

 

[Debbie S]

The rates on that site for the Marriott and Westin are higher than the rates on the Marriott website. The Arena Hotel looks about the same as their website rate.

I, too, booked a hotel in March - my rate is about half the current amount, so yeah, not changing. Right now I'm planning to arrive on Wed but depending on the results of Easterns Senior Ladies , I might change my flight to Tuesday to build in an extra day buffer to make sure I'm there by Thurs afternoon, in case SW implodes again. I would probably find another hotel for that one night unless rates at my hotel drop significantly.

 

[YukiNieve]

When do they tell us more specific time/schedule? I am not asking for the detailed color-coded one; I just want to know, for example, when jr men free skate will take place on Wednesday. Now it is just listed as Wednesday, 1/25/23 on their website.

 

[Jayar]

Submitting without info about US Figure Skating policy... SAP is local to me. They enforce the heck out of the bag requirement. I have seen them measure.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

When do they tell us more specific time/schedule? I am not asking for the detailed color-coded one; I just want to know, for example, when jr men free skate will take place on Wednesday. Now it is just listed as Wednesday, 1/25/23 on their website.

Single event tickets should be going on sale soon, and that’s when actual event times are released.

 

[Aaron W]

Seems a little unusual the host for the 2024 US Figure Skating Championships still hasn’t been announced when it’s only about 15 months away. Presumably US Figure Skating will announce it relatively soon since the host would normally have a booth set up at the preceding Nationals, meaning in 3 months in San Jose. But after seeing the announcement for Boston to host the 2025 Worlds I realized the 2024 US Nationals host still hadn’t been announced.

 

[Foolhardy Ham Lint]

Seems a little unusual the host for the 2024 US Figure Skating Championships still hasn’t been announced when it’s only about 15 months away. Presumably US Figure Skating will announce it relatively soon since the host would normally have a booth set up at the preceding Nationals, meaning in 3 months in San Jose. But after seeing the announcement for Boston to host the 2025 Worlds I realized the 2024 US Nationals host still hadn’t been announced.

I heard that Tallinn is putting in a bid to host.

 

[john3lutz]

Does anyone know when San Jose championship weekend only free skate package will be sold?

 

[Willin]

Seems a little unusual the host for the 2024 US Figure Skating Championships still hasn’t been announced when it’s only about 15 months away. Presumably US Figure Skating will announce it relatively soon since the host would normally have a booth set up at the preceding Nationals, meaning in 3 months in San Jose. But after seeing the announcement for Boston to host the 2025 Worlds I realized the 2024 US Nationals host still hadn’t been announced.

USFS has recently made changes in how they want hosts to do things (I know more about the changes in synchro) that make it a lot more effort to host. Probably also why we're seeing a lot more same old, same old hosts in singles like we do for synchro - for instance Vegas Skate America several years, rotating Nationals hosts, now Boston for worlds again (seriously why not Colorado Springs, Chicago, or even SJ), and a back and forth between Lake Placid and CS every time the US hosts synchro worlds.

I would imagine there's just not enough people willing to host Nationals next year.

 

[MacMadame]

Seems a little unusual the host for the 2024 US Figure Skating Championships still hasn’t been announced when it’s only about 15 months away. Presumably US Figure Skating will announce it relatively soon since the host would normally have a booth set up at the preceding Nationals, meaning in 3 months in San Jose. But after seeing the announcement for Boston to host the 2025 Worlds I realized the 2024 US Nationals host still hadn’t been announced.

I think these days they announce it this year's Nationals. Or just before. IOW as part of the Nationals hype/marketing

ETA or maybe they just don't know until then.

 

[MacMadame]

The SAP Center has announced some new foods for 2022-23. Including... wait for it... poutine!

San Jose Sharks fans: Boozy slushes, dessert tacos and an SAP Center first, poutine

Arena expands 2022-23 offerings for hockey fans, concert-goers

www.mercurynews.com

Some excerpts:

Slush Cantina: SAP Center is joining the boozy slush trend. The frozen cocktails come in flavors like classic margarita, peach mango margarita, blue raspberry margarita, fruit punch rum runner and piña colada, and are served in yard cups.

Sharkarita: Made with Milagro Silver Tequila, the arena’s signature margarita is now served in a collectible, cocktail-shaker-style cup (with a shark fin, of course) for home use.

BRAND NEW TO SAP CENTER:

Pana: The popular Santa Cruz food truck from proprietor German Sierra is introducing hockey fans to Venezuelan stuffed cornmeal pockets: The Pabellon, with beef, cheese, black beans and plantains; the Sifrina, with chicken, cheese and avocado; and the PB, a plant-based one filled with black beans, avocado, plantains and tomato.

Izzy’s Cheesesteaks: The Izzy’s folks — that’s Mary Anne and Marvin Reyes — specialize in Philadelphia cheesesteaks on Amoroso rolls from Philly but with what they call a “a Bay twist.” That means besides The Classic, they are grilling up a spicy number called The Srirachacha and The RGM, with Christopher Ranch roasted garlic, mushrooms, grilled onions and house-made cheese sauce.

ABVE the Basics: The chefs from this restaurant inside downtown San Jose’s Rec Room are making Street Bowls and Churro Doughnuts drizzled with caramel.

El Halal Amigos: At SAP, he’s offering street tacos filled with a choice of Brisket Barbacoa, Pollo A Pastor, Carne Asada or Butternut Squash & Crispy Kale, plus nachos and chips with queso.

and much, much more!

List of vendors:

Arena Food & Beverage | SAP Center

www.sapcenter.com

 

[Cayuse]

The SAP Center has announced some new foods for 2022-23. Including... wait for it... poutine!

San Jose Sharks fans: Boozy slushes, dessert tacos and an SAP Center first, poutine

Arena expands 2022-23 offerings for hockey fans, concert-goers

www.mercurynews.com

Some excerpts:







and much, much more!

List of vendors:

Arena Food & Beverage | SAP Center

www.sapcenter.com

More variety than I've ever experienced in an arena. Nourish sounds the most healthy of the lot. Happy eating!

 

[Spikefan]

The food options are good but the drinks . Here is some extra ice and fancy cup for your drink, double the original price.

 

[Carolla5501]

More variety than I've ever experienced in an arena. Nourish sounds the most healthy of the lot. Happy eating!

You do realize that 90% of these places will ONLY be open for the Men's and Women's Free Skate event??? Don't get too excited if you are going to every event thinking you have these options based on past history

 

[Cayuse]

You do realize that 90% of these places will ONLY be open for the Men's and Women's Free Skate event??? Don't get too excited if you are going to every event thinking you have these options based on past history

Unfortunately, I have to agree with you. My past history tells me many options will not be open.

 

[peibeck]

I went to San Jose for Nats in 2012 (Ack, can't believe it was that long ago!) and most of the food places were open only for Friday, Saturday, Sunday. However, there were 2-3 options, as I recall, mid week that were decent. And there were places not far from the arena if you wanted to leave. The arena staff, at least at that time, I felt was really wonderful and I thought it was a great arena. The costs for hotels have gotten a LOT more steep, so although I'd love to have gone back to SJ for an event, not while the hotel prices are stratospheric. I'm already dreading what we might be looking at for Boston Worlds in 2025.

 

[Debbie S]

There is a Whole Foods about 2 blocks from the arena. From the FAQ on the arena website, it sounds like outside food will be allowed (the only event category where it states food can't be brought in is concerts), as it was in 2018.

 

[skatfan]

Unfortunately, I have to agree with you. My past history tells me many options will not be open.

I hope that Whole Foods down the block is still open…

 

[Debbie S]

I hope that Whole Foods down the block is still open…

According to Google Maps, it is.

 

[acraven]

Inflation alert: The charge for the self-serve food at my local Whole Foods is now $11.99 per pound. Arena food might be cheaper.

 

[kwanfan1818]

But Whole Foods food is edible.

 

[MacMadame]

But Whole Foods food is edible.

Honestly, so is a lot of the arena food at the SAP Center. They do a good job of having actual restaurants have spots there and there is a lot of variety too. (Not as much earlier in the event, ofc but even then it's on the of best I've been to.)