Skate America 2021 Returns to Las Vegas

[MacMadame]

chest money

At least these days a lot of places are touchless when it comes to Credit Cards.

 

[maatTheViking]

Can't I just put one of those expandable reusable shopping bags into my clear bag, then past security unfold it and put my clear bag inside?

 

[sk9tingfan]

Customer service people (clerks, sales staff, etc) don't like to handle sweaty chest money/cards

Never pulled out my card in public view.

 

[Kateri]

Never pulled out my card in public view.

I am absolutely taking this to mean that you shimmied your cleavage over the contactless scanner.

 

[overedge]

My main concern about the clear bag is carrying my DL and credit cards where everyone can see those. I don't use my iPhone to buy things.

All you have to do is turn them over so that the information isn't visible. Or put them in a little paper envelope or something that the security guards can look into when you go through the gates.

 

[sk9tingfan]

I am absolutely taking this to mean that you shimmied your cleavage over the contactless scanner.

I made sure the girls were not in full display!

 

[acraven]

I am obsessive about avoiding unnecessary weight in all my travel gear. I hate the RFID-blocking scam because those purses are heavier as well as overpriced. Everything thing I've read from an informed source says it's a solution to a non-existent problem. Just say no!

 

[MacMadame]

Can't I just put one of those expandable reusable shopping bags into my clear bag, then past security unfold it and put my clear bag inside?

Okay, this is funny. My post had a whole section that I erased about how I was going to do that so I had a bigger bag to hold my layers as I took them on and off as the temp changed. I deleted it at the last minute.

So, yeah, good idea!

ETA supposedly someone can read your RFID chip from 10 ft away. So why is it when I used a card with said chip, I can't get it to read unless I put it right against the reader and in the exact position?

 

[maatTheViking]

ETA supposedly someone can read your RFID chip from 10 ft away. So why is it when I used a card with said chip, I can't get it to read unless I put it right against the reader and in the exact position?

Super hackers

 

[overedge]

Can't I just put one of those expandable reusable shopping bags into my clear bag, then past security unfold it and put my clear bag inside?

I don't see why not. AFAIK the purpose of the clear bag is to speed up the security checks. I doubt that security cares what you carry around once you're past the gates, if they've already looked through it when you went in.

 

[Habs]

Oh I've been there before and it's beautiful! I hope you guys have a great trip!

My mom and I are going to see Mat Franco's show on Thursday night (I believe he was the first magician to win America's Got Talent several years ago) and I'm SUPER excited because he's so good and I've long wanted to see his show!

My mom and I saw Mat Franco's show when we were in Vegas for Skate America in 2019. It was GREAT, you won't be disappointed!

 

[MacMadame]

Since many of us booked flights based on the original schedule, I'm thinking a bunch of us will be in Vegas both Wed. evening and/or most of Thursday looking for stuff to do.

Do we want to have an FSU get-together? Maybe to the Neon Museum because it's 90% outside. They have tours, a night-time lights show or you can go through it at your own pace. More info:

https://secure.neonmuseum.org/events

ETA there is also a newish casino that is smoke free, if people want to check that out.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Does anyone remember if they allowed food at the tables out by the hotel pool? I was hoping to take some meals out there to minimize indoor dining.

 

[Vash01]

I am arriving Thursday afternoon.

 

[HeatherC]

We aren't getting to Vegas until Wednesday evening and since we're flying from the east coast, I don't anticipate having too much energy that night to meet up with anyone, LOL (Last time we flew out there I was in bed and asleep by 8:30 PM that night....darn time change, LOL)

I wouldn't mind doing a meet up at some point while we're out there but it might be easier to do it somewhere at the Orleans since a lot of us won't have cars and will already be in the building. Just a thought.

 

[maatTheViking]

I'm arriving Thursday afternoon. I think a meetup Friday before comp would be fun? I don't know how many of the practices I'd want to attend.

I'm trying to figure out what to do. I love eating out and I've few issues doing it alone, but I'm worried many of the celebrity chefs Vegas restaurants are both very big (will I take the additional risk?) and not actually worth it?

 

[Vash01]

I'm arriving Thursday afternoon. I think a meetup Friday before comp would be fun? I don't know how many of the practices I'd want to attend.

I'm trying to figure out what to do. I love eating out and I've few issues doing it alone, but I'm worried many of the celebrity chefs Vegas restaurants are both very big (will I take the additional risk?) and not actually worth it?

I hardly ever eat dinner in Vegas because I am too full after just one of their buffets. I am open to a get together during day. Evening - depends on how much time there is between sessions. I do have an appointment Friday morning (not skating related). I am hoping it will be short.

 

[overedge]

I'm trying to figure out what to do. I love eating out and I've few issues doing it alone, but I'm worried many of the celebrity chefs Vegas restaurants are both very big (will I take the additional risk?) and not actually worth it?

IIRC at least some of the chef restaurants are located in lobbies or atriums that have a lot of open space - like the Wolfgang Puck restaurant in the Crystals Mall. Those might be safer than a restaurant in a separate enclosed space.

 

[Vash01]

My other clear bag arrived today. It is slightly shorter than the first one, but it has three compartments, which makes it more convenient. However, if I want to carry a program and a blanket in it, it is too small for that. The other bag doesn't have compartments, so it can hold more stuff. For me at least the warm clothes are a must. I am not used to cold weather (near the skating).

I may bring both bags and use the one that fits. I can try out at home - can it hold my hat, scarf, etc.? I think they both can.

I am rather excited about these bags. A few weeks ago I didn't know they existed.

 

[MCsAngel2]

Does anyone know how difficult it is to get a cab AT the Orleans hotel, to go back to the airport? I know it's off the strip quite a ways, so I don't want to automatically assume they have a cab stand like the other hotels on the strip do.

 

[Vash01]

Does anyone know how difficult it is to get a cab AT the Orleans hotel, to go back to the airport? I know it's off the strip quite a ways, so I don't want to automatically assume they have a cab stand like the other hotels on the strip do.

I have not tried this particular hotel but I think the concierge can help you call a cab. I plan on going to the front of the hotel and call Lyft/Uber each evening after the competition. I think you can also get phone numbers of taxis ahead and call them When needed. I never had difficulty getting a taxi there. Taxis in Vegas tend to be expensive but the airport is very close. It shouldn't matter.

 

[MCsAngel2]

I've never ever done Uber or Lyft before, not sure if I want this trip to be the first time I try it (as I'll be traveling alone). I know there's still plenty of cabs in Vegas these days, Uber/Lyft notwithstanding.

 

[Vash01]

I've never ever done Uber or Lyft before, not sure if I want this trip to be the first time I try it (as I'll be traveling alone). I know there's still plenty of cabs in Vegas these days, Uber/Lyft notwithstanding.

Uber, Lyft, Taxi all are safe options. You will need to get the apps for Uber and Lyft, with your credit card number. I don't use them often, but it is convenient.

 

[MCsAngel2]

Uber, Lyft, Taxi all are safe options. You will need to get the apps for Uber and Lyft, with your credit card number. I don't use them often, but it is convenient.

Oh, I have the apps. Just never used them!

 

[AnnM]

I took Lyft last time between the strip and the Orleans. Never had a problem getting a ride and there was usually a decent sized group waiting at the pick up point (which was behind the arena, not the front of the hotel) after events. Terry Gannon was even out there with his daughter one day.

 

[Luckyu2]

what's the temperature like inside the arena? Do I need to bring a warm coat?

 

[Aceon6]

For those thinking of ways to store their layers without adding weight, I always bring a drawstring garbage bag, stuff my coat and extras into it, and store it under my seat.

 

[Carolla5501]

I've never ever done Uber or Lyft before, not sure if I want this trip to be the first time I try it (as I'll be traveling alone). I know there's still plenty of cabs in Vegas these days, Uber/Lyft notwithstanding.

After one of the scariest most horrifying experiences ever I don't use cabs in Vegas. It turned out the driver was just totally lost but he had no idea where he was going and had me in a very strange section of the city. When he finally got me to my destination (at twice the cost because he didn't turn off the meter while he randomly drove through places I didn't want to be) I paid the bill and gave him a tip of "Buy a GPS unit"

IMHO Uber and Lyft are safer in Vegas.

Also in 2019 the Uber/Lyft pickup were not at the front desk but at a side door as I recall.

 

[Vash01]

I took Lyft last time between the strip and the Orleans. Never had a problem getting a ride and there was usually a decent sized group waiting at the pick up point (which was behind the arena, not the front of the hotel) after events. Terry Gannon was even out there with his daughter one day.

I was thinking that front of the hotel would be easy to find a ride. Not so? I try to avoid long queues.

 

[Vash01]

what's the temperature like inside the arena? Do I need to bring a warm coat?

For any ice skating event, I bring winter clothes. Too cold for me, regardless of which rink it is or where.