2011 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships
2011 BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
EVENT:
What are the 2011 BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals (Junior Nationals)?
Approximately 180 skaters in women’s, men’s, pair and ice dance disciplines compete at the novice and junior levels at the Junior Nationals. The athletes will vie for spots on the Canadian team that will compete at the 2011 ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships. This event runs January 17-20, 2011.
What are the 2011 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships (Canadians)?
Approximately 90 skaters in women’s, men’s, pair and ice dance disciplines compete at the senior level at Canadians. The athletes will vie for spots on the Skate Canada National Team and the Canadian teams that will compete at the 2011 ISU World Figure Skating Championships and 2011 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships. This event runs January 21-23, 2011.
Where are the Junior Nationals and Senior Canadians being held?
All competition events and official practices for both events will be held at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, located at 1925 Blanshard Street in Victoria, British Columbia.
Why have the junior and senior skaters been split into two events?
This new format was created as changes are made to competition timing and structure for all levels of development consistent with principles of our emerging Long Term Athlete Development model. This is the first step in moving towards this model which will improve development for all of our skaters.
What time are the events and when do the doors open?
The draft event schedule will be available in the summer of 2010. Actual competition start times are subject to change up to and including the week of the event. The doors open each day 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the first practice. The most up-to-date schedule is always posted on the Skate Canada website at www.skatecanada.ca. It is recommended that you visit our website regularly to keep track of any schedule changes. If there is a schedule change and you cannot attend, tickets are non-refundable.
I am travelling from out of town. How should I book my travel and hotel room when I don’t know the start and end times of the competition?
Depending on which events you will be attending, the following arrival and departure times are recommended to ensure you are in town for the full event:
Junior Nationals only – Arrive Sunday January 16, Depart Friday January 21
Canadians only – Arrive Thursday January 20, Depart Monday January 24
Attending both events – Arrive Sunday January 16, Depart Monday January 24
Which athletes will be competing at these events?
The full list of athlete entries will be confirmed in December 2010 upon completion of the 2011 BMO Skate Canada Western and Eastern Challenges which serve as a qualifying event. Competitors are subject to change up to and including the week of the event.
TICKET INFO:
How do I purchase tickets for the Junior Nationals and Canadians?
All-event ticket packages for each event can be purchased online at www.selectyourtickets.com, by phone at 1.866.514.5050 or in person at The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre Box Office as of Friday, June 11, 2010 at 10am PT. Junior Nationals ticket packages are $30, plus applicable surcharges and Canadians ticket packages cost $150, plus applicable surcharges. Single event session tickets will go on sale in the fall, depending on availability.
If a family member is a skater or a Skate Canada volunteer, where do I order my tickets?
You must order your tickets through the same channels as the general public. For future events, members should watch for an e-mail about the Skate Canada Advantage Program which allows Skate Canada members front-of-the-line access to all-event tickets before they go on sale to the public.
What is included in the all-event ticket packages?
The Junior Nationals ticket package includes admission to all novice and junior level competition events and official practices taking place January 17-20, 2011. This packages costs $30, plus applicable surcharges. The Canadians ticket package includes admission to all senior level competition events, official practices and the Gala Exhibition taking place January 21-23, 2011 and costs $150, plus applicable surcharges. If planning on attending multiple event sessions, the all-event ticket packages are the most economical way to purchase.
How do I obtain entry to the practice sessions?
Practice sessions are included in the price of your all-event ticket or single event session ticket. Simply present your ticket at the door on the day of the practice or event to enter. All-event ticket holders may attend all practice sessions. Single event ticket holders may attend practices taking place during the session they are holding a ticket (ie. A Saturday Day ticket gives you access to practices happening before the start of the Saturday evening session, a Saturday Evening ticket provides access to any practices happening as of the start of that session only).
Are there any discounts for groups?
There are no discounts for large orders on all-event ticket packages. Continue to visit www.skatecanada.ca for information on single event group discounts if available.
Do I receive the same seats for each event?
If purchasing the all-event ticket package for Canadians, your seat will remain the same for each event. If purchasing single event session tickets, you may or may not get the same seat based on availability. Seating for Junior Nationals is general admission.
When will I know where my seats are located?
You will be advised of your seat location when you purchase your ticket. A seating chart is available online at www.selectyourtickets.com.
What procedure is used to allocate tickets?
Ticket allocation was based upon best available seating and the customer selecting their seat at the time of purchase.
Why are my seats flagged as being partially obstructed?
Due to the construction of the two-tiered judges’ stand, commentator platform, kiss and cry and the install of television cameras, some seats may become partially obstructed in these areas. Skate Canada attempts to predict which seats may or may not be obstructed before tickets go on sale. It is uncertain which seats will be obstructed until on-site construction is complete at the event.
How can I get better seats next time?
Those who buy tickets through the Skate Canada Advantage Program offered only for Skate Canada members or who buy tickets on the day they go on sale have the best opportunity to get great seats.
Where are the wheelchair accessible seats located?
Accessible seating is located in various sections of the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. (Telephone operators and box office staff will know exact locations).
Must the wheelchair attendant purchase a ticket as well?
Yes, a ticket is required for access to the building. Only one attendant ticket is permitted per wheelchair ticket.
Do children require a ticket?
Children under two years of age do not require a ticket if they do not need a seat. If they do need a seat, a ticket must be purchased at full price.
Where is the kiss and cry located?
The kiss and cry will be constructed in front of sections 104-105.
Where is the judges’ stand located?
The judges’ stand will be constructed in front of Sections 108, 109 and 110.
When will I receive my tickets in the mail?
All tickets will be sent in October 2010 to the address given at the time the tickets were ordered. If you have not received your tickets by that time, please contact The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre box office at 250.220.7777.
Are the All-Event Ticket Packages transferable or refundable?
All-event ticket packages are NOT refundable. There will be no exceptions to this policy. The event schedule and the athletes competing are always subject to change. All event ticket packages can be broken down into separate event sessions and used by different people. No individual event session ticket can be used by more than one person per session.
POLICIES:
Can I bring my camera and take pictures during the event?
At Skate Canada events, spectators are permitted to use small still point and shoot cameras at the event for personal use only. The following are not permitted at a Skate Canada event:
- No flash photography
- No camera bags in venue
- No type of transmitter mechanism for the purpose of using a flash or strobes
- No use of professional cameras/detachable lenses
- Camera cannot interfere with other fans’ enjoyment
- Any resale of photography or posting photos on websites is strictly prohibited.
- Absolutely no video recording is allowed. Only accredited coaches and team managers may be permitted to videotape their own skater/team from rinkside during that skater’s/team’s practice or performance. If athletes wish to obtain a video of their programs, they may purchase a copy from the licensed video distributor on site if applicable.
Anyone not abiding by these restrictions risks having their camera confiscated by venue security staff. Additionally, Skate Canada staff reserves the right to restrict use of other types of cameras should they feel the quality and/or type of camera fail to protect the athletes’ and/or event’s interests.
Can I bring my own food and beverages to the event?
Outside food and beverages are NOT permitted in the arena. Concession stands will be open throughout the event.
Are there in and out privileges during each day of the event?
Yes, once inside the arena, you may leave throughout the day. It is important to keep your ticket with you to allow re-entry to the building. Be sure to check with door staff when leaving in case you require a hand stamp or special pass.
Is smoking allowed in the building?
The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre is a smoke-free building. Smoking is only permitted in exterior designated areas.
For more venue policies, visit www.saveonfoodsmemorialcentre.com.
HOTEL & TRANSPORTATION:
Are there hotels and restaurants located close to the rink?
To find a list of hotels in Victoria, British Columbia, please visit www.tourismvictoria.com.
Does Skate Canada supply transportation to and from the arena?
Skate Canada does not offer transportation to and from the arena. For information on public transportation, visit www.transitbc.com.
Is parking available at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre?
Limited amount of parking is available at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Rates vary by event. Spaces are available on a first come first served basis, with no in-out privileges. You may access the parking lot from either Caledonia Street or Pembroke Street. There are also a number of parking lots in the area surrounding the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
VOLUNTEERING:
How can I volunteer for this event?
Volunteers are needed for all areas of the event including registration, hotel and venue operations, social functions and transportation, among others. Applications and job descriptions will be posted on the Skate Canada website shortly.
Is there a minimum amount of hours required to become a volunteer?
Skate Canada asks that anyone volunteering be available for a minimum of 20 hours. If you are unable to commit 20 hours but would still like to volunteer, you may apply but priority will be given to those with greater availability and previous experience.
Will there be a training session for volunteers?
A volunteer orientation session will take place in the days leading up to the event. All volunteers are encouraged to attend as important information regarding the event and each volunteer team will be provided at this time. It is also a great way to meet and get to know your fellow volunteers!
Where can I send a question if it does not appear on this list?
If you have any questions which are not answered here, please forward them to 2011canadians@skatecanada.ca for the 2011 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships or 2011jrnats@skatecanada.ca for the 2011 BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals.
|
