IMO it's nearly impossible to expect this event to be sold out. It's quite sad but figure skating in Slovakia isn't popular at all. Sometimes I feel in past there were more figure skaters than spectators... It may sound exaggerative but I just wanted pointed out that there is no chance ONT will be sold out.
Also some more info while waiting for entries and tickets sale:
official poster: https://scontent.fbts2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20881843_1447156155367311_4134964906945264154_n.jpg?oh=df3ac2cc36305afa82f2ed0c497ff44f&oe=5A308DCF
Except for a schedule (I think we can consider it really official now when they even made poster with it) there are written tickets prices (children till 12 yeras, seniors and school trips free entrance) and some interesting event on saturday, here we call it "baptism of the book" I don't know if there is something like this in other countries too, it's a situation where there is the author, "a godparent" (usually some celebrity), journalists and of course some people from the public and the book is really "baptised" - some wine or champagne is poured over it. It also happens when a new CD by a famous music group is launched. Sometimes they use also other stuff not wine, for example where there was a new CD in my music school they "baptised" it with some kind of sweets. The book is called "Ondrej Nepela on Ice and this kind of book launch should be happening (according to poster) somewhere inbetween Ice dance and Mens fp.
Finlandia is my favourite! Well organised, nice rink and facilities, reserved/numbered seats, seats go right down to the ice, and no hockey screens. Usually a very good list of entries. But Finland is not exactly the cheapest of places to visit, and ticket prices have increased substantially the last few years, to the point it's becoming "quite painful"...
). Would still love to go though, to see Wakaba and Jason Brown...
Finlandia is my favourite! Well organised, nice rink and facilities, reserved/numbered seats, seats go right down to the ice, and no hockey screens. Usually a very good list of entries. But Finland is not exactly the cheapest of places to visit, and ticket prices have increased substantially the last few years, to the point it's becoming "quite painful"...
Mind you, Finlandia tickets are still cheaper than Lombardia... blimey, that's 180 euros for the 3 days! And there are no SEATS, never mind seat NUMBERS...! Just concrete steps to sit on!
I'm booked in for Finlandia - and now I'm waiting to see the full entry lists for Ondrej Nepela and Lombardia to decide whether or not to go to one of those as well... or even both...
Question: Is it okay to bring gifts for the skaters at Ondrej Nepela (or other Challenger competitions) and throw them on the ice? I've seen it often in other competitions on TV, but don't want to arrive at these ones with Teddy Bears etc if we're not allowed
Yes, I threw in a Tigger after Jason's free 2 years ago. There are not many people in the stand, and there are few people who do so. The good thing is that there are only a few (if any) stuff getting thrown in, the skater will most surely see it and come and pick it up personally. :luv17: The only thing is, if you are watching from the judge's side the rink seems so very far away (plus there is a protective plexiglass for the hockey games which is quite high) and I was really worried about the Tigger not reaching on the ice and falling on some judge's head :eekn: Mine barely made it, thank god. So if you are not an expert at plush-hurling, try to choose something that would travel well in the air when thrown! On top of that, if you go to a practice session you can easily meet the skaters in person. You can approach them when they finish the session, or while they are warming up in the main hallway, they are usually quite accomodating, if you choose the right moment and be polite
Thank you for this extenstive advice! I know a little better what to expect now.
Maybe I should practice throwing teddy bears or something
Do you know if the practice sessions are mostly in the mornings or evenings? I had no idea you can approach the skaters then.:cool2:
I'd love to bring some handmade gifts too. Fingers privately crossed I find seats close to the ice and good accomodation.Good question...!
All fingers and toes crossed that Hongo for one doesn't withdraw. :dance: Gold, too, but I try not to be too hopeful in her case, since she's recently failed to show up at a US event.
. And it seems like there is seat booking.
