Selfishly, it would be my dream come true if Skate America was held in Pittsburgh, or at least somewhere within driving distance for me. Its very difficult for me travel long distances during GP season, so all of these West Coast destinations have been really cramping my style.
Brisbane, which is still a fair distance from Sydney, nearly 1000km!
Mexico City also has bad air quality. Add that to elevation, you could have really dangerous conditions for skaters.They'd be carrying skaters off the ice on stretchers.
Some altitudes (rounded to nearest 50 ft):
Salt Lake City. 4250 ft
Colorado Springs 6050 ft
Mexico City 7350 ft
At least you didn't suggest Cuzco, which is 11,150 ft.
Believe me, when you get off the plane in Cuzco, you feel like you've aged about 30 years. And that's not attempting anything athletic.
London
Cologne
Berlin
Edinburgh
Amsterdam
I'd like to see an Event in Orlando Florida or Branson Missouri. Both of these cities have plenty for the entire family to do. I can sit through hours of skating but, it may not fun for the entire family. This way, everyone has something to do.
Mexico City also has bad air quality. Add that to elevation, you could have really dangerous conditions for skaters.
Fyi. Many skaters have exercise induced asthma. Having them skate there -yikes!
Orlando, Florida, I totally get that. A month-long holiday there was not enough to do everything I wanted!
But, pray tell, what kind of amazingly brilliant famous touristy things does Branson, Missouri have going for it? I mean, other than, presumably, your house? ;-)
Branson is an Ozark town in southwest Missouri known as a family vacation destination. Its 76 Country Boulevard is famously lined with theaters, which once hosted mostly country music performers but today present diverse entertainment. Also along the strip are the Marvel Cave, the Wild West-style Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction and Silver Dollar City, an 1800s-themed amusement park with live music.
Orlando, Florida, I totally get that. A month-long holiday there was not enough to do everything I wanted!
But, pray tell, what kind of amazingly brilliant famous touristy things does Branson, Missouri have going for it? I mean, other than, presumably, your house? ;-)
Destroy this rigid ancient competition structure ...
This means abandoning the notion of figure skating as an Olympic sport. It is the certification of the ISU by the International Olympic Committee that dooms all rebellion and coups (such as the ill-fated World Skating Federation attempt in 2002).
Maybe after the Olympic Games concept collapses (too expensive -- no one is willing to host it).
The Osmond Family (If you're old enough) has a theater there as well.
Tennis DOES exist in the Olympics and ATP/WTA have agreements with IOC.
... money talks. Especially to IOC members.