2025 U.S. Nationals in Wichita, KS & Skate America returns to Allen, TX in 2024

[Gayo]

Get this! I just called the Hilton Garden Inn and they have a shuttle! We are to call when we get ready to land and they will come and get us. They will also take us to a grocery store so I can stock up on my very necessary Diet Coke! I did ask if the shuttle would take us to Intrust Arena. She said that the Arena was so close that it can be difficult to get in and out of the area. I must go by the bank tomorrow and get some of those green bills to tip with. I thought shuttles went out with the pandemic but glad to know one still exists.

Fantastic news! Thanks for checking. I always assume those shuttles are a thing of the past.

 

[acraven]

I talked to the Hilton Garden Inn about the shuttle earlier today. I'd suggest some tempering of expectations. As I understand it, the shuttle's priority is moving airline crews between the airport and the hotel. They set the staffing schedule for the following week on Wednesday or Thursday, apparently depending on the arrival and departure times of airline personnel. The shuttle isn't staffed all the time. My guess is that it's more likely to be available in the morning, but if airline personnel need it, we'll be out of luck.

 

[Sylvia]

Banners going up at Intrust Bank Arena for major event (Jan. 14): https://www.ksn.com/sports/banners-going-up-at-intrust-bank-arena-for-major-event/

This week, Visit Wichita and Intrust Bank Arena are getting ready for all the attention. On Tuesday, workers were hanging banners on the light poles outside Intrust Bank Arena. On Thursday, they will install the ice, which will be built up in layers on top of the arena’s hockey ice. They will also put up the signs inside the arena.

 

[acraven]

This is second-hand info but from a reliable source: The volunteers have been told the practice rink in Wichita has no seats, so the general public will not be admitted--just parents.

 

[skatfan]

This is second-hand info but from a reliable source: The volunteers have been told the practice rink in Wichita has no seats, so the general public will not be admitted--just parents.

On This Week in Skating they said Not even the press was going to be able to get in.

 

[Jarrett]

I have an extra reservation at the Hilton garden in for January 21 to 26 at the $159 rate. I don’t remember even booking this hotel but they sent me a reminder. I have seen other transferring/assuming other peoples reservations in the past so if anyone needs a room for those dates please let me know. You might be able to extend or modify the reservation dates itself as well.

 

[jlai]

I could use a cheaper room but I am only there for two days

 

[bobmcm]

This is second-hand info but from a reliable source: The volunteers have been told the practice rink in Wichita has no seats, so the general public will not be admitted--just parents.

If you look at the Wichita Ice Center website, the pictures show one of the rinks definitely has seats on one side. They have 2 rinks Olympic and NHL. Perhaps one has no seats, but the other certainly does- they had a Holiday show and sold tickets.

 

[Spikefan]

If you look at the Wichita Ice Center website, the pictures show one of the rinks definitely has seats on one side. They have 2 rinks Olympic and NHL. Perhaps one has no seats, but the other certainly does- they had a Holiday show and sold tickets.

Photos on Google maps show bleachers at the other. Maybe only two or three rows but it’s not like there are a ton of us.

 

[jkl]

Thanks @bobmcm and @Spikefan. Those are very nice seats on the website. Bleacher seats are the norm in practice rinks. My guess is someone doesn’t want to fool with spectators.

 

[Sylvia]

2-minute video report by KAKE TV (ABC affiliate in Wichita) yesterday:

Wichita hosts SkateFest ahead of U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Olympic figure skater Gracie Gold joined Visit Wichita and U.S. Figure Skating to host SkateFest, a free event introducing local kids to ice skating.

www.kake.com

USFS' SkateFest event with Gracie Gold on Jan. 11 was held in the Olympic-sized rink at the Wichita Ice Center (you can see the seating in video linked above).

The NHL-sized rink is where the Nationals official practices will be.

 

[acraven]

An update on the shuttle at the Hilton Garden Inn:

It's suggested that you call and provide your name, flight number and expected arrival time. I'd do that during the day shift Mon-Fri; that person seems sharp. You'll need to call again after you arrive and are ready to be picked up. It seems they'll send an Uber or the equivalent for you if the shuttle isn't running at the time or is otherwise occupied.

I'm arriving Sunday night; I'll post again if my experience plays out differently.

 

[ice coverage]

Wichita restaurant is promoting Nats with special menu items (from Jan 15 to 25) inspired by Brian Boitano's cookbook:

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

ETA:​

Probably not incidentally, it is the same establishment where Memorial Fund reception will be held on Sat Jan 25.​

 

[Jarrett]

I could use a cheaper room but I am only there for two days

I mean if you can use it for any amount that would be great. I doubt if I cancel it they are going to release the room at that price to anyone at this point. You can message me if you are interested and I will send you the reservation number and you can call the hotel otherwise I am just going to cancel it by Saturday.

 

[Lanie]

@Jarrett I wonder if it could be changed as I get in in the 24th and had wanted to book there but it was crazy pricey.

 

[Jarrett]

@Jarrett I wonder if it could be changed as I get in in the 24th and had wanted to book there but it was crazy pricey.

jlai is going to call and see if they can modify it for themselves. If they don't do that I'll let you know.​

 

[TanithandBenFan]

I was supposed to arrive on Tuesday but there's a forecasted ice/snow storm for south Louisiana on Tuesday, so I just changed my arrival to Monday. We haven't had snow since 2008 so I'm bummed I won't be here for it. I'm kind of hoping all the forecasts are wrong, but I couldn't wait any longer as there aren't many seats left on the flights. It only cost me extra air miles and hotel points to bump up my arrival, but I will have to wake up at 2am for my flight now.

 

[Sylvia]

Visit Wichita shared this area parking info on social media today:

Where to park and how to get around in downtown Wichita

Thousands of people will be visiting downtown Wichita during the 2025 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January 2025 at INTRUST Bank Arena and many activities will be available for visitors and locals alike. If you’re attending, take a look at this guide on how to get around and...

www.visitwichita.com

 

[peibeck]

I was supposed to arrive on Tuesday but there's a forecasted ice/snow storm for south Louisiana on Tuesday, so I just changed my arrival to Monday. We haven't had snow since 2008 so I'm bummed I won't be here for it. I'm kind of hoping all the forecasts are wrong, but I couldn't wait any longer as there aren't many seats left on the flights. It only cost me extra air miles and hotel points to bump up my arrival, but I will have to wake up at 2am for my flight now.

Better to get up ungodly early and arrive safely than be stuck for an extra day or more due to the polar vortex wreaking havoc this weekend and early next week. Safe travels to you and everyone traveling to Wichita!!!

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Better to get up ungodly early and arrive safely than be stuck for an extra day or more due to the polar vortex wreaking havoc this weekend and early next week. Safe travels to you and everyone traveling to Wichita!!!

And I will be well rested and ready to groove at the late Junior RD Tuesday night!

 

[b-man]

USFS' SkateFest event with Gracie Gold on Jan. 11 was held in the Olympic-sized rink at the Wichita Ice Center (you can see the seating in video linked above).

The NHL-sized rink is where the Nationals official practices will be.

So, is the NHL sized rink without the seats? I planned on arriving at Wichita at noon on Wednesday so I could watch two practice sessions, afternoon and evening, of championship women.

 

[YukiNieve]

I also had to change my flight - it will snow here on Sunday, the day I'd be supposed to leave. This is the third time since December that I have had to reschedule my trips due to weather or something else - should I pray to the Travel Goddess?

I debated whether to leave on Saturday or Monday, but I want to see the juniors, so I decided to leave tomorrow (Saturday).

Now I have a day to spend on Sunday - other than working remotely - what am I gonna do all day?

 

[Debbie S]

Yeah, now they're saying 3-5 inches on Sunday.

Oh feck, now I'm seeing one forecast calling for "light snow" on Tuesday (the day i fly) but not until late afternoon, my flight leaves at 7:30 am. The other forecasts (including local) don't mention snow at all. Should I pray to Yuki's Travel Goddess?

ETA: Windchill Tuesday morning will be -1 (yes, Fahrenheit). I may freeze on my way to the airport.

 

[YukiNieve]

I have a question for those of you familiar with the area:
Are there Lyfts running in addition to Ubers?

I don't feel like waiting outside in -16C (3F) for a ride after practices or competitions are over. I really hope I can stay inside the rink until I see that my ride is coming right there.

 

[Spikefan]

I have a question for those of you familiar with the area:
Are there Lyfts running in addition to Ubers?

I don't feel like waiting outside in -16C (3F) for a ride after practices or competitions are over. I really hope I can stay inside the rink until I see that my ride is coming right there.

There is Lyft.

 

[HeatherC]

I don't think we're supposed to have much snow around our departure time on Wednesday AM but honestly, we've had snow on the ground for almost two weeks now b-c the big snowfall we got hasn't melted much due to our cold temps so any new snow we get is just gonna cover up what's still on the ground. It is definitely gonna be SUPER cold when we fly out though so layering will be my friend that day. I am very glad I have TSA Pre-Check so I don't have to take off all my layers when I go through security at the airport, LOL

Safe travels everyone and I cannot wait to see you in Wichita!

 

[Sylvia]

KWCH 12 Wichita new video report from outside and inside the INTRUST Bank Arena showing the ice being prepared (Jan. 17):

Wichita gears up for U.S. Figure Skating Championships at INTRUST Bank Arena

The event takes place from January 20 to 26, bringing some of the country’s top skaters to Wichita, along with an estimated $8 million boost to the local economy.

www.kwch.com

3-minute video from "Living Oklahoma" featuring Visit Wichita's Director Public Relations, Jemelle Holopirek (she's also in the above video), who made the trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma (2.5 hours away) to promote Nationals:

Figure Skating Championships are coming to Wichita

If you are figure skating fan, the 2025 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships are will be in Wichita.For more information, visit:VisitWichita.com

ktul.com

 

[Spikefan]

This was a Wichita tourism video from 2019 that played here constantly. DH hated it but I loved the song and wanted to go. We be going to Wichita.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

 

[Moto Guzzi]

NM, wrong thread

 

[YukiNieve]

I arrived Wichita tonight.

C-O-L-D.

There were no taxis, and because of the flight delay that made me get there after 9:30pm, no one was waiting for Uber/Lyft. You have to wait for them outside near the parking lot, and to get there, you need to walk about 5 minutes (It was -10C/14F with wind!). I thought I was going to freeze to death, lol.

There were also no shops open in the terminal at that time.

So if you are arriving late at night, I recommend:
-Call your hotel to see if they can send you a shuttle bus
-Buy food at the airport (for dinner) before boarding the flight to Wichita.