Las Vegas, Nevada to host 2019 Skate America!

[4rkidz]

Elaborating on my own post:
By the time that Skate America begins, the JGP will have wrapped up...so we’ll know Alysa Liu’s results and impact. If she’s at the top of the standings, you can bet that at least she’ll be invited to the exhibition gala.

I’m excited to go to lake placid to see her debut as I will put money her being the USA chosen skater although several excellent juniors with the current crop

 

[sk8nlizard]

About how much are tickets for GPs? When I told my mom it was in Vegas she immediately wanted to go. She said she can get a room on the strip comped. As long as my husband can watch the kids, I’m there! I just need to know cost as we have a NYC and possible Europe trip planned for 2019 already!

 

[TanithandBenFan]

About how much are tickets for GPs? When I told my mom it was in Vegas she immediately wanted to go. She said she can get a room on the strip comped. As long as my husband can watch the kids, I’m there! I just need to know cost as we have a NYC and possible Europe trip planned for 2019 already!

A good seat in the lower level (not first few rows) usually runs around $200.

 

[sk8nlizard]

A good seat in the lower level (not first few rows) usually runs around $200.

$200 for all the events?

 

[TanithandBenFan]

$200 for all the events?

Yep!

 

[sk8pics]

I just booked a room at the Orleans. Coming in on the 16th and leaving on the 21st. Refundable until October 14, if I change my mind.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

The website has been updated and says ticket information and special hotel pricing will be released on April 12.

 

[jkl]

Southwest Airlines has opened their schedule for the whole month of October. Not my favorite airline but the only airline to have a non stop from my home airport to Las Vegas.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Southwest Airlines has opened their schedule for the whole month of October. Not my favorite airline but the only airline to have a non stop from my home airport to Las Vegas.

And all the nonstop flights to my home airport are sold out already for the return on Monday. WTH?? There must be a big convention here that week or something.

 

[SidelineSkater]

Any guesses on what time the first session will start Friday? Likely the evening based on previous SA schedules?

 

[Debbie S]

Southwest Airlines has opened their schedule for the whole month of October. Not my favorite airline but the only airline to have a non stop from my home airport to Las Vegas.

Thanks for the heads-up. Must have happened in the past couple of days - I checked over the weekend and it was still only up to Oct 1. Spirit also flies nonstop to Vegas from my airport. I may fly them going and take SW going home, b/c the prices are a lot less (but I do need to use that credit on SW). SW usually drops prices a bit closer to the date, although these are in line with what I'm seeing for dates in the near future.

And all the nonstop flights to my home airport are sold out already for the return on Monday. WTH?? There must be a big convention here that week or something.

And both morning nonstops from my airport to Vegas on the 17th are marked sold out (in less than a week?) - WTF? Even more reason to take Spirit. A couple returning flights on the 21st are also blocked but they aren't the ones I'd take anyway.

I still haven't decided if I'm going, will decide between now and the ticket sale date. I wonder what other places I could fly on SW and book between now and November. They don't fly to Montreal.

 

[AnnM]

Southwest Airlines has opened their schedule for the whole month of October. Not my favorite airline but the only airline to have a non stop from my home airport to Las Vegas.

Thanks for the heads up. Just booked my flight!

 

[sk8pics]

Wow, crazy so many flights are sold out. I am thinking now about combining Las Vegas with a trip to Albuquerque, which I've wanted to do for awhile. I can fly nonstop to Albuquerque, then non stop from Albuquerque to Las Vegas, then home. Will ponder over the weekend.
@Debbie S If you go, maybe we can catch the same flight, at least on the way home.

 

[miffy]

I’m definitely going My sister and brother in law want to go to Vegas so they are going to meet me out there for a few days after the skating finishes.

Can’t wait! I’ve never been to the west side of America at all.

 

[Kasey]

Can’t wait! I’ve never been to the west side of America at all.

Keep in mind that Vegas does not account for 95% of Nevada total...(sayeth the proud Northern Nevadan!)

 

[Japanfan]

Keep in mind that Vegas does not account for 95% of Nevada total...(sayeth the proud Northern Nevadan!)

Having driven through Nevada south from Reno, I'll note that the 95% you refer to is a lot of barren landscape punctuated by brothels just off the highway, their lights beckoning in the empty expanse.

Does have its own sort of beauty, however.

 

[peibeck]

The website has been updated and says ticket information and special hotel pricing will be released on April 12.

In other words, USFSA will put SKAM tickets on sale right before 2020 Worlds tickets go on sale.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

In other words, USFSA will put SKAM tickets on sale right before 2020 Worlds tickets go on sale.

Worlds tickets go on sale in May, so they're giving us a whopping whole month.

 

[peibeck]

Worlds tickets go on sale in May, so they're giving us a whopping whole month.

Two weeks between announcements of when tickets go on sale. So maybe less than a month. Still seems like a bit of a pissing contest to me.

 

[Vash01]

Southwest Airlines has opened their schedule for the whole month of October. Not my favorite airline but the only airline to have a non stop from my home airport to Las Vegas.

Southwest is my number one airline for domestic flights. I use other airlines only if SWA does not fly there. We have many low fare flights to Vegas from Phoenix, but right now it doesn't look like I will attend SA there this year.

 

[Kasey]

Having driven through Nevada south from Reno, I'll note that the 95% you refer to is a lot of barren landscape punctuated by brothels just off the highway, their lights beckoning in the empty expanse.

Does have its own sort of beauty, however.

Seems like wide open spaces, with snow capped mountains, hidden lakes and fields of wildflowers is it's "own kind of beauty", yes indeed.

 

[Japanfan]

Seems like wide open spaces, with snow capped mountains, hidden lakes and fields of wildflowers is it's "own kind of beauty", yes indeed.

And those funny looking twisty trees? What are they called? Joshua trees, maybe?

I'll add that sometimes there can be too much open space. Having traveled/driven through the Canadian prairies multiple times, I would say that once is enough for a lifetime. The allure of canola fields wears off fairly quickly.

 

[SkateSand]

The SA website has now listed ticket prices and on sale dates (for all event as well as individual), and also added spectator hotel prices for The Orleans:

https://www.2019skateamerica.com/

It looks like there are also packages for men and pairs or ladies and ice dance. I don't think I've seen that option before.

Edited to add there is a tentative schedule listed, too.

 

[HeatherC]

Of course the tickets and the reduced hotel rate bookings start when I'm out of town on a road trip...this is how my life goes lately, LMAO I guess I'll be buying our tickets and booking at the lower rate while we're on our way home. Good thing I'm not the driver of this road trip, LOL

 

[miffy]

I’m sorry if this is a silly question. In the hotel section it says there is free WIFI in a coffee shop etc. Does that mean you can’t get WIFI in your room? Or that you can if you pay for it?

 

[all_empty]

I’m sorry if this is a silly question. In the hotel section it says there is free WIFI in a coffee shop etc. Does that mean you can’t get WIFI in your room? Or that you can if you pay for it?

I am in Vegas all the time. I'm literally in Vegas right now lol.

Since there are resort fees, you should have WiFi in your room.

This is confirmed in the room descriptions:

https://www.orleanscasino.com/stay/rooms-and-suites/deluxe-king-room

https://www.orleanscasino.com/stay/rooms-and-suites/deluxe-two-queens

Note, resort fees are non-negotiable. They suck but all Vegas hotels have them. Just be glad you don't have to pay for parking.

Happy to give more tips as the event nears but in general:

- Ubers are cheaper than cabs
- It's very walkable but be safe -- some parts of Vegas are unsafe
- Everything is designed to take money from you -- if you gamble set aside a set amount.
- Planning your meals in advance is recommended. There are grocery stores and CVS. Restaurant food can be expensive -- I just paid $30 for noodles that would've cost $15 elsewhere
- Vegas.com and Groupon have great deals on attractions. MGM had a deal where you could see three attractions for $53 (i.e. Mandalay Bay Aquarium, Circus Circus, etc.)

Happy to answer any questions via DM.

 

[Frau Muller]

It looks like there are also packages for men and pairs or ladies and ice dance. I don't think I've seen that option before...

I’ve seen that only for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics but skating at an Olympics is so spread out over two+ weeks...and so very expensive.

 

[jkl]

Has anyone stayed at the Orleans Hotel? Yes the rates are good but some travel site reviews are painting a poor picture of the hotel. I am guessing the convenience is worth it, though.

 

[Kasey]

So, if you don't mind missing practices, you can get tickets to all events for $70 less. That may be what I do, buy both sets of paired session tickets.

Has anyone stayed at the Orleans Hotel? Yes the rates are good but some travel site reviews are painting a poor picture of the hotel. I am guessing the convenience is worth it, though.

I stayed at the Orleans, but it was probably 5-6 years ago. I found it to be comfortable and nice for the conference I was at.

 

[Carolla5501]

Thanks for the heads-up. Must have happened in the past couple of days - I checked over the weekend and it was still only up to Oct 1. Spirit also flies nonstop to Vegas from my airport. I may fly them going and take SW going home, b/c the prices are a lot less (but I do need to use that credit on SW). SW usually drops prices a bit closer to the date, although these are in line with what I'm seeing for dates in the near future.

And both morning nonstops from my airport to Vegas on the 17th are marked sold out (in less than a week?) - WTF? Even more reason to take Spirit. A couple returning flights on the 21st are also blocked but they aren't the ones I'd take anyway.

I still haven't decided if I'm going, will decide between now and the ticket sale date. I wonder what other places I could fly on SW and book between now and November. They don't fly to Montreal.

Personally if my only option is Spirit, I stay home! Make sure you are very aware of their "rules" and seating. I am not spending that much time being miserable LOL!