Is nationals worth the money, and bother? or is TV best seat?

[skateluvr]

I am really wanting to see at least the ladies live. This will mean I have someone take me, pay for hotel, food, tickets, or brave it on my own. I really would love to see ladies live and know this will be the only time I will see a high leve;l comp. I wish I had gone last time they were in Boston. I am not sure what year that was but if it was 2000 I had uterine cancer, and a long convalescence cuz basically they cut you in half! So I know If I take the bus, What Hotel is affordable near TD garden? Also, the close to ice tickets are sold out. I think Ladies starts at 7 pm, so I'd have to stay over. If I saw 3 event finals, I think that means two nights. The website did not say what Gala tickets cost. I doubt they will broadcast the gala.

I'd love to see men's sp and Lp and ID FD and ladies sp and Lp. The lower price tickets are cheap enough, but if the venue is huge, cheaper tix mean binoculars, and one might as well watch on Tv or internet.

Still it will be thrilling I'm sure. I ask here as everyone reads the edge before event folders. I just checked hotels for new years eve and they skyrocket. Has anyone going found a good hotel? I never see much difference with expedia etc.

I'd really like to know the best hotel value if we have budget travelers. ( I suspect I am one of the only poor GS fans-but-if a hotel can be found. I'd then rely on them or someone here to say best way (cab? T?) to get around to venue. I never get to Boston, even if I'd get better medical care and do not know my way around after 30 years of disability. So, any good hotel? I need a good bed and close access to decent food. (diabetic). What have you all found. This is the Olympic team, so I wold be thrilled to even see ID FD and ladies Free and mens free and gala if not too much. Or skip gala. I do not know if this event hikes the winter prices the way New Years First night does. There have to be some bargains. But if good seats are gone, I don't want to be in the back. I wonder if a single can sneak down. I used to travel to foreign countries alone, but I am a different person than her. If anyone has found the "cheap way to do Nationals. If my brther decides to come from Hawaii after cancelled trip, that blows it, so I have been waiting til last minute to decide, buy event tickets. I assume many hotels will let you cancel with a fee? It is very close, so I appreciate any info. Even if I saw ladies final, and got a decent priced hotel, it would be very exciting and once in a lifetime. Thanks for any info this late in. And may the odds of a good deal be in my favor. (Hunger Games 2!)

 

[LiamForeman]

I strongly considered attending Nationals this year. You can always get tickets, and if you are pushy like me, you can move down as the event gets going. As far as hotels go, well, you'd be better off going out of the area about fifteen to twenty minutes. Some hotels have shuttles to the arena.

I used to go to every Olympic year Nationals. The pressure is palpable, so much is on the line, an entire career hinges on an edge. And when it is heartbreaking when you see a skater implode and it all goes down the drain, when a skater or pair hits under the pressure, it's electric. I remember in 2006 (or was it 2002) when Baldwin and partner were no way going to the Olympics, but they threw a hail Mary with that throw3axel and landed it and what was a boring mediocre performance instantly became magic. That was the moment of that Nationals for me.

Good luck! And if you do attend, have a great time. It's really a thrill to see and feel firsthand these athletes throwing down or throwing up. hehe

 

[samson]

I was 11 last time nationals were in Boston I went to the the pairs free and ladies sp (my parents would only get tickets to one event, and the ladies free skate was just about sold out). It was by far worth it. The pairs free was pretty uninspired (I think I remember John and Kyoko winning even while ending their program with a botched pairs spin), but Michelle's East of Eden was easily worth the price of the ticket. Just extraordinary and the feeling in the air was magical. I still remember the whole moment. Sarah Hughes was also great, but the other special moment that night was Angela Nikodinov. She was so brilliant, and for my money should have been second in the sp. And of course it was a joy to see Jenny Kirk skate in Boston while she was still at Skating Club of Boston (and Bebe Liang's senior debut to boot!).

Honestly this year the ticket I'd want most is the ice dance... sadly I leave Boston on the 4th... but let's be real a chance to see Meryl and Charlie skate My Fair Lady and Scheherazade in Boston will be extraordinary. If you go I'll be very jealous!

Boston is a terrific city to stay in and I agree you're probably good going a little out of the area. The seaport, where the convention center is has tons of hotels, and I would imagine shuttles to and from The Garden. If you're comfortable with the subway, Boston's system is good, decently clean, used by everyone and safe. It's also relatively affordable. I even use it by myself at midnight and never really encounter problems (not that I suggest that, at that hour you'll be pretty much alone!) The Green Line and Orange line go right into North Station (the same building at The Garden) The Green Line would allow you to stay somewhere like Back Bay which is beautiful and has great restaurants, but I'm not sure about budget in the area.

It would also be worth looking at places in Cambridge across the river. If you're staying in Harvard Square for instance (TONS of great food) you're right on the red line which will also be easy to get you to North Station. Not to mention crossing the bridge on the train provides amazing views.

If you'd like more help hotel hunting/neighborhood scouting message me and I'd be happy to help!

And for what it's worth, that part of the city where The Garden is, is a lot nicer/interesting to be around today than it was in 2001.

Also if taxi is something you'd consider Uber is a great system to use if you have a smart phone. Much more affordable than a typical cab. I highly recommend it.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

 

[Tonichelle]

In the US Nationals section on your thread about tickets a lot of great advice was given. And they even went into if its worth it or not.

It's really up to personal preference. If you want to feel like they're in your lap you won't even get that in the very front row because they won't always be RIGHT IN FRONT of you... they go from one side of the arena to the other. I've always liked sitting up around the 8th row of the "on ice" section near the judges... yes it's a little more obstructed because of the judges, but I enjoy the angle I'm given and I'm okay with looking up at the jumbotron every now and then.

There's nothing like the energy of the arena with the skaters and fans all in there cheering... and you're watching - potentially - the Olympic team be made. So, I'd say go. But only if you're not looking for only close ups. If that's all you want then yeah TV's the best seat because the skater is always "right there."

 

[YesWay]

Having been to several big international competitions, it is my view that TV does not compare to being right there and seeing the skaters with your own eyes, hearing the music live, cheering for the skaters, soaking up the atmosphere, chatting with your neighbours etc etc.

TV is also prone to stupid closeups of bootlaces, skycam views etc so it's not necessarily the best view at all times.

Practice sessions might not be televised at all, and if you have access to them, they are typically much lower attendance... meaning plenty of empty seats you can hijack near the rinkside, to see your favourite skaters up close (just be prepared to move if the ticket holder shows up and wants their seat!)

If you're a photographer, you can get some priceless personal souvenirs (again, access to practice sessions are great for this - because peering through a viewfinder is not the best way to enjoy the actual competition)

Even in "cheap" seats I doubt you would be in need of binoculars - it's surely not like competitions in Japan where huge arenas are sellouts and the furthest seats are a considerable distance from the rink. eg. At the Skate America grand prix competition this year, the highest seating tiers at Joe Louis arena were not even in use - not enough attendance. But I wouldn't know if nationals is more popular than Skate America?

American sports events generally, seem to be good entertainment with stuff going on in between the competitions, ice resurfacing etc etc. Certainly Skate America was fun - "meet and greets" to get autographs, famous skaters and coaches wandering around the concourse (some of them not there to compete, so you never know who might surprise you), entertaining stuff going on and being shown on the arena TV screen etc. I would guess nationals will be no different.

There is also the "joy" of spotting yourself in the crowd when you get home and watch the recordings haha ;-D

 

[MFarone]

This is a tough question to answer. From what I've read on another board for the Ladies FS only single tickets are available in the lower bowl. If you want 2 seats together you would have to sit in the balcony. While it is generally possible to move to better seats for Pairs, maybe Dance and even the Mens....Ladies will probably be packed and moving most likely won't be an option. Also, in order to attend any practices you must have an All Event Ticket - and the LOC has stated repeatedly that practices passes will not be sold - so you would need to go All Event.

The hotels are realllllllly expensive. I'm staying in the Seaport district and the LOC got a deal for $159+tax and that was the cheapest hotel offered. Any of those hotels in that area are probably close to $200 now...as is the Holiday Inn Express and Onyx which are close to TD Garden. You might want to sign up for Travel Zoo on line and search for deals. I did see for instance the Courtyard near Chinatown being around $110. Be careful though - some of the deals are prepay and nonrefundable so you need to watch that.

Food is outrageously expensive IMO. I eat a very limited strange diet for health reason and have been busy scoping out less expensive food and it isn't easy. Expect prices at TD Garden to be high - water $4.50/bottle, soda 4.75 - 6.00; hot dogs 6; pretzels 9. Remember you will be there for many hours - its not like you can get by with 1 soda. A free cup of water is supposed to be available at all of the concession stands so I'm taking advantage of that since all of the water fountains have been removed from the Garden.

You are prohibited from bringing food or beverages into the Garden. Tote bags, laptops and laptop bag, briefcases, camera bags, etc are not allowed. I purchased a plastic kind of vinyl see thru purse and hope it won't be a problem. I'm hoping I can put a few snacks in my pockets....but I'm not sure that won't be detected. I tried contacting customer service at the Garden about my meds and food issues but have not gotten a response to the 2 emails or 2 phone calls.

I know some people are going to be using the T, but I find it intimidating. My hotel is about 2 miles from TD Garden and it would take 2 transfers to get to it. Also, coming out of the ladies final it could be difficult since I think the trains stop shortly after midnight so you would need to check on that. From TD Garden to my hotel in the Seaport district should be about $12+ - fare is based on distance and time so in heavy traffic the fare will go up. I noticed up thread that "uber" can be used for a better taxi rate - need a smartphone for that and since my phone is "dumb" I haven't looked into that option.

I hope I'm being realistic and not just negative in this information because going to Nationals is awesome but also very expensive. I skipped 2013 in Omaha because they didn't offer a fan shuttle (which I found insulting) and I knew I would need a lot more money for Boston.

If you do go, I hope you have a wonderful, awesome, fabulous time. If you don't go, maybe you could try Greensboro NC in 2015 I don't know where you live, but in 2011 I found Greensboro to be very friendly, accommodating and reasonable in their prices for tickets, hotel, shuttle.

 

[MK's Winter]

I have never been to a Nationals. I have lived outside of Philadelphia all of my life. Nationals in Philly sold out pretty quickly for the ladies event.

I have been to multiple Tom Collins shows and they were a great time. If there was ever a regret it was not going to the 98 Nationals. I remember sitting on my couch with my mom with tears streaming down my face thinking Wow what an event. Even now I think back to what it could have been like live. I can only imagine the arena atmosphere. Even my mom regrets waiting too long to get tickets.

If you have an opportunity to go, especially in an Olympic year, definitely take it.

 

[Tonichelle]

If you do go, I hope you have a wonderful, awesome, fabulous time. If you don't go, maybe you could try Greensboro NC in 2015 I don't know where you live, but in 2011 I found Greensboro to be very friendly, accommodating and reasonable in their prices for tickets, hotel, shuttle.

The more I read about you guys already talking up Greensboro, the more I want to go! Airfare is what would kill me, though... :-/

 

[Mrs. P]

The more I read about you guys already talking up Greensboro, the more I want to go! Airfare is what would kill me, though... :-/

Save up for Boston Worlds 2016!!

 

[Tonichelle]

Save up for Boston Worlds 2016!!

I'm hoping to afford to send my parents on a cruise for their 35th anniversary... but dang... I'd love to go to an INTERNATIONAL comp!

 

[Mrs. P]

I'm hoping to afford to send my parents on a cruise for their 35th anniversary... but dang... I'd love to go to an INTERNATIONAL comp!

Give your parents a trip to the East Coast--Boston, NYC, Philly, DC!

 

[dorispulaski]

If you're concerned about wheelchair accessibility:

Seating for Patrons with Disabilities The TD Garden Access Service Center places high priority on the comfort and safety of its patrons. The TD Garden also recognizes the needs of people with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Every effort has been made to comply with both ADA and Commonwealth accessibility guidelines to accommodate patrons with disabilities. Patrons requiring assistance should contact the TD Garden in advance of their visit. For accessible seating please call: Bruins – 617.624.1950 Celtics – 617.523.6050 or 617.624.1754 Other Events: In person at the TD Garden Box Office Call the TD Garden ADA line at 617. 624.1754 For General Information call 617.624.1000 (voice) or 617.624.3030 (TDD/TYY) –

Escorts Wheelchair Escorts are available for disabled guests who may need assistance getting to and/or from their seat. Our escorts will meet a guest at the entry doors and assist them to their seat, as well as meeting them at the end of event and escort them to nearest exit. For more information, please call the ADA phone line at 617.624.1754. -

Another thing - in The Onyx advertising it says that if you hold a ticket for a TD Garden event for a day, they take will 15% off your bill for that day. We'll see if that actually works ...

 

[dorispulaski]

The more I read about you guys already talking up Greensboro, the more I want to go! Airfare is what would kill me, though... :-/

There is a Delta direct flight Anchorage to Philadelphia for $511! Then you would take a smaller flight to Raleigh/Durham ($242 round trip priced today). Then take a car rental to Greensboro. The car is worth it since you can stay in very reasonably priced hotels if you have one, and parking, if you buy the weekly ticket is reasonable.

Toni, you should do it. Greensboro was great! And cheap!!

We paid about $60 a night for a Red Roof Inn, which was clean & decent.

Also if taxi is something you'd consider Uber is a great system to use if you have a smart phone. Much more affordable than a typical cab. I highly recommend it.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Samson, tell me more about this Uber!! What is it?

 

[Mrs. P]

https://www.uber.com/cities/boston

Uber is a low-cost alternate to taxis that is offered in cities around the world. It's basically hired/ride share. You actually pay Uber directly (via the mobile phone app) and you don't have to tip.

A big appeal is that you can call for an "Uber" vehicle from your phone.

A lot of taxi companies have tried to sue Uber for undercutting their prices and some cities, such as Seattle, has tried to pass laws that would squash these types of companies. http://blogs.seattletimes.com/opinionnw/2013/12/16/seattle-taxi-lyft-uber-ridesharing-regulations/

 

[dorispulaski]

Thanks, Mrs. P. I will have to look into it.

 

[MFarone]

St. Paul is hosting Nationals in 2016.....I met you in the frozen tundra of St. Paul in 2008. I believe we stayed in the same hotel. It was really cold outside and the volunteers wouldn't let us stand outside to wait for the shuttle back to the hotels. I really wish my hotel in Boston would have a restaurant as reasonable as the hotel in St. Paul...but no such luck! Air fare to St. Paul is probably less than to Greensboro...just sayin!

The more I read about you guys already talking up Greensboro, the more I want to go! Airfare is what would kill me, though... :-/

 

[Tonichelle]

There is a Delta direct flight Anchorage to Philadelphia for $511! Then you would take a smaller flight to Raleigh/Durham ($242 round trip priced today). Then take a car rental to Greensboro. The car is worth it since you can stay in very reasonably priced hotels if you have one, and parking, if you buy the weekly ticket is reasonable.

Toni, you should do it. Greensboro was great! And cheap!!

We'll see... that's just a few months after the yearly Disney trip... but I'd love to go to Greensboro for my 30th bday!

 

[Tonichelle]

St. Paul is hosting Nationals in 2016.....I met you in the frozen tundra of St. Paul in 2008. I believe we stayed in the same hotel. It was really cold outside and the volunteers wouldn't let us stand outside to wait for the shuttle back to the hotels. I really wish my hotel in Boston would have a restaurant as reasonable as the hotel in St. Paul...but no such luck! Air fare to St. Paul is probably less than to Greensboro...just sayin!

I remember that! I think we shared a shuttle to the airport, too? LOL it was bitterly cold. and I was an idiot one day and walked back to the hotel with a friend and I was NOT dressed for the wind and she was from down south and was REALLY not prepared for it... insane! LOL

St. Paul's airfare is normally pretty decent... we'll see... it's on my list to get to Nationals in the next couple of years...

 

[CoyoteChris]

-
I skipped 2013 in Omaha because they didn't offer a fan shuttle (which I found insulting) and I knew I would need a lot more money for Boston.

.

I am sorry you missed Omaha...there were three hotels right next to the arena and at least two of them would take you in their hotel vans to the restaurant district 4 blocks away for free....it was one of the best
setups I have seen for a nationals..practice rink on site, fan fest on site...good eateries...great arena.....I encouraged them to put in for worlds and nats again...after tar and feathering the person who came up with the idea to not have a program.

 

[CoyoteChris]

I enjoyed Greensboro and I like the way the Hotel/arena/fan fest/practice rink/ restaurants and shuttles are set up...and the prices are reasonable...and it isn't as cold as St paul. I am going back....

We'll see... that's just a few months after the yearly Disney trip... but I'd love to go to Greensboro for my 30th bday!