2020 Skate America Update

[gsk8]

MEDIA ALERT: 2020 Skate America Update

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Sept. 25, 2020) - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in strict accordance with the Nevada Gaming Control Board guidelines, there will be no spectators in attendance at 2020 Skate America, set for Oct. 23-25 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

A full NBCU television and streaming schedule and a list of opportunities for fans to engage with the event virtually will be available soon.

Note: This thread will be moved to the Skate America folder soon.

 

[surimi]

I am glad they opted for this solution and protect everyone. IMO, having the skaters there but not the audience was the best they could do.

 

[karne]

I find it ridiculous that Skate America is even happening, but anybody who thought there were ever going to be crowds there was a fool.

 

[mrrice]

I think it has a lot to do with sponsors and money. I'm sure that contracts were in place a year ago and companies may be trying to make any money they can.

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

I find it ridiculous that Skate America is even happening, but anybody who thought there were ever going to be crowds there was a fool.

Totally agree. Sporting events should not be happening when we are now in the second wave of the pandemic.

I think it has a lot to do with sponsors and money. I'm sure that contracts were in place a year ago and companies may be trying to make any money they can.

You have hit the nail on the head, mrrice. It's all about the money.

I would bet that the organisers are going ahead with the event for one or more of the following reasons:

1. so that the money that has already been spent has not been for nothing
2. so that they do not lose the sponsorship money
3. so that existing and potential sponsors are not put off getting involved next season
4. so that the sponsors do not sue for breach of contract due to the event not being held

By the way, I am shocked. I was fully expecting that when you decided to get an avatar, that it would be a picture of Maria Butyrskaya!

CaroLiza_fan

 

[McBibus]

just a question: Do this competions still have the status of ISU Grand Prix?
Seems a nonsense to me because there could be little to none international presence.

 

[karne]

just a question: Do this competions still have the status of ISU Grand Prix?
Seems a nonsense to me because there could be little to none international presence.

they will not earn ranking points or SB, as I understand.

Frankly, I don't think they should be called Grand Prix events this year. It tarnishes the name.

 

[giulia95]

Hello ISU , when will you take the final decision about GP series?

Will federations be free to decide to expose or to protect their skaters (not going public) or will the rules be the same for everyone?

 

[Colonel Green]

I would bet that the organisers are going ahead with the event for one or more of the following reasons:

1. so that the money that has already been spent has not been for nothing
2. so that they do not lose the sponsorship money
3. so that existing and potential sponsors are not put off getting involved next season
4. so that the sponsors do not sue for breach of contract due to the event not being held

If they didn't want to hold the event there'd be no concern about being sued. That's what force majeure is for. Indeed, the original arena selected is closed right now, anyway.

The Grand Prix events are happening because all relevant parties (the competitors, the networks, the sponsors) still want them to happen as long as it's feasible.

 

[ice coverage]

... Indeed, the original arena selected is closed right now, anyway. ...

Orleans Arena continues to be the 2020 Skate America venue, per yesterday's USFS announcement.

The Orleans Arena website's events page has a new listing for Skate America, and its Skate America page repeats the information from yesterday's USFS announcement, including that there will be no spectators.

To me, it would not be inconsistent for a venue to consider itself "closed" at the same time that a "private" (my word) event -- without spectators -- goes forward there.

(Only my speculation, but I suspect that the very short walking distance between the Orleans Hotel and the Orleans Arena was/is considered [by decision-makers] to be even more of an advantage than it was last year.
As far as I could see, most of last year's skaters/coaches/officials [also many spectators] were in the habit of taking the outdoor route for the easy walk back and forth btwn hotel and arena.
Even the indoor route bypasses the casino areas.)

 

[mrrice]

Totally agree. Sporting events should not be happening when we are now in the second wave of the pandemic.



You have hit the nail on the head, mrrice. It's all about the money.

I would bet that the organisers are going ahead with the event for one or more of the following reasons:

1. so that the money that has already been spent has not been for nothing
2. so that they do not lose the sponsorship money
3. so that existing and potential sponsors are not put off getting involved next season
4. so that the sponsors do not sue for breach of contract due to the event not being held

By the way, I am shocked. I was fully expecting that when you decided to get an avatar, that it would be a picture of Maria Butyrskaya!

CaroLiza_fan

I'm using Patrick for awhile to celebrate his Marriage but, Maria will be back. She's my Ride Or Die.