Mao Asada | Page 179 | Golden Skate

Mao Asada

Hey goldenskate people, I think I am finally going to see our beloved Mao for the first time in Skate America in Chi-town. :yahoo::dance::dance3:
I still can't believe this is going to happen and I feel like I am extremely priviledged and lucky to witness the greatest skater (in my opinion) in the world competing in a major competition especially when there's so little time left until her retirement. The fact that the location of the event is just 400 miles from where I am currently living made it possible for me to attend, otherwise I don't think there'll be another time Mao comes to US to compete in a big competition.

So, I have some questions about attending figure skating competitions as I am a new fan who's never been to one.
Can we attend their practice sessions for free?
Is there any chance for a regular fan to meet skaters for a few seconds to hand them small gifts and get their autograph?
What should I expected in a fs competition? Will there be any merchandise, fair and fun events outside of or near the venue?
Where do fans get their flags ( I want to bring a flag of Japan) and flower shaped plush toy ?( I assume the plush flowers are better because real ones could make mess on the ice)
Will all the skaters be staying in the same hotel?
Which seats in the arena are the best to see the skater up close like when they are coming in, interacting with their coaches and stuff? or which seats are better for overall view of skaters' performance?

I'd be really glad if someone can answer my questions!
Also should i post this to the dumb questions thread to possibly get more answers? or is there any other way i can get advice from experienced competition attenders?
 
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Can't believe we will have Mao's competition this weekend :cheer:


MeineKatze said:
Hey goldenskate people, I think I am finally going to see our beloved Mao for the first time in Skate America in Chi-town. :yahoo::dance::dance3:
I still can't believe this is going to happen and I feel like I am extremely priviledged and lucky to witness the greatest skater (in my opinion) in the world competing in a major competition especially when there's so little time left until her retirement. The fact that the location of the event is just 400 miles from where I am currently living made it possible for me to attend, otherwise I don't think there'll be another time Mao comes to US to compete in a big competition.

So, I have some questions about attending figure skating competitions as I am a new fan who's never been to one.
Can we attend their practice sessions for free?
Is there any chance for a regular fan to meet skaters for a few seconds to hand them small gifts and get their autograph?
What should I expected in a fs competition? Will there be any merchandise, fair and fun events outside of or near the venue?
Where do fans get their flags ( I want to bring a flag of Japan) and flower shaped plush toy ?( I assume the plush flowers are better because real ones could make mess on the ice)
Will all the skaters be staying in the same hotel?
Which seats in the arena are the best to see the skater up close like when they are coming in, interacting with their coaches and stuff? or which seats are better for overall view of skaters' performance?

I'd be really glad if someone can answer my questions!
Also should i post this to the dumb questions thread to possibly get more answers? or is there any other way i can get advice from experienced competition attenders?
Click to expand...

Congrats I am happy for you. have a great time and report us about your experience at SA pretty please :)

I guess gotoshool could answer your questions when he comes back from Finland ;)
 
MeineKatze said:
Can we attend their practice sessions for free?

It varies, and some competitions don't let you watch the practices at all (Paris/TEB, I'm looking at you).

At Skate America all-event tickets grant access to practice sessons... but I don't know if you can buy tickets practices on individual days.

Is there any chance for a regular fan to meet skaters for a few seconds to hand them small gifts and get their autograph?

Again, those things vary from place to place... there might be "official" places or sessions for that... otherwise fans will often find where the skaters enter and leave the arena, catch shuttle buses etc... and then "camp" those places hoping to catch their favourites. They will also "camp" the elevators etc at the official hotel, hoping to leap into the lift with the skaters so they are "captive" and can't escape for a minute or so...

Bear in mind, skaters may be tired, busy etc... and not all skaters are going to appreciate such behaviour... my advice is to be considerate and remember your manners!

What should I expected in a fs competition? Will there be any merchandise, fair and fun events outside of or near the venue?

Varies...

Where do fans get their flags ( I want to bring a flag of Japan) and flower shaped plush toy ?( I assume the plush flowers are better because real ones could make mess on the ice)
I buy flags online. I also write "top" in tiny writing on the appropiate place on the flag... so that as long as I see that at the top middle facing me... I know I'm holding the flag the right way up and the right way around! :-D

Real flowers are OK as long as they are completely sealed in cellophane or a plastic bag or something. Same for anything to bethrown on the ice. Do not rely on carboard boxes/coverings, these can split on impact. (And by the way, I've seen a plush flower disintegrate on the ice before... O_o)

Will all the skaters be staying in the same hotel?
They usually do. The official hotel is normally listed in the competition ISU announcement PDF document... and for major competitions, that hotel is likely to be fully booked soon after the PDF is published, sometimes within minutes (and sometimes even before the PDF is published).

Which seats in the arena are the best to see the skater up close like when they are coming in, interacting with their coaches and stuff? or which seats are better for overall view of skaters' performance?

If you look at the arena map on the Skate America 2016 web site (ticketing page), you can see where the skaters will enter the ice. The coaches might stand around there during practice/warmup etc, but there's no guarantee - they may be near the K&C where the skaters leave the ice after competing instead. Or somewhere else completely O_o

I favour seats on the judges side, since skaters' choreography is usually aimed at the them. But most arenas have a good view from pretty much anywhere. Closer to the ice is usually better, although some places... cough*France again*cough... might charge you top dollar for seats near the front, and then plonk dirty great TV cameras in front of you, or have officials standing rinkside etc blocking your view...

Some people avoid the corners, but those seats are often angled so that you can see the whole rink without having to turn your head much, or crane your neck around other spectators etc. They can be the most comfortable for a long competition, and I don't think the view is bad at all.
Click to expand...

My comments inserted in blue above
 
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I haven't seen this posted here, but maybe I missed it. Thanks to rosewood for the original post. I think it gives a hint at Mao's step sequence in her freeskate (also the one she did in the SP) and possibly her outfit which looks like it may be more conservative than the one she wore for her SP program. The step sequences are fabulous and Mao has a lot of emotional depth to her expression. I think they both look beautiful, but I like the SP costume a bit more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__j2-Hvo5bs

Narration from the commercial from rosewood
(my rough translation)

Love is invincible.
"Enough already."
"How much longer will you continue?"
They're times when she's given such words.
"I don't have any swings inside of myself any more."
She smiles.
Since she loves it, she gets out on the ice today too.
When she noticed herself as she is, something changed inside of her.
"Since I love it"
Love is the only thing that you need to go forward.
Maybe it's not only her.

Here is a video clip for the making of the commercial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBWa4xaQMhw

By they way, the expression Mao has in this video, is kind of a look that she had when I saw her at Ice Legends.


By the way to follow up on YesWay's comments.I think sitting on the long center on the judges side is better but at Ice Legends, I sat on the second row at one end nearest the corner right next to a cameraman and found that it gave a really good view because there was a cut in the boards where you could look straight out on the ice with no need to turn your neck. I am sure the view from the front row was even better. This cut in the boards would probably only be at exhibitions though.
 
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Thanks to rosewood for posting this link to a video of Mao being interviewed at the airport in Helinski for the Finlandia Trophy. rosewood said sorry for not having time time to translate and that she looked relaxed and confortable. Her catch phrase here was "Mao-pace" coughmypacecough She will not rush this season she meant. :lol:
https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/783248870193016832/pu/vid/1280x720/fCTAPM4d0ISVcQTg.mp4


http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/ind...thread-3-for-the-love-of-skating.99143/page-4
 
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gotoschool said:
Thanks to rosewood for posting this link to a video of Mao being interviewed at the airport in Helinski for the Finlandia Trophy. rosewood said sorry for not having time time to translate and that she looked relaxed and confortable. Her catch phrase here was "Mao-pace" coughmypacecough She will not rush this season she meant. :lol:
https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/783248870193016832/pu/vid/1280x720/fCTAPM4d0ISVcQTg.mp4


http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/ind...thread-3-for-the-love-of-skating.99143/page-4
Click to expand...


:yahoo: Finally, Finland!!!! wow, her hair is so long.
 
I have arrived in Finland and I am posting this from the official hotel. Can't wait to see Mao skating!

I'll be taking photos, but I'm unlikely to upload any until after I get home. I might try to record video of any run-throughs at practice too... but no guarantees, so don't hold your breath...!
 
A quick question re. live streaming to Finlandia Trophy:
Has anyone noticed that on their FB page an App was announced, which can be downloaded from commonly used app stores (just search Finlandia Trophy Espoo). I'm wondering if the live streaming will be offered via the App, does anyone know? (I remember from last year there was link to the official webpage to stream live competitions...that was where I got to see Yulia's new programs last year)
 
Thanks to rosewood for posting another clip of Mao's run through and practice focusing on her triple lutz. What strikes me about her jumps is that they are graceful with symmetrical air position, erect posture, while maintaining extension in the legs, and expressive movements ike the side ways move she makes on entrance and the lovely extended movement on exit.

Another news clip from Wednesday's official practice. (It includes a portion of LP runthrough - orchestral version of the same music as SP's.) Her edge on the luz looks OK-ish.
https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/783808809051361280/pu/vid/1280x720/1i8whVfqhssLNd3X.mp4

rosewood also informed that
ETA:
BTW, the announcer in the news clip said Mao practiced 3A during an unofficial practice.

Here is another cute clip that rosewood posted: https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/783642031570595840/pu/vid/1280x720/b7zxPr6P46qUiAS3.mp4
 
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They're using Mao’s stona CM for it :laugh: It's really COOL regardless. Unmissable. :luv17:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oylrmydMLCQ



gotoschool said:
Thanks to rosewood for posting another clip of Mao's run through and practice focusing on her triple lutz. What strikes me about her jumps is that they are graceful with symmetrical air position, erect posture, while maintaining extension in the legs, and expressive movements ike the side ways move she makes on entrance and the lovely extended movement on exit.

Another news clip from Wednesday's official practice. (It includes a portion of LP runthrough - orchestral version of the same music as SP's.) Her edge on the luz looks OK-ish.
https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/783808809051361280/pu/vid/1280x720/1i8whVfqhssLNd3X.mp4

rosewood also informed that
ETA:
BTW, the announcer in the news clip said Mao practiced 3A during an unofficial practice.

Here is another cute clip that rosewood posted: https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/783642031570595840/pu/vid/1280x720/b7zxPr6P46qUiAS3.mp4
Click to expand...

Thanks gotoschool. Here is the CM but the high quality and/or the longer version will come later on. :yes:
 
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