ISU WORLD SPRINT SPEED SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS CALGARY, CANADA FEBRUARY 25-26, 2017 Media Information
Speed Skating Canada looks forward to hosting media attending the ISU World Sprint Speed Skating Championships in Calgary, Canada. The event will be held at the Olympic Oval from February 25-26, 2017. This information will assist you in planning your trip to Calgary and to apply for media accreditation to cover the event. Every effort will be made to ensure journalists have all the appropriate facilities necessary to work at the event. The press centre and press tribune will be open and operational for the first practice session on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. Members of the media arriving earlier than Thursday can work in the stands and will be provided wireless access. The hours of operation for the Media Centre will be posted at the venue. Media Accreditation Package Media Accreditation Information 2 Media Accommodation 3 Media Hotels & Reservation Information Transportation & Telecommunications 5 Transportation Telecommunications 6 Event Schedule 6 Additional information and updates as required will be posted on the ISU website as they become available. If you need more information, or have questions, please contact: Carly Lewis, M.A. Manager, Marketing, Communications & Sponsorship Organizing Committee Calgary Olympic Oval, 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4 Ph: +1-403-688-0292 Email: speedsk8comms@gmail.com Website: www.speedsk8.ca 1
Media Accreditation Information All media must apply for media accreditation through the ISU online media accreditation system on the International Skating Union (ISU) website (www.isu.org) under «Media Accreditation». Alternatively click here to get direct access. The total number of accredited media representatives will be subject to space available. The OC and ISU reserve the right to refuse accreditation should the number of applications exceed given space. All media will be requested to upload a copy of their professional media card and a.jpg photograph. If not in possession of a professional media card, a comment should be added to the note box provided. The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM MST, Wednesday, February 22, 2017. Accreditation will be granted to professional journalists and photographers only. Up to a total of two (2) journalists and one (1) photographer per publication are welcome to apply. Major wire services and newspapers may submit a request for two (2) photographers, however, only one (1) photographer is allowed at the rink-side. Rights holding TV and radio must also apply for accreditation via the ISU online media accreditation system. Access to the Right Holders area is restricted, therefore Right Holders are invited to contact the ISU in order to obtain a username and password. To book any broadcasting services or facilities please contact the host Broadcaster, CBC: Attention: Jeff Pearlman at jeff.pearlman@cbc.ca. Accreditation Confirmation If the accreditation request is accepted, a Letter of Confirmation will be issued. You may be asked to present a copy of the Letter of Confirmation to receive your accreditation badge. You will also be notified if your accreditation request is denied. Please note that the ISU and OC reserve the right to refuse accreditation with or without justification. 2
Media Accommodation The OC has designated three official media hotels. Media are responsible for transportation from all the official media hotels to the main venue and the practice arena. It is the responsibility of the individual media persons to book their own accommodation and to take on any cancellation fees. Media Hotels Best Western Village Park Inn 1804 Crowchild Trail NW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2M 3Y7 www.villageparkinn.com The Best Western Village Park Inn has been hosting guests of the Organizing Committee Calgary for ISU Speed Skating competitions for 30 years. Conveniently located a short 5 minute drive or 20 minute walk from the Calgary Olympic Oval, the newly renovated full-service hotel offers accommodations that are classy, modern and comfortable. Amenities include a 24 hour business centre, indoor pool and hot tub, 24 hour state of the art fitness centre, and complimentary wi-fi to cover all of your travel needs. A full service restaurant and lounge feature daily lunch and dinner specials, as well as room service. Complimentary outdoor parking is available on surface level and heated underground parking is available for $10.00 CAD ($7.50 USD) per day per vehicle plus tax. The Organizing Committee has arranged a Media Block at the Village Park Inn from Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Monday, February 27, 2017. A standard double-queen room is $139.00 CAD ($105.00 USD) per night plus applicable taxes based on single or double occupancy. Hot buffet breakfast is included. This preferred rate is available until January 31, 2017. After this date, the preferred rate is not guaranteed and is based on space availability. RESERVATIONS: Individuals must refer to the group name when reserving in order to receive the group rate: 2017 ISU WORLD SPRINT SPEED SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS Ph: +1-403-220-1812 Toll Free: +1-888-774-7716 Fax: +1-403-220-1820 Email: Sabrina Wong at Sabrina.wong@villageparkinn.com A major credit card must be provided by each media guest to guarantee the reservation. This credit card will only be used for one night s room and tax, should the guest cancel less than 48 hours prior to arrival or fails to arrive for the reservation. 3
The Westin Calgary 320 4 th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 2S6 www.westincalgary.com MEDIA INFORMATION The Westin Calgary has been the host hotel for many major sporting events and has become synonymous with sports and Calgary. The Westin Calgary is situated in the heart downtown, but is still a convenient 15 minute drive to the Calgary Olympic Oval. After a busy day attending the World Sprint Championships, retreat to your home away from home to relax in our rooftop pool and sauna, take advantage of our WestinWORKOUT, then unwind at The Keg Steakhouse and Bar in the hotel lobby. If time permits, the best of the city is at your doorstep. With exciting attractions, activities, museums, beautiful parks, entertainment and sport venues there is never a shortage of things to do in Calgary. Discover the Bow River s extensive bike and pathway, accessible a short walk from the hotel. Finally, sink into your Heavenly Bed for a restful night s sleep. While hosting guests of the ISU World Sprint Speed Skating Championships, the Westin has arranged a special self-parking rate of $15.00 CAD ($11.25 USD) per vehicle per day for members of the Media staying at the hotel. The Organizing Committee has arranged a Media Block at The Westin Calgary from Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Monday, February 27, 2017. A traditional room is $149.00 CAD ($112.00 USD) per night plus applicable taxes based on single or double occupancy. This preferred rate is available until February 3, 2017. After this date, the preferred rate is not guaranteed and is based on space availability. RESERVATIONS: Reservation requests must be called in to the Central Reservations office in Continental U.S. and Canada at +1-888-627-8417. Individuals must refer to the group name when reserving in order to receive the group rate: ISU WORLD SPRINT SPEED SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 MEDIA BLOCK. Online Reservations can be made by visiting ISU 2017 World Sprint Speed Skating Championships - Media Block (OR copy and paste the following link into a web browser) https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/events/start.action?id=1611141965&key=2e3b2555. A major credit card must be provided by each media guest to guarantee the reservation. This credit card will only be used for one night s room and tax, should the guest cancel less than 48 hours prior to arrival or fails to arrive for the reservation. 4
The Aloft Calgary University 2539 Banff Trail NW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2M 4L2 www.aloftcalgaryuniversity.com MEDIA INFORMATION Far from ordinary, Aloft Calgary University offers guests a new experience with a fun scene. Located a short 5 minute drive or 25 minute walk from the Calgary Olympic Oval, the hotel is also directly across the street from Calgary s Light Rail Transit (C-train). Aloft offers a Lounge, a 24/7 grab and go pantry, a gym and splash pool and Le Soleil Spa for relaxing. Guests can enjoy complimentary wi-fi throughout the hotel. The Organizing Committee has arranged a Media Block at the Aloft Calgary University from Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Monday, February 27, 2017. A Traditional King Room is $139.00 CAD ($105.00 USD) per night plus applicable taxes based on single or double occupancy. This preferred rate is available until February 7, 2017. After this date, the preferred rate is not guaranteed and is based on space availability. RESERVATIONS: Reservation requests can be made by phone at +1-877-462-5638 or can be made via the Stargroup website at https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/book/isumedia. Individuals must refer to the group name when reserving in order to receive the group rate: ISU WORLD SPRINT SPEED SKATING or ISU MEDIA. A major credit card must be provided by each media guest to guarantee the reservation. This credit card will only be used for one night s room and tax, should the guest cancel less than 7 days prior to arrival or fails to arrive for the reservation. Transportation & Telecommunications Transportation Media are responsible for transportation from all the official media hotels to the main venue and the practice arena. Calgary lies at the intersection of the TransCanada Highway (East-West) and the Queen Elizabeth 2 (North- South) highways, offering quick and easy access to surrounding cities and towns, and Banff National Park. Calgary s inner-city roadway system is easy to navigate thanks to a quadrant system using numbered streets and avenues. The University of Calgary campus (home to the Olympic Oval) and the host hotels for ISU events are adjacent to the TransCanada Highway. 5
Public transportation in the city Calgary Transit, the city s public transportation system, offers an extensive bus and C-train (local light rail transit) service, with routes covering all of the city s major communities. Bus routes also service the city s suburbs to allow for efficient travel to virtually anywhere in the city. The University of Calgary s campus (home to the Olympic Oval) and the host hotels for ISU events are within walking distance to C-train stations, offering visitors a chance to explore the city s downtown core, fine dining, and major attractions. Popular visitor websites: www.visitcalgary.com www.travelalberta.com www.banfflakelouise.com Telecommunications Within the venue, a Media Centre for the use of accredited electronic and print journalists will be located at ice level in the Olympic Oval. A media tribune is provided rink-side with an excellent view of the Oval and finish line as well as the necessary internet and electronic hook-ups required. Accredited media are provided wireless internet service and data line service at no cost. Event Schedule The speed skating track will be open for entered competitors to train beginning Monday, February 20. Friday, February 24 16:00 Team Leaders Meeting, Room KNB 126, University of Calgary 19:30 Opening Draw, University of Calgary, Energy Environment Experiential Learning (EEEL) Building Saturday, February 25 12:15 Opening Ceremony 12:30 500 m Ladies 500 m Men 1000 m Ladies 1000 m Men 17:00 Drawing for Sunday s distances, Room KNB 131, University of Calgary Sunday, February 26 12:30 500 m Ladies 500 m Men 1000 m Ladies 1000 m Men Awards Ceremony 6
For any additional questions or information, please do not hesitate to contact: Carly Lewis, M.A. Manager, Marketing, Communications & Sponsorship Organizing Committee Calgary Olympic Oval, 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4 Ph: +1-403-688-0292 Email: speedsk8comms@gmail.com Website: www.speedsk8.ca MEDIA INFORMATION 7