EVENT:

What is 2021 Skate Canada International?

Skate Canada International is the second competition in the annual International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix of Figuring Skating series. The other events take place in the United States (Skate America), China (Cup of China) this year moved to Torino, Italy titled the 2021 Gran Premio D’Italia, Japan (NHK Trophy), Russia (Rostelecom Cup) and France (Internationaux de France).

Each skater/team can be assigned a maximum of two events. Skaters are awarded points based on their placements at their events. The top six from each discipline (men, women, pair and ice dance) qualify for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final.

Where is 2021 Skate Canada International being held?

All competition events and practices for the 2021 Skate Canada International will be held at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, on the campus of the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, B.C.

What time are the events and when do the doors open?

The event schedule is available now but is subject to change. To see details click here. At this time official practices will take place on Thursday October 28, 2021, with the competition beginning on Friday October 29, 2021.Please not all practice sessions will be closed to ticket holders. Competition start times are subject to change up to and including the week of the event. Please note doors will open one hour before the start the competition.

The most up-to-date schedule is posted on the Skate Canada website at www.skatecanada.ca.  Please check the website regularly to see updated schedule. If there is a schedule change and you cannot attend, tickets are non-refundable.

How is COVID-19 affecting Skate Canada International 2021?

The event is scheduled to take place as planned. Skate Canada continues to closely monitor the provincial and federal health authorities’ position on the global health crisis and is committed to the health and safety of the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators. In order to ensure all athletes can attend this event from around the world, Skate Canada International will take place in a bubble environment. We ask everyone to please respect all the safety protocols in place at this event.

I am travelling from out of town. How should I book my travel and hotel room when I don’t know the start and end times of the competition?

Practices for 2021 Skate Canada International are closed to the public. For event attendance, please plan to arrive on Thursday evening for competition beginning early Friday morning. It is suggested to depart on Monday following the competition as the Exhibition Gala may end late on Sunday night.

Which athletes will be competing at this event?

The line-up in Vancouver features Canadian favourites including Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, Kirsten Moore-Towers and Michael Marinaro, Keegan Messing, and Madeline Schizas. They will be joined by various current and former world medallists including Nathan Chen of the United States, Wenjing Sui and Cong Han of China, and Elizaveta Tuktamysheva of Russia. A full list of entries can be found on the ISU website.

Competitors are subject to change up to and including the week of the event. Tickets will not be refunded due to athlete withdrawals.

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TICKET INFO:

How do I purchase tickets for the 2021 Skate Canada International?

Skate Canada International has a limited number of all-event tickets for sale.

For information on tickets, please see the tickets tab on the event page or click here.  Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.ca or by phone at 1-855-985-5000.

If a family member is a Skate Canada member or a Skate Canada volunteer, where do I order my tickets?

Order tickets through the same channels as the general public. Members are encouraged to watch for e-mails with information about special offers exclusive to Skate Canada members including advance sales on all-event ticket packages.

What is included in the all-event ticket package?

The all-event ticket package gives you access to the entire event, from start to finish except for practices. Your ticket includes admission to all competition session and the Sunday Exhibition Gala.

How do I obtain entry to the practice sessions?

All practice sessions at 2021 Skate Canada International will be closed sessions, including the Gala practice session on Sunday morning.

Are there any discounts for groups?

There are no group discounts available.

Do I receive the same seats for each event with my All-Event ticket?

Yes, your seats remain the same for all events with an All-Event ticket.

What procedure is used to allocate tickets?

Ticket allocation is based on best available seating at the time of purchase. You may also use the seat finder tool to book the seat of your choice.

How can I get better seats next time?

Those who purchase tickets on the day they go on sale have the best opportunity to get the best seats. To get advance notice on ticketing information, subscribe to our fan mailing list.

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Do children require a ticket?

Children under two years of age do not require a ticket if they do not need a seat.  If they do need a seat, a ticket must be purchased at full price.

Where is the kiss and cry located?

Next to Section 101

Where is the judges’ stand located?

Between Sections 114 – 116

Are tickets transferable or refundable?

Ticket purchases for this event are non-refundable. If the event were to be cancelled due to the ongoing global health crisis, Skate Canada and the venue will automatically refund the purchase price to the original card used for purchase.

What do I do if my tickets are lost or stolen?

If you have misplaced or have had your tickets stolen, contact the box office right away to have the original tickets cancelled and replacement tickets set up for you.  Call Ticketmaster at 1-855-985-5000 as they can access your ticket file.

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GENERAL INFORMATION:

Can I bring my camera and take pictures during the event?

The Skate Canada Spectator Camera Policy is in place at events to protect the safety of athletes and to ensure a distraction-free environment for all spectators.

Personal photography is permitted by spectators but cannot impact the viewing ability of others. All photos taken during the event must be for personal use only and captured on a small digital camera or mobile device.

The following is not permitted at Skate Canada events:

• Flash photography to ensure the safety of the athletes
• Camera bags and large camera equipment such as tripods
• Professional cameras and/or detachable lenses greater than 6 inches or 200 mm

No video recording of any type is permitted within the venue during the competition.

Unauthorized sale, commercial use and/or third-party distribution of photos from events are strictly prohibited. Only accredited team members are permitted to videotape their skater or team from rinkside during practice.

Spectators who do not abide by these restrictions risk having their camera confiscated or being removed from the event by the venue security staff.

Why does Skate Canada have a camera policy?

This policy is in place at events to protect the safety and privacy of athletes and to ensure a distraction-free environment for all spectators. This camera policy falls in line with venue and other sport organization policies.

Can I bring my own food and beverages to the event?

Guests are not permitted to bring any outside food or beverages into Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre. Containers including bottles, cans, thermos bottles, and plastic coolers are not permitted for the safety and protection of our guests.

What type of food and beverage options are available at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Arena?

Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre features numerous concession stands and portable stands operated throughout the arena. A wide selection of food is available.

Alcohol sales (including beer and wine) during concerts and other events will cease prior to the end of the event

Can I bring flags, banners or noisemakers to the event?

Handheld flags and fan signs are permitted in the arena, however, must not obstruct the view of or distract other patrons in the stands.  Skate Canada is not responsible for lost or damaged banners.  Banners may be moved within the arena by venue staff to avoid obstructing the television view.

Airhorns and noisemakers requiring batteries or compressed air are not permitted in the arena. Small handheld noisemakers may only be used following a skater’s program or during ice resurfacing.  If flags, signs/banners and noisemakers become disruptive to fellow fans, Skate Canada will ask these items be stowed away.

Flags, signs/banners and noisemakers must be stowed away when asked by venue or Skate Canada staff if they become disruptive to fellow patrons.

If I have a gift for an athlete, how do I get it to them?

It is not permitted to throw any items on the ice at any time. Gifts to athletes are not permitted at this time. Are there in and out privileges during each day of the event?

Yes, and it is important to keep your ticket with you to allow re-entry to the building.  Be sure to check with door staff when leaving in case you require a hand stamp or special pass.

Is there public Wi-Fi in the building?

Free internet/ wi-fi access is available to all guests using the ‘ubcvisitor’ network. Accepting UBC’s Terms of USE and an email is required when logging in.

Is smoking allowed in the building?

Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre is a smoke-free building. Smoking is only permitted in exterior designated areas.

Are there any hotels close to the rink?

For more information on Vancouver hotels, please visit:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/places-to-stay/

Are there any restaurants close to the rink?

There are a variety of restaurants nearby, along University Blvd as well as on West 4^th Ave and West Boardway.

For more information on restaurants, please visit:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/restaurants/

Does Skate Canada supply transportation to and from the arena?

Skate Canada does not offer transportation for spectators. For information on public transportation, visit www.translink.ca

Is parking available at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre?

Yes. Parking is available at the Thunderbird Parkade. UBC Parking has moved to a “pay by plate” system – note your plate and pay for parking at the pay machines after you’ve parked your car.

For more information and to see a parking map, please visit: https://thunderbirdarena.ubc.ca/transportation/getting-here/

Will this event be broadcast or streamed?

The competition will be broadcast on CBC and live streamed on CBC Gem.  Exact channel allocation and broadcast schedule will be posted on website closer to the event.

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Where can I send a question if it does not appear on this list?

If you have any questions which are not answered here, please forward them to [email protected]