Group rates make Philly in February affordable
by Anthony Lorusso, co-chair, 2012 National Championships
With the 2012 Men’s and Women’s National Championships in the Philadelphia region approaching fast, major corporations are starting to take notice and jump on board with the fastest growing Olympic sport. This year’s championships, being held just 15 minutes outside of Philadelphia, provides a great opportunity to get many different companies involved in the event. IceWorks Skating Complex, the home of the 2012 Nationals, has great access to many different areas in southeastern Pennsylvania. Besides the great action on the ice, there will be many off-ice fan-friendly happenings going on prior to the event and throughout the week of competition.
Leading up to the 2012 Nationals, Neumann University, located just five minutes away from IceWorks Skating Complex, has partnered up with the 2012 USA Curling Nationals and Kurling.us. Between the three parties, an educational program has been developed to teach the local communities in the Philadelphia region about the sport of curling. To do this, Local Organizing Committee (LOC) members will go out to different schools and retirement homes using Kurling.us curling kits that allow people to try curling on either a hardwood or carpeted surface. The “Learn To Curl” program will also take place at IceWorks Skating Complex after “Learn To Skate” sessions beginning in December.
IceWorks Skating Complex has recently announced they will be holding live auditions for the singing of the National Anthem. They will be holding these auditions during their annual Winterfest that takes place Dec. 28-29. All hopefuls must register online on IceWorks official website, www.iceworks.net. The winner will receive a prize package including the right to sing the National Anthem at opening ceremonies of the 2012 Nationals on Feb. 11.
Group rates are being offered to groups of 15 or more people that order tickets at the same time. These tickets will be discounted 20 percent off of the face value of the ticket. All group rates must be booked through calling our LOC at 610-497-2200, Ext. 117. The discount can be applied to all event passes, full-day passes, and individual sessions. In addition to offering discounted tickets to groups, the 2012 Nationals has teamed up with Enterprise Car Rental, which has provided a discount code toward the rental of a vehicle while attending the 2012 Nationals. All athletes, officials, fans, and spectators are invited and encouraged to use this promo code that can be found on the official event website, www.2012usacurlingnationals. com. While staying in the Philadelphia area, more than 20 local hotels have offered discounted rates for fans to use. These rates, along with hotel information, can also be found on the official 2012 USA Curling National Championship website.
Many of the event sponsors will be involved daily off the ice in providing our fans with a memorable time. Most sponsors have donated give-away baskets and raffle items that fans will have the chance to win. Local college and restaurant mascots are scheduled to appear throughout the weeklong event to interact with fans in our Fan Zone. This year’s Fan Zone will be something to look forward to with musical appearances by local talent, interactive booths featuring our event sponsors, Nintendo Wii Curling, vendor tables by Brooms Up Curling Supplies, exclusive event merchandise, and a photo center featuring daily event photos from Stephan’s Sports Photography.
The 2012 USA Curling Nationals promises to be one of the most entertaining, fan-friendly events of the year. Don’t miss your chance to be in Philadelphia to see the best curling of the year. Tickets are on sale now. For more information about everything pertaining to the 2012 USA Curling National Championships, visit our official website, www.2012usacurlingnationals. com.
