Though today's subzero temps kept many indoors, I trucked on down to the Xcel Energy Center to meet with Scottie Bibb, my "boss" for the week. She showed me around the arena...including the USFS media room, the press conference room, and the "mixed zone" (where the athletes talk to the press after leaving the kiss-and-cry, and where I'll be spending a lot of my time!).
She calmed some of my fears and told me what to expect, which calmed my nerves a bit. Now, if I could only remember how to manuever my way "behind the scenes" without getting lost!
I also recieved my credential at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Though the four-block walk was NOT fun in -30 degree weather, I was more than willing to go! Doing so kind of marked the official beginning of nationals for me - something I've waited for forever!!
After my meeting with Scottie, I stuck around to watch the novice pairs practice. Carman/Kneirim, Chase/Speroff, and Bautista/Hopson all looked really, really strong. Bautista/Hopson even landed two perfect throw triple loop jumps - something very rare for novice-level skaters! It was definitely cool to see in person, and drew some "ooohs!" from the other parents and skaters watching practice.
The arena looks great, too. As of 1:30 today, crews were still setting up the judges stand, NBC booth, and kiss-and-cry area for the first competitions which start tomorrow morning. The "St. Paul 2008" logo is pretty huge, but the royal blue does look great against the white ice and boards.
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