2002 Olympic ( Winter ) Update
Written: Jan 24 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: It's getting closer!
Cons: Hmmm...it's getting closer.
The Bottom Line: It could be spectacular or it could be a dud; be ready for either option and you'll be okay!
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| PollyEster's Full Review: Salt Lake City |
Yup, the Winter Olympics are just around the corner and here are a few last minute updates. First, the price for the Shuttle that will run you between events (you didn't think it'd be FREE, did you), has dropped from $30, to $20...and as of last week, was finalized at $5. This took a lot of griping and complaining and people threatening to clog up the roads. But as of January 14, the price had stabilized at $5.00 (only IF you hold a ticket to one of the events).
Actually, Olympic security and media have most of the prime parking spots so you really ARE better off taking the Shuttle, especially if you're driving since some of the parking lots are truly about a mile from the actual event entrance. Maps for road closures, Shuttle schedules and such are available at all Smith's grocery stores throughout Salt Lake (yes, the guides are free).
And by now, you've likely read the December 10th issue of Sports Illustrated, detailing how SLC actually got the Olympic bargain and how you --the out of state taxpayers-- will basically be paying for this (more money has been spent for this Winter Olympics than ALL other Olympic events held in the U.S., COMBINED!). And would you believe that all of our state's Congressional delegation feels that they (and their families) should receive FREE tickets to all of the events. Don't laugh, such tickets have already been granted to two of the people still being investigated by the Feds for bribery and favors...with one member stating that he was indeed planning on taking the opening/closing tickets as a gift AND taking the 11 members of his family as well (also free). To be fair, the one Democratic Congressional Rep, Mr. Matheson, said that he would not even attend the events, but will watch the Olympics at home.
But I digress. Yes, big delegations (most notably, the Japanese) have bailed so rooms and event tickets are still available (scalpers are actually complaining that they'll likely have to sell their tickets at a loss). Delta is booked for opening day (the 8th) but reportedly has sold only 50% of their seats during the games (look for bargain fares here). And SLOC's Mitt Romney has declared that he WILL fill the stands at all events, even if he has to do it with volunteers (so that panning cameras will not show empty seats). So you may wish to just hang around outside an event, and wait to be called as a seat-filler...who knows?
As to food, you will NOT be allowed to bring in any of your own food (security, they say...you may throw a moldy bagel at a snowboarder or something). Listed prices at the events will be $5 for a hot dog, $4 for a bagel or muffin, and $3.50 for drinks such as sodas, coffee or hot chocolate. Liquor? Forget it! Even the Park City state-run liquor store has announced it will close early each day (at 5PM) to avoid crowds becoming rowdy. You've been warned. All remaining liquor stores (all state-run...grocery stores sell only 3.2 beer, no wine or booze) will maintain normal hours, but none are located close to Park City. Buy your stuff BEFORE you head up the hill!
Most of the media is already here; and you'll note some big (unknown) changes while you visit, such as the Mormon Conference Center allowing the general public in for two weeks, since it's officially designated a "spa" for the period (although many Mormons protested the image changing attempt). Freeway lights will go on and there WILL be lots of road closures...GET THE MAP at Smith's. It's VERY easy to read and a good souvenir of your troubles.
Jay Leno will broadcast The Tonight Show from the Rose Wagner theatre downtown (Salt Lake, not Park City); and a local brew pub, Squatters, is about a block away. Papillon's is a hip-hop/salsa dance club that has free salsa lessons on Thursdays (and ladies are free the same night!); but things may change for those two weeks so be sure to call before walking over (it's near the theatre). The Zephyr, about 2 blocks away, is our local club...it only holds about 200 people so whatever group is there, you'll get a close, close view. Their music ranges from rock to folk to blues to big stars like Emmylou Harris and Chris Duarte. Check 'em out if you want to escape the media hangouts (don't believe the magazines...places like the Metropolitan restaurant are very expensive, but very well publicized due to great marketing; this is the expertise of such groups as Gastronomy which owns a zillion restaurants throughout the valley). Try The Globe downtown...a small place with great food, great atmosphere and a favorite of many food critics locally).
All in all, if you come prepared in all ways --ready for the traffic, ready for the prices, ready for the hype-- then you'll likely have a great time. The snow has been steady and quite spectacular (it HAS been cold here -like 12 degree nights- so bundle up if you're planning to attend a standing outdoor event). But if we get a lot of snow, and then the temps warm, we get SMOG. It could look pretty ugly or it could look absolutely beautiful...which sort of sums up the entire Salt Lake Winter Games.
Just come forewarned...put on a great attitude and you should have a truly enjoyable time (remember, the new lift built this summer now connects Snowbird with Alta so you can double your skiing if you're NOT going to the events).
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb
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Epinions.com ID:
PollyEster
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Location: Salt Lake, UT
Reviews written: 235
Trusted by: 27 members
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