Chair’s 2010 Update: Backstage Pass #12

Spirit Lives Here™!

And so it begins! Just one week to go and celebrations start in a big way TODAY, February 5, at Robson Square, 12:15 p.m. — 1 p.m., with Mark Donnelly of Canucks hockey fame singing O Canada along with our City dignitaries, live entertainment and a chance to win tickets to the Closing Ceremonies!

And next Friday, February 12... dress up in red with your 2010 mittens for our regular Spirit of Vancouver^®/Vancouver AM House at The Bay speaker series, featuring Bruce MacMillan, president and CEO, Meeting Professionals International and former executive director, Vancouver Whistler 2010 Bid Society. This will be followed by our Rally in Red to see the torch pass through Vancouver on Georgia Street. The world is arriving!
And now for some Games 2010 tips:

Know Before You Go:  What to wear, what to bring and how to get to your Olympic events

With one week to go before the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, it's time to plan ahead and "Know Before You Go."

Attending the Olympic Games is different than any other event. To help you get ready, here are some helpful tips to ensure everyone has a truly enjoyable Games experience.

Getting to your Olympic event:

1. TravelSmart: your event ticket is your local public transit pass for the day of your event. If travelling to Whistler or Cypress Mountain, book your seat on the Olympic bus network. Visit travelsmart2010.ca for details.
2. Arrive early: Don’t miss the start of competition! Leave plenty of time to clear the security screening. Entering an Olympic venue will take longer than traditional events.
   • City Venues: Gates open two hours before the start of competition
   • Mountain venues: Gates open three hours before the start of competition at Whistler and Cypress Mountain venues.
   • Opening and Closing Ceremonies: Gates open four hours early.
3. Check your tickets: Make sure your ticket has the correct session code. Treat your tickets like cash. Lost or stolen tickets cannot be replaced or refunded.
4. Bring the smallest bag possible: If you have a bag smaller than a bread box (15 cm x 15 cm x 30 cm or 6 in x 6 in x 12 in), or no bag at all, you can use the express lane to enter the venue. Spectators carrying larger bags will follow the standard lane. Lanes will be clearly marked.
5. Be prepared: Read the spectator guide or check the list of permissible items at http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-spectator-guide. All spectators will be asked to pass through a magnetometer (metal detector). Help expedite the process by emptying pockets of all metal objects.
6. Follow instructions: Public information marshals will be welcoming spectators to expedite their entry into the venue and communicate key information to assist everyone in moving smoothly.
7. Have fun!  The Olympic Games are unlike any other event we've seen in Vancouver. Savour it and enjoy the experience.

For the most up-to-date information available now and during the Games, visit
http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-spectator-guide. This section reviews transportation options, venue specific recommendations and directions, ceremonies and celebration information as well as providing detailed lists of prohibited and restricted actions and items. 

You can also sign up for immediate alerts and notifications through your mobile phone or e-mail account. Information is also available in the spectator guide that was delivered with your tickets and on maps available at Vancouver 2010 information kiosks downtown, partner locations and at tourism offices. 

Sue Paish
Chair, The Vancouver Board of Trade,
& Co-chair, Spirit of Vancouver^®
www.boardoftrade.com
…connecting for good^®