trackstar wrote:I sure hope so. If I'm going to be in Oregon, I expect quality beer in substantial quantities.
As they say down under, no worries mate.
And for the Pinot Noir feaks, just keep driving up the Willamette Valley, where they do some really wonderful things with the grape Oh, yeah, Oregon rocks
What I wonder is how ticket sales and attendance will be for the Pre Classic this year. With the meet just a week a half before the trials kick off I have a feeling a sellout this year will be tough.
Perhaps the focus will be to bring in as many top international stars as possible to create matchups and drama that the trials can't in certain events.
Tom will no doubt be able to give us his insight.
I was thinking some international relays for countries trying to get relay qualifiers along with a couple of US teams (ala Penn Relays) would be a nice touch this year since there are no relays on trials docket obviously. Men and women's 4x1 and perhaps a 4x4 or 2.
Anyone with insight into when the single session tickets will go on sale? I have about 20 in-laws bound and determined that I will be able to get them tickets for the two days.
westcoasttiger wrote:What I wonder is how ticket sales and attendance will be for the Pre Classic this year. With the meet just a week a half before the trials kick off I have a feeling a sellout this year will be tough.
??!! Pre is almost THREE weeks (19 days) before the Trials.
gh wrote:From my point of view, the only potential problem with an OT at Hayward is what a letdown just about any other meet is for a long time.
(I'd like to say that's for purely track reasons, but being a native Pacific Northwester, that probably colors my take a little bit)
Boy - I hope you're right. I'm concerned with this type of hype 8 months out, nothing could hold up.
But I've never been to Hayward field for a meet, so what do I know....
Have you been to an OT elsewhere?
Yes. I went in 96 - where clearly MJ was unforgettable and Jack Pierce was heartbreaking (didn't get any good tickets to the actual Olympics so I didn't go.) And in 2004 in Sacramento, where, I would have to say Deena and Allen Webb and the Triple Jump were awesome.
But yes, I'm hooked on the trials. I'm just curious to see how this one is going to be sooooo much better (aside from my lucky draw in the ticket department)....
But, I'm already psyched...just don't want to get so psyched up that nothing can match the hype... that's all.
BCBaroo wrote:But, I'm already psyched...just don't want to get so psyched up that nothing can match the hype... that's all.
Never say never, but seein' as how the tafnutster is getting on in years and barring a SEUSA OT, a Chicago OG, or a Stanford WC, this might be the LAST OT/OG/WC I get to see, so it BETTER be AWESOMEST!!
gh wrote:From my point of view, the only potential problem with an OT at Hayward is what a letdown just about any other meet is for a long time.
(I'd like to say that's for purely track reasons, but being a native Pacific Northwester, that probably colors my take a little bit)
Boy - I hope you're right. I'm concerned with this type of hype 8 months out, nothing could hold up.
But I've never been to Hayward field for a meet, so what do I know....
I have been to one world class meet outside of Eugene and have been to several Pre Classics and a couple "Road to Eugene" meets. If the weather is decent, then it is marvelous. The people around you are very knowledgeable and really appreciate what they are watching. The place is intimate enough that you don't miss much and much of the stands are covered so when the weather isn't good, it is not unpleasant.
If you can't get accomodation in Eugene, then at worst, it is a two hour drive from Portland.
tandfman wrote:There surely must be places closer than Portland if you can't get anything in Eugene.
Corvallis and Salem (and a number of country B&Bs) are much closer than Portland.
As for there being knowledgeable fans, the only meet I watched there was the 1988 NCAAs and the person behind me (in front?) was Jim Bush (with some others almost as legendary, if I recall correctly). They also were willing to share their conversation and comments with someone that they had never seen and knew vastly less than they did.
My only other "Big" meets were the '84 Trials (Roth beating Mary), the 1984 (OG Joanie winning), and the 1966 Compton Invite (Relays? with Ryun just missing the WR). All were great and nudged me to being more of a fan, although it took this board to help solidify it.
Allow me to suggest that at this juncture, finding decent air transport is probably more problematic than decent housing. As in, if you haven't already made your arrangements, yesterday would be a good day in which to do it.
Plenty of hotels right on I-5, 40 minutes from track in Albany and all very new construction. Some could also stay in Corvallis, about same distance away.
One tip on airfare, fly into Salem on Delta. Only 2 flights a day in/out to SLC so far but an option for some. Not sure how athletes' flights are to be handled since many are not obviously booked.
I would be curious as to what the plan is for this aspect of the event. Perhaps seeing NW as official sponsor they will add special flights for mostly athletes.
It would be great for NW Airlines to start a charter in NY, and make a couple of stops on the way to Eugene or Portland... the Trials Flight - what fun !!!
Oh, yeah, Oregon rocks 
