Has anyone ever been to the U.S. Pro Championships in Philly? I am thinking about going next Sunday and I am trying to get an idea of where to go for the best viewing, what time to show up, etc.
U.S. Pro Championships in Philly
Wed, 05/25/2005 - 2:53pm
Wed, 05/25/2005 - 3:30pm
#1
Lived There
Do you intend upon bringing a bike? If so, you can view the course from multiple strategic sites including The Wall, the Ridge Avenue descent, Lemon Hill and a secret spot of mine perfect for picture taking...
Thu, 05/26/2005 - 9:09am
#2
Most likely will not be bringing a bike. Is there a target time to be there so one can get a good spot before the men's race?
Thu, 05/26/2005 - 10:29am
#3
"Peter;
The Philadelphia course is as a 14 mile loop; staying in one spot means you will miss the action somewhere. One possibility, if you want to spend the money, is to buy a VIP ticket. Click below for more information.
Wachovia Cycling Website"
Thu, 05/26/2005 - 11:18am
#4
A VIP ticket costs $125. Wow, that's a ridiculous amount of money to watch a bike race.
Having a bike is the absolute best way to see the whole course. If you won't have a bike, you're better off walking around the museum and Lemon Hill area. The latter is full of picnicers, and is a great place to watch the races come through.
Make sure to cheer all the NYC men and women who will be there.
Thu, 05/26/2005 - 11:22am
#5
VIP
I was thinking of doing it, but I have other plans...
The VIP ticket package includes:
• Access to the VIP tent located in Eakins Oval, complete with tables, chairs and linens
• Catered lunch, snacks and beverage service with open bar
• Live coverage on closed circuit TV monitors
• VIP pass to the start/ finish line bleacher seating
• Race rosters available in the VIP tent
• Gated entrance with security
• Private Restrooms
• VIP Shuttle service back and forth from the Manayunk Wall
This is a huge value compared to other sports tickets.
Thu, 05/26/2005 - 11:45am
#6
Thanks for the advice, John and fendergal. Maybe I will try to talk my friend into borrowing a bike, so we can check out different parts of the course. Does the Pro race start at 9 AM, or later in the day, as with the New York race?
Thu, 05/26/2005 - 12:27pm
#7
Value? It's a ripoff, considering that watching the race is free. But hey, if you want to pay money to be sequestered from the spectators and the action of the race itself, go right ahead.
Thu, 05/26/2005 - 1:44pm
#8
Yes Value
"I had a VIP seat on the Champs-Elysees to firsthand witness Lance's 6th Tour de France victory. It was my first time in such quality seats for a bike race. While the ticket was given to me, my thoughts at the time were ""this is the way to watch a bike race!""
Yes, $125 is pricey for some, but baseball fans pay $60 for a good seat at Shea Stadium and get nothing but a seat. Other sports tickets are even more expensive. Wachovia VIP tickets not only provide a seat, but food, drinks, closed circuit TV, and a shuttle to the real action on the Manayunk Wall. More important, you will actually be able to see the finish.
Finally, given there is such a dearth of world class cycling in the US, the $125 may actually help keep races like this going and spawn others. For this, we should be thankful some are willing to pay for what some get for free."
Thu, 05/26/2005 - 2:00pm
#9
Yea but how much is the entry fee?
Seriously, good luck fendergal, I see you're on the start list for the elite woman's field (Pro 1,2).
