How Did Everyone Like Jr U last year :) ?

[4evrstroud]

Hey everyone, I was just wondering what the conditions will be like for Jr U. I haven't competed at this venue and wanted to know if it was put on well and there is space for the competitors.
Any advice and info would be greatly appreciated :)

Thanks,
Lyss

[bree marsh]

great venue! host hotel is attached! nice stage and auditorium. backstage is a little crowded. try to get there early to get a mirror spot! i think the hotel has free breakfast buffet. fridge in the room!!! rooms are very nice. great area for spray tanning in hotel. this was my favorite show last year!

[KP DIVA]

great venue! host hotel is attached! nice stage and auditorium. backstage is a little crowded. try to get there early to get a mirror spot! i think the hotel has free breakfast buffet. fridge in the room!!! rooms are very nice. great area for spray tanning in hotel. this was my favorite show last year!

I agree w/ everything that Bree has said!! USA in Vegas was an absolute pain in the ass...the venue was a $15 cab ride one way from the host hotel!! Didn't compete at Nats....but wasn't impressed w/ the seating for the spectators.

And plenty too see in the lobby at Jr. U's host hotel, I sat and ppl watched for quite sometime....USA and Nats lobby was dead in comparison.

[4evrstroud]

great venue! host hotel is attached! nice stage and auditorium. backstage is a little crowded. try to get there early to get a mirror spot! i think the hotel has free breakfast buffet. fridge in the room!!! rooms are very nice. great area for spray tanning in hotel. this was my favorite show last year!


Wow, Thanks Bree!! Awesome info!! I loved how the auditorium/stage was attached at the O'Hare in Chicago.. It was quite a walk from the room, but still you didn't have to go outside or anything!! Mmm.. Breakfast, can't wait ;)
I absolutely love there is a fridge.. Is it one that is already packed? I ask this because at O'hare the fridge has goodies in it, and I MOVED a reeses cup to some where else in the fridge and they charged me for it :mad:

I hope to make this a favorite of mine as well.. Again, much thanks :kiss:

I agree w/ everything that Bree has said!! USA in Vegas was an absolute pain in the ass...the venue was a $15 cab ride one way from the host hotel!! Didn't compete at Nats....but wasn't impressed w/ the seating for the spectators.

And plenty too see in the lobby at Jr. U's host hotel, I sat and ppl watched for quite sometime....USA and Nats lobby was dead in comparison.



Thanks KP--- Jr Nat had some pretty good seating the majority of the time.. One thing I do remember about Jr Nat stage is that I was standing on the crack/hump at one point and almost lost my balance which would've been humiliating.. Overall though, YOU WILL love the Jr Nat IMO :):)

[shena]

They charged you for that??? Did they take it off your bill?

[bree marsh]

Wow, Thanks Bree!! Awesome info!! I loved how the auditorium/stage was attached at the O'Hare in Chicago.. It was quite a walk from the room, but still you didn't have to go outside or anything!! Mmm.. Breakfast, can't wait ;)
I absolutely love there is a fridge.. Is it one that is already packed? I ask this because at O'hare the fridge has goodies in it, and I MOVED a reeses cup to some where else in the fridge and they charged me for it :mad:

I hope to make this a favorite of mine as well.. Again, much thanks :kiss:



Thanks KP--- Jr Nat had some pretty good seating the majority of the time.. One thing I do remember about Jr Nat stage is that I was standing on the crack/hump at one point and almost lost my balance which would've been humiliating.. Overall though, YOU WILL love the Jr Nat IMO :):)

it is an empty fridge! so you can load it up! this venue is so much better than chicago! it is actually a real stage, not one they constructed! and i don't think you have to pay for parking like at the hyatt!

[shena]

it is an empty fridge! so you can load it up! this venue is so much better than chicago! it is actually a real stage, not one they constructed! and i don't think you have to pay for parking like at the hyatt!

That's good to know about the stage. I'm much happier on a real stage than a constructed one. Thanks for the info.

[KP DIVA]

it is an empty fridge! so you can load it up! this venue is so much better than chicago! it is actually a real stage, not one they constructed! and i don't think you have to pay for parking like at the hyatt!

Nope, plenty of parking and it was free. Now, I was a lil upset about the internet. If I'm paying $179/night I think internet should be free. I think it was like $12.99 for 24hrs.

[2hot4u]

The entire experience was awesome at this show but me now winnnig the overall of course lol but the hotel was top quality along with the auditorium!! You will love this!! They even have a ride to and from the hotel if you arrange before hand to airport then the hotel has a shuttle that can take you downtown to the historical market area!!! You so have to go there!! Rate it a 10+

[STL Joe]

The entire experience was awesome at this show but me now winnnig the overall of course lol but the hotel was top quality along with the auditorium!! You will love this!! They even have a ride to and from the hotel if you arrange before hand to airport then the hotel has a shuttle that can take you downtown to the historical market area!!! You so have to go there!! Rate it a 10+

Holy crap - you made a post without mentioning Dave! I'm shocked! ;) @ Lisa

[Kpnufit]

Great thread...It's always nice to get some info about a venue/show before the actual event.
Never competed at Jr USA...I've heard mixed reviews about the actual show experience but I guess I'll make my own conclusions in May. I was a spectator for Nat's and I'd have to agree with KP...the seating was lousy. I did get to meet some of the SC members which was the highlight of my weekend and to meet some of the PRO's that was great!

[TRESB]

Great thread...It's always nice to get some info about a venue/show before the actual event.
Never competed at Jr USA...I've heard mixed reviews about the actual show experience but I guess I'll make my own conclusions in May. I was a spectator for Nat's and I'd have to agree with KP...the seating was lousy. I did get to meet some of the SC members which was the highlight of my weekend and to meet some of the PRO's that was great!

Please let me know if you heard any negatives and I will address them ASAP!

Overall the feedback I get is the auditorium is first class, the Host hotel is awesome, vendors love the lobby space, parking @ host hotel is free, and everything is connected.
The only issue we have is it gets a little tight backstage. However the females have great dressing rooms with show quality mirrors, bathrooms, and showers. It only gets tight when you have to line up for stage.
Although this is somewhat of an issue at any National show with 200+ female athletes.

Give me any suggestions on how to improve things I am always open to ideas.

TRES

[2hot4u]

Joe, why do you hate me??? lol Holy crap - you made a post without mentioning Dave! I'm shocked! ;) @ Lisa

[KP DIVA]

Please let me know if you heard any negatives and I will address them ASAP!

Overall the feedback I get is the auditorium is first class, the Host hotel is awesome, vendors love the lobby space, parking @ host hotel is free, and everything is connected.
The only issue we have is it gets a little tight backstage. However the females have great dressing rooms with show quality mirrors, bathrooms, and showers. It only gets tight when you have to line up for stage.
Although this is somewhat of an issue at any National show with 200+ female athletes.

Give me any suggestions on how to improve things I am always open to ideas.

TRES

Other than paying for internet at the hotel I have NOT one complaint!! There's absolutely nothing you can do about backstage and being crowded! I was surprised that we didn't have more problems w/ the male competitors being in the way. I thought it was great!

This was my 1st Nat'l show last year and it was a great experience. I'm really going to miss Steve Stone not being there. I was very impressed and couldn't believe an expediter would take the time to have each competitor go thru their turns b4 going on stage to make sure they were doing them right.

[4evrstroud]

They charged you for that??? Did they take it off your bill?


Yes I am dead serious, I was so pissed, I walked back up to the room and ate the damn thing just because!!
;)

it is an empty fridge! so you can load it up! this venue is so much better than chicago! it is actually a real stage, not one they constructed! and i don't think you have to pay for parking like at the hyatt!

Shwww. That's so awesome to hear, Thanks bree!!! OMG, the parking was freaking terrible for people that drove up there, I felt so bad!!

That's good to know about the stage. I'm much happier on a real stage than a constructed one. Thanks for the info.
I agree, relieved now :)

[4evrstroud]

Nope, plenty of parking and it was free. Now, I was a lil upset about the internet. If I'm paying $179/night I think internet should be free. I think it was like $12.99 for 24hrs.

Yeah, Team U had free computers and online time at The embassy suites which was great, because I didn't have a laptop or anything...

The entire experience was awesome at this show but me now winnnig the overall of course lol but the hotel was top quality along with the auditorium!! You will love this!! They even have a ride to and from the hotel if you arrange before hand to airport then the hotel has a shuttle that can take you downtown to the historical market area!!! You so have to go there!! Rate it a 10+

Thanks much Lisa!! I miss ya :)

Please let me know if you heard any negatives and I will address them ASAP!

Overall the feedback I get is the auditorium is first class, the Host hotel is awesome, vendors love the lobby space, parking @ host hotel is free, and everything is connected.
The only issue we have is it gets a little tight backstage. However the females have great dressing rooms with show quality mirrors, bathrooms, and showers. It only gets tight when you have to line up for stage.
Although this is somewhat of an issue at any National show with 200+ female athletes.

Give me any suggestions on how to improve things I am always open to ideas.

TRES

Wow that's awesome about the showers and bathrooms... We were cramped some what in Chicago because they were making food etc so there were some tough times. I bring my own linens but does the hotel have used/tanned linens just in case? What about walking distance to food stores or walgreens etc?

[4evrstroud]

Other than paying for internet at the hotel I have NOT one complaint!! There's absolutely nothing you can do about backstage and being crowded! I was surprised that we didn't have more problems w/ the male competitors being in the way. I thought it was great!

This was my 1st Nat'l show last year and it was a great experience. I'm really going to miss Steve Stone not being there. I was very impressed and couldn't believe an expediter would take the time to have each competitor go thru their turns b4 going on stage to make sure they were doing them right.



I agree Girl...... I remember him and Kenny both

SMILE, now turn, turn, turn, turn, okay your good :)

[TRESB]

Wow that's awesome about the showers and bathrooms... We were cramped some what in Chicago because they were making food etc so there were some tough times. I bring my own linens but does the hotel have used/tanned linens just in case? What about walking distance to food stores or walgreens etc?

I LOVE PAMS SHOW IN CHICAGO, BUT I REMEMBER THE FIRST YR I DID IT I WAS GETTING READY TO GO ON STAGE AND HERE COMES A TRAY OF THIS CHOCOLATE DESERT THAT JUST LOOKED AWESOME.

I REALIZED WE WERE IN THE SERVICE AREA AND THE FOOD KEPT COMING BY.

BUT HEY IT WORKED AND THE SHOW WAS GREAT.

[KP DIVA]

I agree Girl...... I remember him and Kenny both

SMILE, now turn, turn, turn, turn, okay your good :)

LOL, yep....that's how he said it! He even told one of the girls she had lipstick on her teeth!

[The Beast]

I thought the venue was great and everyone at the show went out of their way to help the athletes.

So sad about Steve, I remember after the show having my bag of home baked good and giving him some cookies. He was ALWAYS smiling, even when he had 50 anxious girls in front of him he was just in his element. so so so sad...

[tkokayde]

Tres, I know that it was VERY hot downstairs for the girls at the Excalibur. Safiya and I were DYING trying to change after our routines. Granted, it was August, but if I remember correctly we were trying to find a solution to cooling it off in the dressing room without exposing all the girls. Think this will be a problem in May?

[TRESB]

Different venue, but we will try our best to keep it as cool as possible.
Funny thing though the male BB's usually like it warmer, and the fitness, figure and now i am sure Bikini girls will want it cooler.
It will start out almost to cold and then once all the athletes get back there , you would be amazed how much heat you guys generate.

As always though just yell @ me and I will try to accomodate best I can

It's getting close now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TRES

[tkokayde]

Different venue, but we will try our best to keep it as cool as possible.
Funny thing though the male BB's usually like it warmer, and the fitness, figure and now i am sure Bikini girls will want it cooler.
It will start out almost to cold and then once all the athletes get back there , you would be amazed how much heat you guys generate.

As always though just yell @ me and I will try to accomodate best I can

It's getting close now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TRES

Awesome, good to know. Lishia D had told me it was the same venue. I was dreading that heat!

[KP DIVA]

Awesome, good to know. Lishia D had told me it was the same venue. I was dreading that heat!

Are you all talking about the Jr. U venue changing??? I thought it was at the Embassy suites?

[tkokayde]

Are you all talking about the Jr. U venue changing??? I thought it was at the Embassy suites?

No no no! Oh goodness, don't let that rumor start! Lol. No, we're talking about the Sottile Theatre, where the SC Excalibur was last year. Lishia had said that Jr. USA's was at the same place, but Tres confirmed that it isn't. The Sottile was BEAUTIFUL with a great dressing room. Unfortunately, the dressing room was downstairs from the stage and hot as a beast. Still, it was a great facility!

[KP DIVA]

No no no! Oh goodness, don't let that rumor start! Lol. No, we're talking about the Sottile Theatre, where the SC Excalibur was last year. Lishia had said that Jr. USA's was at the same place, but Tres confirmed that it isn't. The Sottile was BEAUTIFUL with a great dressing room. Unfortunately, the dressing room was downstairs from the stage and hot as a beast. Still, it was a great facility!

LOL!! Ok, just making sure!