Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

knelson — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:45:28 GMT

In short, GMS will be available in Omaha but the passes will be more expensive. Has anyone floated the idea of having a more expensive GMS that includes tickets to Olympic Trials? I think many people would be interested. The problem, I guess, is these Trials seats would need to be set aside now, and that might not be realistic especially since the number needed isn't known.

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

pwolf66 — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:54:24 GMT

The common idea of bringing in a bunch of pizza and sodas to feed timers isn't possible inside the Quest Center. Because of the concessions contract inside the arena, all food must be purchased from the licensed vendor and the cost is at least $40/day/person even for barebones food. Therefore it is cost prohibitive to feed the timers. The cost for GMS passes in Omaha is expected to reflect this higher food cost. The original intent of GMS was to raise additional funds for the Host but with rising food costs the profit margin has been slim (for example I imagine there was little to no profit margin for the catered spread we had in Puerto Rico). In short, GMS will be available in Omaha but the passes will be more expensive. Jeff So will GMS services be provided by the meet hosts or by the vending contract holder?

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

Former Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:08:09 GMT

I agree with Wolfy on this. But is there a co-host LMSC or club for Omaha? Or is USMS the sole host? I don't disagree with Wolf at all. But, USMS may not have any other options, unless they want to move the meet.

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

Former Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:50:28 GMT

. I would prefer the meet hosts as that seems to have a bit more down home feel than a commercial food vendor might bring. USMS may not have any other options for food vendors if they want to have the meet at the Qwest facility. We maybe stuck with whatever commerical vendor the center tells USMS to use

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

jroddin — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:50:23 GMT

So the bit about it being expensive to have timers in Omaha (since the facility would need to be paid for their food) got me thinking. Does this mean there won't be gold medal sponsorships in Omaha? The common idea of bringing in a bunch of pizza and sodas to feed timers isn't possible inside the Quest Center. Because of the concessions contract inside the arena, all food must be purchased from the licensed vendor and the cost is at least $40/day/person even for barebones food. Therefore it is cost prohibitive to feed the timers. The cost for GMS passes in Omaha is expected to reflect this higher food cost. The original intent of GMS was to raise additional funds for the Host but with rising food costs the profit margin has been slim (for example I imagine there was little to no profit margin for the catered spread we had in Puerto Rico). In short, GMS will be available in Omaha but the passes will be more expensive. Jeff

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

jroddin — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 07:47:31 GMT

Well, I can tell you my experience with GMS at Austin was much better than the vendor there and the same with Atlanta. I would prefer the meet hosts as that seems to have a bit more down home feel than a commercial food vendor might bring. My mistake - I misread your original post and were thinking you were wondering who you would buy the GMS from (Host or Qwest). All food in the venue will be purchased through the Qwest Center's officially licensed vendor (Levy Brothers, I believe). However, they have told us they will provide whatever food items we ask them to provide. Therefore GMS will have some flexibility and so will the concession stands with regard to providing "swimmer friendly" food. And here is some good news - the vendor has an alcohol license which means beer and wine will be available for sale all throughout the venue...:chug: So start those gridges now - it will be easy to collect right on the spot...:D

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

Ahelee Sue Osborn — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 05:15:36 GMT

I don't disagree with Wolf at all. But, USMS may not have any other options, unless they want to move the meet. Right... Well heck I'll eat nachos & french fries if it means we get to swim in the Olympic Trials pool! Totally worth it.

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

Ahelee Sue Osborn — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 05:00:02 GMT

I agree with Wolfy on this. But is there a co-host LMSC or club for Omaha? Or is USMS the sole host? Seems to me that Nebraska has a pretty fine masters swimming culture!

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

pwolf66 — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:30:31 GMT

I'm not sure why it matters?? They will be available as part of your "cart" when you enter the meet online (along with merchandise, social tickets, etc.). Jeff Well, I can tell you my experience with GMS at Austin was much better than the vendor there and the same with Atlanta. I would prefer the meet hosts as that seems to have a bit more down home feel than a commercial food vendor might bring.

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

jroddin — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 01:33:16 GMT

So will GMS services be provided by the meet hosts or by the vending contract holder? I'm not sure why it matters?? They will be available as part of your "cart" when you enter the meet online (along with merchandise, social tickets, etc.). Has anyone floated the idea of having a more expensive GMS that includes tickets to Olympic Trials? I think many people would be interested. The problem, I guess, is these Trials seats would need to be set aside now, and that might not be realistic especially since the number needed isn't known. A special ticket package will be available to USMS members that will include tickets for just the last 4 days of Trials. Details coming soon... Jeff

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

Ahelee Sue Osborn — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:29:33 GMT

I love the gold medal sponsorship idea! Totally worth every penny even though I often miss the lunch hours. My favorite was in Austin. Such a nice outside setting to meet up with friends. The setting and food were both so accommodating. Wish I still had my photos to show it! Other nationals with poolside areas work well too. We could promote it better if it truly does offer added support to the event. I'm always surprised when people don't know about it. Like me when I came back to swim at nationals after 20+ years away at triathlon & OW racing. The concept is pretty unique in that regular participants can take part. Seems like GMS is there to serve beyond timers. And surely Omaha has terrific VIP area :)

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

knelson — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 06:56:39 GMT

So the bit about it being expensive to have timers in Omaha (since the facility would need to be paid for their food) got me thinking. Does this mean there won't be gold medal sponsorships in Omaha?

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

Elaine Krugman — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 09:06:49 GMT

Lots of good information in there for 2012, like having video backup in Omaha, so no timers will be needed. And there's a peek at 2013 and 2014. I could probably convince my family to go to Mission Viejo for a vacation... :rolleyes: I'll see ya there, That Guy! My mom still lives in Long Beach (where I grew up), so I would head out west, for sure. As for Spring Nationals, we can all crash at Ande's place, if it's in Austin. Right, Ande? :D And, if it's in Santa Clara, I have my best friend I can visit in Santa Cruz, a sister to visit in Sacramento, and a forumite buddy who I may be able to convince to compete ( ;) ). :cheerleader: So, I have added my selfish reasons, along with the rest of you!

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

That Guy — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 12:39:03 GMT

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

swim53 — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 12:03:26 GMT

Thanks Ahelee for posting this. I found their "take" on sandbagging and the date and location of Y Nat's 2011.

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

Former Member — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 08:34:30 GMT

Thanks Ahelee for posting this. I found their "take" on sandbagging and the date and location of Y Nat's 2011. I believe that the Y-Nationals venue discussed in that report is only for the kids' Y-Nationals meet. I don't think they've announced the location for the Masters Y-Nationals yet.

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

Chris Stevenson — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 06:10:07 GMT

By the way, if you are at all interested in that sort of thing, all committee meeting minutes are here: www.usms.org/.../

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

Chris Stevenson — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 06:07:41 GMT

I believe that the Y-Nationals venue discussed in that report is only for the kids' Y-Nationals meet. I don't think they've announced the location for the Masters Y-Nationals yet. Of course (just in case it isn't clear) the Championship committee does not have anything to do with Masters Y-Nats.

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

Patrick W. Brundage — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 02:32:14 GMT

'13 Spring: Indianapolis; Austin, Tx; Santa Clara, CAYou can't go wrong with any of these options, but, since I seemed to have missed past chances to swim a Masters Nationals in my favorite pool in the world, IUPUI, I'm selfishly hoping for Indy. But, this will be on time when any of these would make me happy.

RE: Most Recent National "Championship Commitee" Minutes

bjcarter — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 01:21:34 GMT

selfishly, I'm pulling for an Austin/Mission Viejo 2013 mix...