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| November, 2000 |
Media Contact: Rose Abello |
How to World Cup... Excitement and Action on and off the Slopes The action of the 2000 Chevy Truck Aspen Winternational moves from the race course to the Gondola Plaza on November 24-25th. The public is invited to take part in an array of special activities that promise to get the crowd into the World Cup spirit. "We have developed a creative and action-packed schedule of activities this year. We want to get the community and our visitors excited and involved in World Cup, both on and off the hill," said Kerry Brennan, Event Marketing Manager at the Aspen Skiing Company. Starting with the new stadium seating in the finish area, the event organizers wanted to give the public the best access and views of the finish area. The new stadium is free & open everyone, although there will be an area reserved for community sponsors. The stadium design will provide for more comfortable and up-close viewing of the racers as they speed across the finish line. Spectators are encouraged to bring their noisemakers and cowbells to cheer the racers and Aspen Valley Ski Club kids will be on hand selling concessions. For great on-mountain viewing, spectators can head to Gwyn’s at the base of Ruthie’s Run. The deck offers a front row seat as racers speed into the treacherous Spring Pitch turn. Gwyn’s will also offer the public discounted World Cup Breakfast & Lunch specials throughout the weekend. On both race days, Nov. 24 and 25, the Ajax Gondola Plaza will become the Expo Center for national & local event sponsors to set up booths from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsors will offer special promotions, giveaways and free product samples. The City of Aspen will be showing historic videos of ski racing as well as the short video called "The Aspen Idea". Official World Cup merchandise will be sold throughout the weekend , including hats, T-shirts, jackets and event pins featuring the limited edition official event logo. The White Carnival Post-Race action heats up on Friday, November 24, from 2-4 p.m. The White Carnival in the Ajax Gondola Plaza will feature a winter wonderland with elegant and exotic street performers. The Carnival will conjure magic, spin-plates & do tarot card readings. Artistic aerialists and acrobats spin & tumble for the crowd while children can enjoy free popcorn and face-painting. Look for wandering mimes and human statues performing suprising feats of deception. From 3-4 p.m., the racers will make a short appearance to sign autographs for the public. Free event posters will be provided for all. At 7 p.m. the Public Awards ceremony for winners of the super-G will be held on the steps of the Gondola Plaza. This ceremony begins with the Aspen Valley Ski Club members descending the steps in the Parade of Nations carrying the flags of the countries represented in the World Cup races. Pat O’Donnell, President and CEO of the Aspen Skiing Company, will present the Bingham Cup to the super-G winner. Following the awards at 7:15 p.m., a torchlight parade will descend on Little Nell. Participation to the torchlight parade is free and open to the public. Children must be 10 years of age or older & should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants should arrive and sign up at the Gondola ticket office by 6:45 p.m. The ceremony concludes in grand fashion with a Fireworks extravaganza presented by the City of Aspen, The Aspen Chamber Resort Association and Prince Bandar bin Sultan at 7:30 p.m. For added effect, timed and coordinated music will accompany the display and be heard throughout the Gondola Plaza. The weekend’s festivities will conclude on high note after the Slalom racing excitement ends on Saturday, November 25, with an Après Salsa Street Party on from 2-4 p.m. in the Gondola Plaza. A Latin Salsa band complete with horns and drums will perform free to the public on an open stage set up in the plaza area. Latin dance instructors, costumed dancing Carmen Mirandas and a card-hustling Zoro will be on hand to help with dance steps and entertain the crowd. Back to Table of Contents
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