Back to the celebrity star sightings - I really don’t know whether I’m more excited that I stood next to a World Figure Skating Champion or that I got to meet the winner of the hottest TV series, Dancin’ with the Stars. Oh wait - they’re one and the same. None other than the sublime and completely adorable Kristi Yamaguchi. At a terrific reception hosted by Washington State Tourism, Yamaguchi spent two hours glad handing, autographing, interviewing and posing for photos with the folks who have purchased tickets this week to the 2010 US Championships in Spokane. And what consummate pro she is in all regards. She charmed her way into the hearts of some 60 or so skating fans today. Not that she had to try very hard. Most skating fans know and adore the champion who won the hearts of the world in the 1992 Olympics and the 1991-1992 World Championships.
True stars and those deserving of their celebrity often don’t act the part. Yamaguchi fits that gold standard as a genuine, wonderful person. I feel lucky to have crossed paths with her.
Kristi Yamaguchi being interviewed by Spokane NBC Affiliate KHQ-TV.
Dancing with the Stars champ's tiny feet!
admin Uncategorized
What a thrill to see Debi Thomas stop by the Spokane booth for a visit! Thomas, the 1986 World Champion went on to practice orthopedic surgery specializing in knee and hip replacements. The Stanford grad was inducted into was the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2000.
So we haven’t spotted Dr. Drew, but Dr. Debi was a huge thrill!
Hall of Famer Debi Thomas with Team Spokane
admin Uncategorized
More star sightings! Golden girl Tara Lipinski caused a minor (nay major!) swoon at the Spokane booth when she stopped by for this sassy photo with the team. Gracious as ever, Ms. Lipinski showed why her fans shower her with adoration. So warm and welcoming to all of us! Thanks Miss Tara! We love ya!
Golden Girl Tara Lipinski with Team Spokane
admin Uncategorized
Serious gossip-hounds are hearing the rumors that American sweetheart Michelle Kwan may make her comeback in Spokane at the 2010 US Nationals. Rabid fans have been chomping at the bit for the champion to make her return to the sport… and here’s why - not only does she have the spirit of a champion. She’s got the heart of one - check out her hugs for a fan and and Spokane and keep watch… she may just decide to give the Olympics one last shot, and if so, you will see her in Spokane for the 2010 Championships vying for her spot on Team USA.
Michelle Kwan pointing towards 2010 with a fan.
admin Uncategorized
Team Spokane signing in with yet another hot blog from LA. We’ve heard some romance gossip about 2 hot skaters, but have seen & confirmed nothing!
The next best celebrity sighting has been the arrival of CVB president Harry Sladich who joined our team for a group photo before heading off to scope out the best and worst of this venue so we can guarantee the best event in 2010.
Also on tap… the search for Dr. Drew of Celebrity Rehab fame. His wife has tweeted that she’s here, but where oh where is that hunky shrink?? We’re still looking!
Team Spokane has a laugh during a momentary lull.
admin Uncategorized
The bright lights and flashy mamma-jamma screens provide an ‘enlightening’ atmosphere across the street from the Staples Center at L.A. Live. Open less than a year, the plaza houses the ESPN-Zone, The Yard House, and Wolfgang Pucks to name a few of the yummy eateries!
admin Uncategorized
Today has been a busy day selling tickets. We have had the honor of Dick Button and Rocky Marval stopping by to say hi!
Toby and Dick Button
Rocky Marvel and Toby
On a side note: We have had great positive feedback about Spokane in 2007. Here is what fans had to say about their favorite memories of Spokane: “The FanFest autograph center was fantastic. It was so amazing to be able to watch an interview and then get an autograph.” And, “The Zamboni drivers with the tuxes and top hats really set Spokane apart from the rest world. It showed how above and beyond Spokane went to provide an extraordinary event!”
admin Uncategorized
Olympic Gold Medalist Brian Boitano with Team Spokane
As promised… all star sightings here in LA will be immediately reported to you. Just now, Brian Boitano, Olympic Gold Medalist in 1988, stopped in at the Spokane booth to say that’d he’d be in our humble home town next January for the 2010 US Championships. Naturally, being the charmers we are, we had no trouble convincing Brian to join us for a group photo hug! Just another one of the fun moments while we’re pitching Spokane down here in LA. Can you ever forget Brian’s incredible skate to the music from Les Miserables? I can’t!
admin Uncategorized
Let’s face it - we expect LA to have all the hippest, coolest, newest stuff. And, in fact, they do! Right down to the super groovy Dyson (yep the vaccum guys) “airblade” hand dryers here. They’re a little like a panini press only they don’t squish your hands and there’s no telltale grill marks resulting from the experience. The cool thing is that they dry your mitts super fast and leave them soft. The wierd thing is that while they’re drying - the air jets blow with such force, you can actually see your skin wiggling around like it’s not even attached!
Now I know this has little to do with actual skating but while I muse on other random topics like music, I figured hey, why not wax poetic about the cool hand dryers too!
The Awesome Dyson Airblade Hand Dryer
admin Uncategorized
Okay - so let’s just say it. You really can’t get better than walking to the World Figure Skating Championships and the closer you get, the more this righteous rock music gets louder and louder. Hmmmm…. I say to myself, “must be some radio station’s ad gig.” And sure enough - when the breakfast band is finally in my sight, I do indeed see some radio station banners. But honestly, the music is so far above the cheesy small-time sound I have to ask myself, what kind of radio remote is this??? Then the DJ jumps up on stage and says “A big thanks to Gavin Rossdale for supporting our charity event!” Hello! Gavin Rossdale!! Well - first I felt like a heel for being so judgemental. But next I felt relieved to see I still can discern great music from bad.
Once I got to the skating venue I haven’t stopped for a minute. We’re selling tickets, booking rooms and talking up our own sweet home town like crazy!
Surely we’ll have more star sightings before the week is over - and I’ll be here to tell you all about them!
Dude! More soon!
Gavin Rossdale Rocks the Morning
admin Uncategorized