RED LION RATE CHANGE & OTHER HOTEL OPTIONS
I'm sending this as a Special Notice, 'cause I want to make sure
everybody who may be staying at the Red Lion gets a heads-up. I was
speaking to Dave Johnson at the Red Lion today about a shuttle to the
Oval, and in the course of the conversation he mentioned that the
rate went up $10 for single, $20 for double. The reason given is
that the 'Short-Track Special' is a rate that was negotiated either
by the Oval or USS (I can't remember which), and whoever it was
decided that they wanted breakfast included in the rate - hence the
increase.

I've decided to stick with the RL, 'cause we gotta eat anyway, but if
this makes a difference to you, you have some options - you can
contact the Hilton Garden Inn (across the street) through Anthony at
anthony.barthell@... for a $79 rate (breakfast not included,
but there is a restaurant), or you could opt for the Country Inn
($89) or the Crystal Inn ($80) - both Country/Crystal Inn have a hot
breakfast and we were very happy there for Nationals. If you choose
either of them, make sure you tell them you're attending an event at
the Oval.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION
As for the shuttle from the Red Lion, the word is similar to what has
happened in the past. The transportation has been arranged by USS
for the athletes and officials, but if there is room available, other
riders won't be turned away. As someone said, though, if you ride
with them, you'll be going early and staying late...

I did reserve a car - the rate I got was $249 (AAA weekly rate -
Alamo) for a midsize car. For Nationals, I paid $206 for 5 days.

TICKETS
I'm still trying to find out about tickets, and whether or not
there'll be a banquet. I hope to have an answer about that today or
tomorrow.