RELIVE 2010 : OLYMPIC VENUES IN 2014
I'm sure I'm not the only Vancouverite who's noticed myself watching the 2014 winter games from a place of comparison. With vivid memories of Vancouver winter games in 2010, (can you believe it's been 4 years?!) I've found myself paying attention to the reports on venue and accommodations more than the actual results. I keep asking, is Sochi doing as well as Vancouver? Sure we shared an opening ceremonies glitch, but from what I've seen (think cot-style sleeping arrangements, undrinkable water, and incomplete hotels) Vancouver is on top.
So far, Putin and Sochi have done a great job providing world class venues and elements of 'show.' It looks like the $51B went to good use. But the Olympics are so much more than what we see broadcast every day. What made the 2010 games special for me, and I would hope every host city resident, were the venues, attractions, events, and energy that filled the city and made for once in a lifetime memories.
We all remember the venues and spaces that were available to us in 2010, Molson Hockey House, both LiveCity locations, BC Pavilion, Robson Square, zip line, Pride House (notably absent at the Sochi games), the list goes on. It was a one-of a kind time in Vancouver when you could walk out any door and feel what I'm writing about. It was awesome.
So, for those of us who didn't get enough in 2010 and want to feel the Olympic flame again, here is a couple Vancouver spots to check out the 2014 games in similar stye. I can bet it won't be another 2010, but with 5 medals so far, we are in for another games to remember.
CBC CANADA HOUSE
The Official Site for 2014 Olympic Broadcast at CBC. Stop by 700 Hamilton Street every day of these Olympics.
February 7 - 23 from 10am - 5pm
- Drop by to get the latest medal count, pick up a program schedule, watch video highlights, and more. CBC Ambassadors will be on site to record your message to be sent out via Twitter to your favourite Canadian Olympic athlete.
- Beginning at 12pm daily, stop in to get your official Sochi 2014 pin! There is a limited number of pins available every day, so make sure to get here early.
- Special guest Tom Power, host of CBC Radio 2 Morning and Deep Roots, will be distributing pins on February 12.
- Weekdays from 3 - 5, come meet Johanna Wagstaffe and see her in action as she brings you the weather onCBC News Vancouver, live from CBC Canada House.
PRIDE HOUSE WORLDWIDE
Even though there is no Pride House in Russia, the city of Vancouver has brought a few hospitality venues together as Remote Pride Houses in solidarity with Sochi 2014 and Russian LGBTQ.
EDIBLE CANADA HOUSE
Edible Canada House will help you relive 2010 and experience the Canadian Olympic buzz with Large Screen TV’s showing the Olympic Winter Games, beer, wine and Canadian comfort food stations, live DJ’s, bands and local art! Open Feb 14-16, Fri 6pm – 1am, Sat 11am – 1am, Sun 11am – Midnight. Tickets are $25-30.
WHISTLER OLYMPIC PLAZA
This February the magic will be reignited as residents and visitors come together to cheer on athletes in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games at the Whistler Olympic Plaza in the village.Whistler will broadcast the 2014 Opening Ceremonies at 8 a.m. on Feb. 7 in the Olympic Plaza, with various Olympic themed activities on all day. There will also be a big screen in the Olympic Plaza broadcasting Olympic coverage every day throughout the games from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Like me, you may be partial to your home comforts and local brew. The streaming option at CBC.ca has been going over very well for me this past weekend. cbc.ca/olympics