Road to PyeongChang 2018 Issue #13 — 59 days to go!
The Ultimate Guide to PyeongChang 2018, launching on January 5th!
With my experiences visiting South Korea, touring major attractions and traveling to the event locations, and taking over one thousand pictures and videos — get ready for my upcoming Ultimate Guide to PyeongChang 2018 launching early January. It will have all of the latest info and travel tips on hotels, transportation, travel time between venues, dining options and other must-see attractions between Olympic events, info on mobile phones, Internet access, and more. Read an excerpt here and follow me here or on Twitter @KenHanscom to find out everything you need to know to have a great time at PyeongChang 2018.
Now let’s get to the news this week with only 59 days to go…
The IOC officially bans the Russian Federation from PyeongChang 2018…or do they?
IOC bans Russia from 2018 Winter Olympics following doping scandal: December 5th. In major news, the IOC announced, after a special executive session, that the Russian Federation was banned from the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games. The ban was initially very shocking citing numerous lifetime bans, no Russian flag at the games, and no playing of the Russian national anthem. Once the dust settled, the decision also offered a large opportunity for redemption: Athletes deemed “clean” could compete as “Olympic Athletes from Russia” (OAR), and if the proper measures are taking the ban could be lifted as early as after the Opening Ceremony. This along with Putin’s support for athletes to compete as OARs may end up having little material impact on the upcoming games.
With recent missile launch, North Korea continues to frustrates PyeongChang 2018 organizers…
North’s missile frustrates South Korea’s Olympic preparation: November 30th. With North Korea launching another missile test, their largest yet — tensions were again reignited just when the excitement of PyeongChang 2018 was gaining momentum, with a successful IOC final inspection and venue construction reaching completion. Read about their frustrations here: http://abcn.ws/2BW6o3A
Team USA to attend PyeongChang 2018 “unless it’s legally or physically impossible.”
USOC aims to go to Olympics unless ‘physically impossible’: December 9th. In what could have been a confusing week for many TeamUSA followers, the USOC has further clarified the United States Olympic Team will participate at the Winter Games unless it is legally or physically impossible. A bit of panic was set off last week after the US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley stated “no official decision has been made” on Team USA’s attendance but was later clarified that plans had been coordinated between the USOC and the government. Read the full story here: http://bit.ly/2ALIrvE
Will North Korea participate in the Olympics? North Korean Figure Skating duo misses deadline for PyeongChang 2018…
North Korea misses figure skating deadline for Pyeongchang: December 2nd. The recently qualified North Korean Figure Skating Pairs missed the deadline to confirm participation in PyeongChang 2018. Largely seen as a major opportunity inclusivity and stability during the games, the South Korean Organizing Committee has hoped North Korea would send a team. But they still can because the South Korea Organizing Committee will give North Korea up to the last minute to enter.
If you are just getting up-to-speed on PyeongChang 2018, this article is sure to help…
2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Fast Facts: December 8th. From mascots to location, this article has you covered in you want to get up-to-speed on PyeongChang 2018 in South Korea next February. See all the facts here: http://cnn.it/2B56o38
Now may be the time to purchase your Korea Rail high-speed train tickets…
High Speed Rail Tickets on Sale: December 1st. Korea Rail KTX tickets for the upcoming Winter Games went on sale on December 1st. It’s time to buy your tickets since reservations are now being accepted for the trains which will be in high demand, especially if you are traveling from Seoul. In addition, reservations can be made 60 days in advance so keep a close eye as your travel dates approach.
Latest Road to PyeongChang bits and bytes for fans who are planning or hoping to attend:
- Hotel availability appears to be improving. While challenges remain for fans trying to book accommodations, there is some hope on the horizon. Several reasonable options popped up in the Sokcho and Gangneung areas this week on Booking.com and now AirBNB has entered the fray with in a deal with PyeongChang 2018. Some fans have reported booking rooms for as little as $100.
- Use my travel calculator as an easy way to figure out your travel and event distances! Understanding how long it will take you to get the venues is a key planning aspect. When making your plans, be sure to check out my Ultimate Guide to PyeongChang Travel Times piece: https://medium.com/road-to-pyeongchang/ultimate-guide-to-pyeongchang-2018-everything-you-need-to-know-about-travel-times-to-the-venues-20a0c00e9f32
— Flight prices lower again this week to get you to South Korea: Flights remain surprisingly inexpensive. Round-trip dropped to $667 from Los Angeles to Seoul, South Korea on Hong Kong Airlines departing February 6th and returning February 16th, enough time to see the Opening Ceremonies and several marquee events. NOTE: Last week, prices were $759.
- Korea Grand Sale 2018 coming January 18th! South Korea announced a sale for foreigners just in time for the Olympic Games. Starting January 18th, deal on flights, hotels, and stores around Korea will welcome visitors to South Korea: http://www.koreagrandsale.co.kr/en/
- PyeongChang 2018 Ticket Site Watch: Despite the news about accelerating ticket sales, 90% of events are available for immediate purchase and you have your choice of pick-up, print-at-home, and mobile ticketing. A larger release of high demand tickets such as men’s figure skating went on sale early November and quickly sold out. Tickets can now be purchased at Box Office locations, at Tickets.PyeongChang2018.com and via the Fan-to-Fan exchange. Be sure to check both the primary and fan resale sites before purchasing.
- Authorized Ticket Resellers Watch: With the news a few weeks back on the PyeongChang 2018 ticketing site, it is anticipated the focus for Authorized Resellers will likely shift to focus only on packages inclusive of hotel rooms, hospitality, and tickets. The reason? The PyeongChang 2018 offers lower prices and more options for delivery of tickets. I will continue to track ticket availability through ATRs which remains largely unchanged with most events having available inventory from both Cosport (USA) and Dertour (Germany/EU).
Want the latest news and happenings on The Road to PyeongChang or catch up on previous issues? Click here to read all past editions of The Road to PyeongChang and click the link to subscribe too! If you have an article, press release, or video you want included in an upcoming issue, please reach me at kenh@invitemanager.com or @KenHanscom
About Ken Hanscom
Ken Hanscom is a veteran-fan of the Olympic Games and the recognized expert in ticketing, corporate sponsorships, traveling to and experiencing the Olympic Games. In his role as COO at InviteManager, during Rio 2016, Ken worked directly with the United States Olympic Committee, NBC Universal, Anheuser Busch, & Cartan Tours the authorized ticket reseller for 23 countries across the globe on their ticketing & corporate hospitality programs. While in Rio, Ken attended 30 events while guest blogging for the International Business Times, writing for USA Today, The Post Game, and appearing on ESPN Radio. For more information and interviews with Ken on the Olympics and the upcoming PyeongChang 2018 games, connect via Twitter or directly at kenh@invitemanger.com
