by Gloria Edmonson Nelson

Created on: November 17, 2009

The Vancouver-Whistler Winter Olympics is designed to provide easy access to the various venues. There are many centres that are being revised to accommodate the many people who will attend. Providing a condensed guide will further help people to decide on what sports they are interested in seeing and well as how to navigate. The following is compiled to assist:

BC PLACE STADIUM - OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES - Also nightly victory ceremony presentations and live presentations. The stadium holds 60,000 people. (BCplacestadium.com).

CANADA HOCKEY PLACE - Women's Preliminary Games 1-4 - February 13 and 14th. Holds 19,300 participants.

CANADA HOCKEY PLACE OLYMPIC - Women's and Men's February 13 through 28th, Semi-finals, Master Finals, Qualatative Playoffs, Bronze and Gold Medals.

CYPRESS MOUNTAINS - Freestyle Skiing (Capacity 12,000), Snowboard (Capacity 12,000) and Snowboard Halfpipe (Capacity 8,000). It is located in Cypress Provincial Park adjacent to District Western Vancouver. (Vancouver2010.com).

PACIFIC COLISEUM - Figure skating and Short Track Speed Skating. It is the largest building within the Hastings Park Complex. (Capacity 15,713. They will add 2,000 floor seats). (Vancouverinfocenter.com).

RICHMOND OLYMPIC OVAL - The 400 metre speed skating track. Twelve medal events will be held here. It is located across the river from Vancouver International Airport on the banks of Fraser River. (Capacity 8,000).

UBC THUNDERBIRD ARENA - Also known as Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre. Ice Hockey on February 13 and 14, Women's Preliminary Games 1 through 4. (Capacity 6,800 as well was 1,800 temporary seats). (enwikipedia.org).

VANCOUVER OLYMPIC/PARALYMPIC CENTRE - This is a new centre and curling rink that is being built. It will be host to curling and paralympics as well as wheelchair curling. (Capacity 6,000). Post-games; it will be converted into a multipurpose centre for hockey rink, gymnasium, library, eight sheets curling ice, and a lounge for curlers. (enwikipedia.org).

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB - The largest ski resort area in North America. In 1997, Whistler and Blackcomb were integrated into one. (Vail, Colorado is the next largest). It is 8,171 acres.

WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK - Location of Nordic events. Host to cross country skiing, ski jumping, biathlon, and Nordic combined. (Capacity 10,000 spectators, 6,000 for paralympics).

WHISTLER SLIDING - Located in Fitzsimmons Creek Valley in Whistler on the lower most slopes of Blackcomb Mountains. Includes bob sleigh, luge, and skeleton track.

MAIN MEDIA CENTRE - Provides workspace for 7,000 broadcasters and technicians. It is located within Canada Place Complex and Vancouver Convention Centre on the waterfront. (Vancouver2010.com).

This list provides a concise overview of each venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Being organized will help to alleviate the stress in getting around and also add to the joy of being a part of this historical occasion.

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