HomeMy WebLinkAbout7. Edwin Shipstad Skating Show CSE Support Memo to Council FINAL
To: Vail Town Council & Town of Vail Finance and Admin Department
From: Commission on Special Events
Date: April 10, 2018
Subject: Commission on Special Events Recommendation for Support of Shipstad
Entertainment 2018 Vail Holidays™ Ice Skating Festival
Recommendation:
The Commission on Special Events (CSE) would like to formally show support for the
proposed 2018 Vail Holidays™ ice skating festival. This is an event that was presented
at an off-cycle time for the CSE funding process, but will be included in the CSE
process for 2019. The CSE board recommends staff and council provide support to the
festival via either in-kind contribution of Dobson Arena rental and/or financial support for
the 2018 event.
The CSE endorses this event because it offers activation for destination guests,
outreach to the community, elevates the Vail Holidays™ events, and demonstrates
alignment with the Vail brand. Final dates and times for the public shows and show at
Dobson are TBD; they will be aligned with Vail Holidays™ existing events, Vail
Snowdays events and school vacation timing. In addition, as this is a Winter Olympic
year, the momentum of interest in winter sports continues and this event capitalizes on
that appeal.
Background:
The Vail Holidays™ event programming has not included a skating show since 2013
due to budgetary restrictions. Mr. Edwin Shipstad of Shipstad Entertainment was the
event producer for that 2013 show and would like to return to Vail to put on a skating
festival for 2018. Shipstad Entertainment has a tradition of over 75 years of ice show
entertainment. One of the production highlights for the company was performing at the
Pre-game VIP Kick-Off Party for the Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis.
The 2018 Vail skating festival would be incorporated into the Vail Holidays™ festivities
and advertised and marketed along with the other activities. Mr. Shipstad proposed to
hold two free shows in either Solaris Plaza, Vail Square at the Arrabelle or both
locations. These 10-15 minute shows are free to the public; this would provide activation
in the village and an enhanced holiday guest experience.
Mr. Shipstad will also hold a skating clinic for local and Front Range skaters with elite
coaching staff from Colorado Springs. He also proposed a skating memorabilia exhibit
for the Vail library. This exhibit would be free of charge to visitors.
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In addition, Shipstad Entertainment will hold a paid event, an ice show at Dobson Arena
starring multiple Olympic medalists (including local skaters).
Additional Events/Activation around the Festival:
• Skaters in the clinic can have private lessons with the elite coaching staff
• Skaters will have access to watching elite skater sessions and ice show warm-up
prior to the event at Dobson
• Private Meet-and-greet (Sponsors of the event)
• Skate with the Stars appearances on public sessions (Dobson/outdoor rinks)
• Local activities (Girl and Boy Scout skating lessons for certificate and entrance to
the show/ 30 minute lesson with 30 minute practice time)
• Autograph signing around town and after the show
• TV8 Appearances
• Visit to the hospital
Guest Coaches for Event:
World Coaches: Eddie Shipstad, Ryan Jahnke (world competitor), Erik Schulz, Ben
Agosto (Olympic Medalist)
Cast Scheduled to Appear:
Alexa and Chris Knierim (2018 Olympic Medalists)
Mirai Nagasu (2018 Olympic Medalist)
Jeremy Abbott (2014 Olympic Medalist and two-time Olympian)
Elite skaters and seasoned professionals from around the Colorado area
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