Belfast to host World Championships Div1B 2017

[Deleted]

I posted this elsewhere and on second thoughts decided the effort alone deserves it's own thread. Well done to all involved, I'm starting my planning already.

[Yotes]

Very good. I might look into it myself.

[Caesar]

Not so sure about this, can't help feeling it might fall a bit flat. For me, I'd love to go and watch GB in a tournament but even though it's a bit closer to home it'd still mean having a week off work. Would still have to get a flight and book a hotel. Not much different to it being in Holland or Italy to be honest. And without getting too much into politics, how much of the Giants fan base would consider themselves British and not Irish? I have no idea where their loyalty generally lies as a group.

[Deleted]

Belfast as a location, I think they will host a fantastic tournament and it will boost our standing in the hockey world. Get ticket prices/packages correct and it will be well supported for all games.

Looking at this from a hockey perspective, GB have fluffed it two years in a row once they were under a bit of pressure so to put what I consider to be a fragile team(some others will see the last two years and relatively successful, I don't) in front of an expectant home crowd I see as a bit of risk for me. They could thrive with the home support but I just have a feeling the team themselves will flop again. Priority 1 for me is to get out of this division. I'd love nothing more than to be proven wrong and this post be rammed down my throat next year, only time will tell.

[nate24]

May 20, 2016 11:59:37 GMT Caesar said:

Not so sure about this, can't help feeling it might fall a bit flat. For me, I'd love to go and watch GB in a tournament but even though it's a bit closer to home it'd still mean having a week off work. Would still have to get a flight and book a hotel. Not much different to it being in Holland or Italy to be honest. And without getting too much into politics, how much of the Giants fan base would consider themselves British and not Irish? I have no idea where their loyalty generally lies as a group.

Though a nice nod to GB it is a nice change for other participating nations to go somewhere new. It's not all about putting GB on home soil.

[gisland126]

May 20, 2016 11:59:37 GMT Caesar said:

Not so sure about this, can't help feeling it might fall a bit flat. For me, I'd love to go and watch GB in a tournament but even though it's a bit closer to home it'd still mean having a week off work. Would still have to get a flight and book a hotel. Not much different to it being in Holland or Italy to be honest. And without getting too much into politics, how much of the Giants fan base would consider themselves British and not Irish? I have no idea where their loyalty generally lies as a group.

Or they might just think of themselves as Hockey Fans....At times,constantly looking inwards, it can be easy to see what one thinks might be happening,simply based on our social / mainstream media's need for "breaking news" headlines..

Since the first puck dropped in Belfast, I've never spoken to / asked nor been asked which "Flag I lie under". Believe me, growing up in Northern Ireland, there is a spoken word in code to determine your "loyalties" that is so subtle, M15 and the old WW2 Code breakers would be proud !!! LOL..

Things are better... My daughter (14) has no comprehension of " this side / that side" Her friends are her friends, determined by the fact they all "gel" and get along, not guided nor influenced by a religious lottery at birth..
Belfast is not a cheap city, It's not the most expensive. It's not the prettiest of cities but it does have character along with some recent history...It's not a city full of bigots, however no matter how small in numbers, it does have bigots.. It is a city trying to move forward, trying to bring in International Events that assist in raising it's profile and dilute the scared face image viewed by so many for so long on Global media... We have great citywide nightlife, restaurants,bars etc...If you can put a few quid aside between now and then, hop over for a couple of days... You will enjoy it..... We're not Holland or Italy, we're Norn Ireland..LOL

[spik]

Solely on the trip.
Looking forward to hearing of the cheapest of cheap options because it does mean a flight puts it into the 'expensive' frame for me.Plus accommodation involved too.

[chris111]

May 21, 2016 11:38:09 GMT spik said:

Solely on the trip.
Looking forward to hearing of the cheapest of cheap options because it does mean a flight puts it into the 'expensive' frame for me.Plus accommodation involved too.

I'm a Belfast fan, but was curious myself at how much would it cost for a week,I see some GB fans talking about it costing a grand (which a week in Belfast seems ridiculous, im looking at a holiday in the USA for a grand.).

Anyway I looked up, Flights to Belfast int or city seem to be a frequent route, lots of options there, and it seems if you book early enough can get flights from 30 pounds. Now hotels would be the pricier part of this, as you will need a hotel for a week. But again if you book early enough there are plenty of good deals, I seen hotels that would cost 280 for the week (city center etap hotel). So all in, just on flights and hotels your looking around 310 if you book early.

I'm used to travelling on a budget, following the Giants away from home in the UK. A lot of times I don't mind staying in a hostel, and Belfast has some good hostels. Some charge 15 pounds a night, which is dirt cheap, get a few friends and you can book a room together. so if you do that can get flights and accommodation for 110 or so.

Food and drink are the most expensive part if your looking at spending a week. But lets factor in 300 pounds for that:

with flights (30), hotel (280) and spending money - id say all in abut 600 - 650 let says.
with flights (30), hostel (80) and spending money - id say all in about 450-500.

Not bad for a week away, its certainly do-able on a budget. if there is a group of people, could also look at car/bus + ferry across. not sure that would save any money, as the fights are dirt cheap if you get in early.

[spik]

May 21, 2016 12:08:48 GMT chris111 said:

May 21, 2016 11:38:09 GMT spik said:

Solely on the trip.
Looking forward to hearing of the cheapest of cheap options because it does mean a flight puts it into the 'expensive' frame for me.Plus accommodation involved too.

I'm a Belfast fan, but was curious myself at how much would it cost for a week,I see some GB fans talking about it costing a grand (which a week in Belfast seems ridiculous, im looking at a holiday in the USA for a grand.).

Anyway I looked up, Flights to Belfast int or city seem to be a frequent route, lots of options there, and it seems if you book early enough can get flights from 30 pounds. Now hotels would be the pricier part of this, as you will need a hotel for a week. But again if you book early enough there are plenty of good deals, I seen hotels that would cost 280 for the week (city center etap hotel). So all in, just on flights and hotels your looking around 310 if you book early.

I'm used to travelling on a budget, following the Giants away from home in the UK. A lot of times I don't mind staying in a hostel, and Belfast has some good hostels. Some charge 15 pounds a night, which is dirt cheap, get a few friends and you can book a room together. so if you do that can get flights and accommodation for 110 or so.

Food and drink are the most expensive part if your looking at spending a week. But lets factor in 300 pounds for that:

with flights (30), hotel (280) and spending money - id say all in abut 600 - 650 let says.
with flights (30), hostel (80) and spending money - id say all in about 450-500.

Not bad for a week away, its certainly do-able on a budget. if there is a group of people, could also look at car/bus + ferry across. not sure that would save any money, as the fights are dirt cheap if you get in early.

Thank you for that.
Maybe I'd come for a part week.
Then again, I'm a big programme collector and IF they are doing one (Belfast don't even do match programmes) I'd need to be there early in the week before they sold out.
Yet later might be the crunch games. Oh dilemma.
Looks like I'm looking for a good local to pick me up a programme if I can't make it or go later in the week.lol
Most annoying would be top get the early bought flight and then the date get changed, that's happened before now.

[bruinspanthers]

May 21, 2016 12:36:08 GMT spik said:

May 21, 2016 12:08:48 GMT chris111 said:

I'm a Belfast fan, but was curious myself at how much would it cost for a week,I see some GB fans talking about it costing a grand (which a week in Belfast seems ridiculous, im looking at a holiday in the USA for a grand.).

Anyway I looked up, Flights to Belfast int or city seem to be a frequent route, lots of options there, and it seems if you book early enough can get flights from 30 pounds. Now hotels would be the pricier part of this, as you will need a hotel for a week. But again if you book early enough there are plenty of good deals, I seen hotels that would cost 280 for the week (city center etap hotel). So all in, just on flights and hotels your looking around 310 if you book early.

I'm used to travelling on a budget, following the Giants away from home in the UK. A lot of times I don't mind staying in a hostel, and Belfast has some good hostels. Some charge 15 pounds a night, which is dirt cheap, get a few friends and you can book a room together. so if you do that can get flights and accommodation for 110 or so.

Food and drink are the most expensive part if your looking at spending a week. But lets factor in 300 pounds for that:

with flights (30), hotel (280) and spending money - id say all in abut 600 - 650 let says.
with flights (30), hostel (80) and spending money - id say all in about 450-500.

Not bad for a week away, its certainly do-able on a budget. if there is a group of people, could also look at car/bus + ferry across. not sure that would save any money, as the fights are dirt cheap if you get in early.

Thank you for that.
Maybe I'd come for a part week.
Then again, I'm a big programme collector and IF they are doing one (Belfast don't even do match programmes) I'd need to be there early in the week before they sold out.
Yet later might be the crunch games. Oh dilemma.
Looks like I'm looking for a good local to pick me up a programme if I can't make it or go later in the week.lol
Most annoying would be top get the early bought flight and then the date get changed, that's happened before now.

What are the chances of dates changing, I know the dates are scheduled to be then but also say they are still to be ratified by IIHF

What's the record for dates changing when they are still to be ratified I would of thought it would be unlikely to change

[chris111]

May 21, 2016 12:36:08 GMT spik said:

May 21, 2016 12:08:48 GMT chris111 said:

I'm a Belfast fan, but was curious myself at how much would it cost for a week,I see some GB fans talking about it costing a grand (which a week in Belfast seems ridiculous, im looking at a holiday in the USA for a grand.).

Anyway I looked up, Flights to Belfast int or city seem to be a frequent route, lots of options there, and it seems if you book early enough can get flights from 30 pounds. Now hotels would be the pricier part of this, as you will need a hotel for a week. But again if you book early enough there are plenty of good deals, I seen hotels that would cost 280 for the week (city center etap hotel). So all in, just on flights and hotels your looking around 310 if you book early.

I'm used to travelling on a budget, following the Giants away from home in the UK. A lot of times I don't mind staying in a hostel, and Belfast has some good hostels. Some charge 15 pounds a night, which is dirt cheap, get a few friends and you can book a room together. so if you do that can get flights and accommodation for 110 or so.

Food and drink are the most expensive part if your looking at spending a week. But lets factor in 300 pounds for that:

with flights (30), hotel (280) and spending money - id say all in abut 600 - 650 let says.
with flights (30), hostel (80) and spending money - id say all in about 450-500.

Not bad for a week away, its certainly do-able on a budget. if there is a group of people, could also look at car/bus + ferry across. not sure that would save any money, as the fights are dirt cheap if you get in early.

Thank you for that.
Maybe I'd come for a part week.
Then again, I'm a big programme collector and IF they are doing one (Belfast don't even do match programmes) I'd need to be there early in the week before they sold out.
Yet later might be the crunch games. Oh dilemma.
Looks like I'm looking for a good local to pick me up a programme if I can't make it or go later in the week.lol
Most annoying would be top get the early bought flight and then the date get changed, that's happened before now.

No worries, I mean those prices are not set in stone, but gives you an idea at how much a week might cost.

Well i think the big advantage having it in Belfast, is it allows those GB fans with young families, or work commitments who might not be able to travel to Estonia. They now have an option of heading over to Belfast for a couple of days to catch some GB games. They still get a chance to travel and see somewhere new, but without the hassle of having to go too far away.

Ill probably be at all the games, so don't mind picking up a programme to hand over.

[spik]

Might take you up on that friend if I need one. Got the yearbook ok.
With reference to cancelations I think it was Elite not IIHF that cancelled it changed a Cup date that many Panthers fans had pre booked hotels/flights for.
Cheers

[EMB]

Don't forget the price of the tickets and this is where the pricing has to be spot on. How much were the Croatian ones ? 40.quid for the whole week? I bet ours are around 15.00 per match.

[iginla]

May 21, 2016 21:25:56 GMT EMB said:

Don't forget the price of the tickets and this is where the pricing has to be spot on. How much were the Croatian ones ? 40.quid for the whole week? I bet ours are around 15.00 per match.

And the airport parking,petrol and airport taxis in Belfast too,it all adds up to a dear week.

[kivo1889]

May 21, 2016 21:37:36 GMT iginla said:

May 21, 2016 21:25:56 GMT EMB said:

Don't forget the price of the tickets and this is where the pricing has to be spot on. How much were the Croatian ones ? 40.quid for the whole week? I bet ours are around 15.00 per match.

And the airport parking,petrol and airport taxis in Belfast too,it all adds up to a dear week.

A taxi from George Best airport to the arena (near the city centre) was under a tenner. And how much is a taxi for 4 from Nottingham to East Mids airport - why would you need airport parking?

[Lord of the Rinks]

May 21, 2016 12:08:48 GMT chris111 said:

May 21, 2016 11:38:09 GMT spik said:

Solely on the trip.
Looking forward to hearing of the cheapest of cheap options because it does mean a flight puts it into the 'expensive' frame for me.Plus accommodation involved too.

I'm a Belfast fan, but was curious myself at how much would it cost for a week,I see some GB fans talking about it costing a grand (which a week in Belfast seems ridiculous, im looking at a holiday in the USA for a grand.).

Anyway I looked up, Flights to Belfast int or city seem to be a frequent route, lots of options there, and it seems if you book early enough can get flights from 30 pounds. Now hotels would be the pricier part of this, as you will need a hotel for a week. But again if you book early enough there are plenty of good deals, I seen hotels that would cost 280 for the week (city center etap hotel). So all in, just on flights and hotels your looking around 310 if you book early.

I'm used to travelling on a budget, following the Giants away from home in the UK. A lot of times I don't mind staying in a hostel, and Belfast has some good hostels. Some charge 15 pounds a night, which is dirt cheap, get a few friends and you can book a room together. so if you do that can get flights and accommodation for 110 or so.

Food and drink are the most expensive part if your looking at spending a week. But lets factor in 300 pounds for that:

with flights (30), hotel (280) and spending money - id say all in abut 600 - 650 let says.
with flights (30), hostel (80) and spending money - id say all in about 450-500.

Not bad for a week away, its certainly do-able on a budget. if there is a group of people, could also look at car/bus + ferry across. not sure that would save any money, as the fights are dirt cheap if you get in early.

When the airline and hotel companies find out there is an event on such as this, the prices always go up. They don't miss a chance to make a bit more money. It will not be as big event as the London Marathon, but the prices for a hotel jump from the standard rate in the week before to over £150 per night over that week end.

[Shorty]

You are going to have these costs no matter where its held outside of England, Wales and Scotland.

The only cost that may get messed up as EMB says is the ticket price.

[Deleted]

Meh..

Think I'll stick to going to Belfast when panthers are in town !

Although this year I went to Belfast 2 days after the POFW . For 2 people for 2 nights including flights.... £200 !

[Shaggy]

May 21, 2016 21:25:56 GMT EMB said:

Don't forget the price of the tickets and this is where the pricing has to be spot on. How much were the Croatian ones ? 40.quid for the whole week? I bet ours are around 15.00 per match.

Actually, the tournament ticket in Zagreb last month was £18 (for 15 games)... which is very unusual and by far the cheapest I've ever known!
A fairer comparison would probably be Eindhoven (Netherlands) in 2015... I think the tournament ticket was about £70-£75... can't really remember, but it was somewhere in that ballpark. What the host countries sometimes do is to effectively only charge for the evening game (the host nation always plays in the evening for obvious reasons) and the earlier 'neutral' games are pretty much thrown in for little or nothing extra.
For Belfast, I suppose it'll come down to whether the arena (or IHUK? - not sure who decides this stuff) aim to screw every last penny they can out of the event or not. I normally like to watch as many of the non-GB games as I can as well (did 13 of the 15 games in Zagreb, which is about average for me) but if they decide to charge full whack for all of them... that's not going to happen.

[Deleted]

I've written a new article for TCW about why I believe Belfast hosting the World Championships next year is absolutely the right decision.

wp.me/P6zbpB-kY