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2008 News and Information
Innovative Quebec Skating Show Highlights Entertainment at Opening of Richmond Olympic Oval
03 December 2008Quebec’s Le Patin Libre will offer a nouveau twist on the traditional ice show during their six performances at the Official Opening of the Richmond Olympic Oval on Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13.
Described as Ice Capades meets Cirque Du Soleil, Le Patin Libre combines old school skating show standbys like barrel jumping and ice dancing with exciting acrobatics and audience interactions. Le Patin Libre will also incorporate skaters from a number of Richmond skating groups into its performances. Le Patin Libre’s six shows on Friday and Saturday will include a 20-minute performance in the Oval’s 400-metre track, followed by ongoing interaction with skaters taking part in the 45-minute public skating sessions that will follow each performance.
The Richmond Olympic Oval’s Official Opening is presented by The Bay. Admission is free and no tickets are required. Available seating is expected to be in high demand for the official opening ceremonies from 5 to 6 p.m. on Friday, December 12. Spectators are reminded that there will be more than 12 hours of opening activities with live entertainment, public skating and building tours throughout the two-day opening celebration.
Our SponsorsEvent parking is limited so spectators are encouraged to carpool, take transit, cycle or walk to the Oval. Increased bus service will be provided on the 401 and 407 routes, which stop at Gilbert and Westminster, a few minutes walk from the Oval. Call 604-953-3333 or visit www.translink.bc.ca for more information.
Public parking for the event will be in designated offsite parking lots and on neighbourhood streets—look for signage to direct you to event parking lots. Parking permit restrictions on River Road and Elmbridge Way will be temporarily removed during the event.
The opening night festival will be held Friday, December 12 from 4:30 to 10 p.m. and will feature official opening ceremonies, special entertainment, building tours and the first public skate on the Oval track. The festivities will continue from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 13 with a community open house featuring public skating, entertainment, building tours and more.
Live entertainment on the main stage begins at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 12 with the official opening ceremonies commencing at 5 p.m. The opening ceremonies will include the breathtaking aerial dance of the Aeriosa Dance as they perform their mid-air ballet suspended from the Oval’s spectacular wood roof, followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting with a bang that will open the Oval’s 400-metre track up for skating.
The acclaimed 15th Field Artillery Regiment Band, popularly known as Vancouver’s “Army Band” will also perform with special guest Alexandria Beck, North America's first female 'opera-crossover' singer and rising star from Richmond, now living in London, England. Promising young Richmond country singer Shanna Lynn will also perform with the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Band.
Attendees will have an opportunity to take tours of the new Oval - with a twist. Actors will guide groups of people throughout the various areas of the facility, using comedy and participatory activities to excite and engage participants, while highlighting the special features of the building.
A number of 45-minute public skating sessions will be held on both Friday and Saturday. Some skates will be available for rent, but the public is encouraged to bring their own.
A full schedule of events is below:
Schedule of EventsFRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
4:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Opening pre-show, hosted by CTV’s Tamara Taggart, featuring performances by the Hugh Boyd Drummers and McNeil Dancers, Show Stoppers and the Richmond Honour Choir.
5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Official Opening Ceremonies with welcomes from Mayor Malcolm Brodie, Olympic Gold Medal winner Kyle Hamilton and other dignitaries. The official ribbon cutting will feature Olympic speed skating champion Cindy Klassen, Aeriosa Dance Society and Alexandria Beck.
6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Watch interactive skating performances with Le Patin Libre at 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. and lace up for free 45-minute public skating sessions at 6:00, 7:20 and 8:50 p.m.
Witness performances by local country artist Shanna Lynn, Cary McCaffery, Firebelly, Fanny Starchild and U-Phorea and the Steveston Tera Taiko Drummers.
Laugh along with interactive Comedy Tour Guides with David C. Jones.
Visit The Richmond Olympic Oval, Then and Now display.
Enjoy interpretive tours of the Oval’s public art features.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
Noon to 7:00 pm
Watch interactive skating performances with Le Patin Libre at 12;30, 3:00, 4:55 and 6:10 p.m. and lace up for free 45-minute public skating sessions at 12:50, 3:20, 5:15 and 6:30 p.m.
Witness performances by Firebelly, Showstoppers, Fanny Starchild and U-Phorea and the Steveston Tera Taiko Drummers.
Laugh along with interactive Comedy Tour Guides with David C. Jones.
Visit The Richmond Olympic Oval, Then and Now display.
2:00 p.m.
Community Partners Recognition Event. Join us as we salute community partners who have contributed to the success of the Oval project.
Visit www.richmond.ca or www.richmondoval.ca for more details on the opening.
