Has anyone been to a FISU World University Games (Universiade)?

[slgames]

They're having the 2023 FISU Winter World University Games (also known as the Universiade) in Lake Placid next month. It is an 11-day multi-sport winter games for college athletes from around the world.

Has anyone ever been to one of these?  I have never attended an Olympics, but I wonder if this World University Games would give you a feel for what the Olympics are like, without having to spend as much money.

 

[Bear]

A lot of these athletes go on (or perhaps already have gone) to the Olympics, and all of the sports that will be played in Lake Placid are on the Olympic Program, so sporting wise this should be very similar to the Winter Olympics.

Atmosphere wise, it should be similar as well, as both events share the concept of a torch relay, O/C ceremonies, nightly medal ceremonies, and entertainment throughout the 11 day event.

FISU is an IOC-recognized organization, so both organizations tend to work with each other on some things, and there's a good chance that IOC prez Bach will deliver a video message at the Opening Ceremony (im 99% sure he did the same in past Universiades while he's been president).

anyways, if you have the means to go, you should definitely do it, everything seems to point that it's gonna be a really cool Games

[SportLightning]

After the 2023 editions (including Lake Placid 2023 and Chengdu 2023). I may watch on live at FISU website for the 2025 editions with mostly the summer edition in Rhine-Rhur, Germany.

[Bear]

13 hours ago, SportLightning said:

After the 2023 editions (including Lake Placid 2023 and Chengdu 2023). I may watch on live at FISU website for the 2025 editions with mostly the summer edition in Rhine-Rhur, Germany.

Lake Placid will probably be streamed on FISU.tv, but since the ESPN deal is a thing, the FISU streams might only be open to non US viewers

[Bear]

btw there's a thread for Lake Placid 2023 info as well:

 

[slgames]

On 12/29/2022 at 5:51 PM, Bear said:

A lot of these athletes go on (or perhaps already have gone) to the Olympics, and all of the sports that will be played in Lake Placid are on the Olympic Program, so sporting wise this should be very similar to the Winter Olympics.

Atmosphere wise, it should be similar as well, as both events share the concept of a torch relay, O/C ceremonies, nightly medal ceremonies, and entertainment throughout the 11 day event.

FISU is an IOC-recognized organization, so both organizations tend to work with each other on some things, and there's a good chance that IOC prez Bach will deliver a video message at the Opening Ceremony (im 99% sure he did the same in past Universiades while he's been president).

anyways, if you have the means to go, you should definitely do it, everything seems to point that it's gonna be a really cool Games

Thanks for the reply. I am looking into tickets for the events and each event seems to be just one price, but I'm not sure what seat I will get. Anyone have any idea if you can pick where you sit, or do they assign a random seat for you?

Also, for some of the events like hockey, ski jump, curling, and speed skating, I know I can see the entire venue and all of the action from my seat. But I've never been a spectator to any mountain events like alpine skiing or cross country skiing. Can you see the whole mountain course from where you are sitting? Or do you just see the skiers as they come close to the finish line?

[Bear]

On 1/2/2023 at 2:35 AM, slgames said:

Thanks for the reply. I am looking into tickets for the events and each event seems to be just one price, but I'm not sure what seat I will get. Anyone have any idea if you can pick where you sit, or do they assign a random seat for you?

Checking the ticketing website, it seems that they are all general admission so you get to sit anywhere you want once you're in the venue

On 1/2/2023 at 2:35 AM, slgames said:

Also, for some of the events like hockey, ski jump, curling, and speed skating, I know I can see the entire venue and all of the action from my seat. But I've never been a spectator to any mountain events like alpine skiing or cross country skiing. Can you see the whole mountain course from where you are sitting? Or do you just see the skiers as they come close to the finish line?

I suppose it depends on the specific venue you're at, but in the case of cross country, it seems most courses seem to only have seating in the finish/start areas. However all of these snow venues tend to have large screens around so you can still follow the participants when they aren't visible to you

(if anyone else has more info / experience on this feel free to add on)

13 hours ago, Milton Summers said:

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum, I am a game programmer, I would like to ask if there is any performance at that FISU festival for game publishers?

I don't think so, the Festival page has a list of performers and events and there's no mention of anything for publishers: https://www.lakeplacid2023.com/festival/

[slgames]

Thanks @Bear for all the information you gave me. I attended for 3 days and watched 7 events. I also had a lot of fun with the activities on Main Street, and doing the bobsled ride at Mt. Van Hoevenberg and seeing the Olympic Museum.

The Closing Ceremonies weren't quite what I expected (no performers dressed up in costumes or nations marching in - I believe they did that for the Opening Ceremonies though). Also I wish they would post all the event videos on FISU.tv, because I'd like to watch one event again, and for another event I was on TV, but so far they have only posted a few videos and I'm doubtful they will post anymore.

 

[Bear]

6 hours ago, slgames said:

Thanks @Bear for all the information you gave me. I attended for 3 days and watched 7 events. I also had a lot of fun with the activities on Main Street, and doing the bobsled ride at Mt. Van Hoevenberg and seeing the Olympic Museum.

The Closing Ceremonies weren't quite what I expected (no performers dressed up in costumes or nations marching in - I believe they did that for the Opening Ceremonies though). Also I wish they would post all the event videos on FISU.tv, because I'd like to watch one event again, and for another event I was on TV, but so far they have only posted a few videos and I'm doubtful they will post anymore.

So glad I was able to help, and it's great to hear that your experience was enjoyable!

I do think FISU isn't done uploading events, it always takes a while for them to do so (I know that the Olympic channel on YT still posts events from previous Olympics months and years later) so maybe keep checking every once in a while

[Carl Burns]

Thank you, @Bear, for the wealth of information you provided. I attended for three days and observed seven activities. I really enjoyed the activities on Main Street, the bobsled ride on Mt. Van Hoevenberg, and my visit to the Olympic Museum.

word hurdle