Know Before You Go: What Olympic spectators need to know about clearing
security at venues

Top tips to enhance spectators' Olympic experience

VANCOUVER , Feb. 1 /CNW/ - With less than two weeks to go before the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, spectators are being encouraged to plan ahead and "Know Before You Go." Today's spectator tips: what Olympic spectators need to know about clearing security at a venue.

Attending the Olympic Games is different than any other event and to help spectators get ready, a series of spectator experience tips will be issued leading up to February 12th to make sure everyone has a truly enjoyable Games experience. Future tips will include what to wear, how to get there and what to bring.

More information is available at www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-spectator-guide and in spectator guides that were delivered with tickets.

Spectator tips for clearing security at Olympic venues:

    
    1.  Arrive early: Don't miss the start of competition. Know before you go
        and leave plenty of time to clear the security screening. Entering an
        Olympic venue will take longer than traditional events.

        -   City Venues: Gates open two hours before the start of competition

        -   Mountain venues: Gates open three hours before the start of
            competition at Whistler and Cypress Mountain venues.

        -   Opening and Closing Ceremonies: Gates open four hours early.

    2.  Check tickets: Make sure your ticket has the correct session code.
        Treat your tickets like cash. Lost or stolen tickets cannot be
        replaced or refunded.

    3.  Bring the smallest bag possible: If you have a bag smaller than a
        bread box (15 cm x 15 cm x 30 cm or 6 in x 6 in x 12 in), or no bag
        at all, you can use the express lane to enter the venue. Spectators
        carrying larger bags will follow the standard lane. Lanes will be
        clearly marked.

    4.  Be prepared: Read the spectator guide or check the list of
        permissible items at www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-spectator-guide.
        All spectators will be asked to pass through a magnetometer (metal
        detector). Help expedite the process by emptying pockets of all metal
        objects.

    5.  Follow instructions: Public information marshals will be welcoming
        spectators to expedite their entry into the venue and communicate key
        information to assist everyone in moving smoothly.
    

For the most up-to-date information available now and during the Games, visit www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-spectator-guide. The section reviews transportation options, venue specific recommendations and directions, ceremonies and celebration information as well as providing detailed lists of prohibited and restricted actions and items. Spectators can also sign up for immediate alerts and notifications through their mobile phones or e-mail accounts. Information is also available in the spectator guides that were delivered with tickets and on maps available at Vancouver 2010 information kiosks downtown, partner locations and at tourism offices.

About VANOC

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

For further information: Media Contact: Media Relations, Vancouver 2010, [phone]