Dance Party
Come join us on Friday evening for a chance to dance the night away with other U.S. Finals athletes.  An interactive DJ will be there all night to host this amazing party! The dance party will be held in Municipal Auditorium Arena at The Kansas City Convention Center and will open to all registered athletes during the following times:

12 years old and younger – 7:00PM – 8:00PM
13 years old and older – 8:00PM – 9:00PM

Coaches Check-In
Coaches Check-In will officially begin at 7PM on Friday, April 15, 2011 in Municipal Auditorium Arena at the Kansas City Convention Center.  Although coaches will be able to check-in on Saturday as well, we highly encourage at least one representative to check-in each team on Friday evening.  The following items will be handed to you at Coaches Check-In:

1. Participant Credentials
Coaches will be given athlete credentials at Coaches Check-In to hand out to every registered athlete participating in The U.S. Finals – Kansas City.  Athletes must wear these credentials to gain access into the facility – no exceptions.  All credentials are counted and re-counted ahead of time to ensure the number being provided to each team is correct in comparison to the number of athletes registered on that team.  Lost credentials will not be replaced.

2. Coaches Credentials
All registered coaches (2 per team) will be given wristbands at Coaches Check-In to wear for the event.  Coaches must wear these wristbands on their wrists to gain entry into the facility as well as the Coaches VIP Area and the Practice Area – no exceptions.

3. Athlete Gifts
Coaches will receive all of the Athlete Gifts for their team(s) at Coaches Check-In – one per registered athlete.  Please distribute these to your athletes so they can enjoy their gift from The U.S. Finals.

Practice Area
The practice area will be located in an exhibit hall.  Please check out the event map to view its exact location and set-up.  Only participants and credentialed coaches will be allowed access into the Practice Area.  We ask that teams check-in for the Practice Area at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled practice time.  The practice warm-up schedule will consist of the following:

CHEER TEAMS
6 minutes – 44’ x 12’ Foam Stretch Strip
6 minutes – 60’ x 12’ Spring Tumble Strip
6 minutes – 54’ x 44’ Spring Floor

DANCE TEAMS
6 minutes – 44’ x 12’ Foam Stretch Strip
6 minutes – 5’ x 49’ Marley Strip
6 minutes – 40’ x 49’ Marley Floor

Water will be available for the athletes at designated water stations before and after their warm-up rotation.  We also ask that you do not bring any bags or other items that can cause clutter inside the Practice Area.  We want to maintain a safe and clean environment for all teams competing.

Performance Area
The Performance Area will consist of a 54’ x 44’ spring floor placed directly on the arena floor for cheer teams.  Dance teams will perform on a 40’ x 49’ Marley Floor.

Performance Review
Upon exiting the performance floor, teams will be able to immediately review their performances on a large flat screen TV.  Sit back, relax and enjoy your U.S. Finals performance.

Scoring & Score Sheet Pick-Up
Please visit our SCORING PAGE for all information regarding our score sheets and scoring process.  All score sheets will be made available for pick up at Coaches Check-In immediately after your team’s award session has concluded.  Please don’t forget to leave with your score sheets!

Awards/Gifts
The following awards/gifts will be given out at The U.S. Finals – Kansas City:

Event Merchandise
Please visit the JAMwear booth (The Official Merchandise Provider of The U.S. Finals) to pick up your 2011 U.S. Finals cheer and dance gear! The JAMwear booth will be located directly behind the Judges’ Risers in Municipal Auditorium Arena at the Kansas City Convention Center

Vendors
Please make sure you check out the fantastic vendors located in Municipal Auditorium Arena at the Kansas City Convention Center. 

Team & Action Photos
Universal Event Photography is the Official Photographer of The U.S. Finals.  Hundreds of action shots will be taken throughout each team’s performance.  Team photos will also be taken before each team takes the practice floors.  Photos will be available for purchase the day of the event.  All event photos will also be posted online and will be available for purchase at the following website – https://www.universaleventphoto.com/Index.aspx.

VIP Seating
A VIP Seating area will be available for the fans of the team performing.  The U.S. Finals staff will monitor this area to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to utilize this space during each team’s performance.  Please make sure you follow the flow of the space and move in and out quickly.  Thank you for your cooperation in advance!

Concessions/Food
Plenty of concessions at the Kansas City Convention Center will be made available to all athletes and spectators.  No outside food or beverage may be brought into the facility.

Spectator Pricing
The U.S. Finals – Kansas City is a ticketed event.  The price of admission also includes an event program.  Spectator pricing for The U.S. Finals – Kansas City is as follows:

Parking
Parking for the Kansas City Convention Center is available in the Auditorium Plaza Garage, city-owned lots, and privately owned lots. Event parking rates at city-owned lots are $5 to $8. Rates at privately owned lots vary by location and by event. Many parking garages are open 24 hours and most will be open to facilitate attendees of major events. Availability changes depending on the time of day. Metered, on-street parking is available and is free evenings and weekends. There are also surface lots throughout downtown. Click here for a parking map.

WARNING – Strobes, fog, haze and other special effects will be used in the production of The U.S. Finals!