US Airways - July 2012 - (Page 38)

GettinG tHere uS Airways offers daily nonstop flights from Philadelphia to london Heathrow and from Charlotte to london Gatwick. Getting tickets will be the hardest part of the equation for visitors, since most were sold in advance by lottery. The good news is that there are several major events that do not require tickets, most famously the marathon, which has a rich history in London. It was here at the 1908 games that the modern distance of 26 miles and 385 yards was established as a standard. Queen Alexandra had the start line in Windsor moved back to outside her castle window, and the finish in the Olympic Stadium extended to the front of the Royal Box. This monarchical decision led to the seemingly arbitrary distance to which the race has been set ever since. For 2012, the marathon will start in the heart of the “All this great infrastructure will be here for the future of london. the new hotels, the transport — it’s not just the Olympics, it’s —Jo Geneen, London & Partners forever.” with plenty of ticket-free viewing. In addition, giant screens will be erected in several locations, including Hyde Park, Victoria Park, and Potters Fields Park at London Bridge for festive outdoor viewing throughout the entire games, complete with live bands for a party-like atmosphere. If you can snag a ticket, you’ll want to consider one of the unusually high profile events this year: beach volleyball. A result of a bold move, volleyball will be played on a makeshift court in front of the prime minister’s residence at Horse Guards Parade, the equivalent of playing on the front lawn of the White House. Other notable venues include one of the world’s finest rowing centers, a dedicated facility in Eton, near Windsor. Because of the sheer number of events, including canoeing and crew, the center will be in the spotlight often during the games, with medal ceremonies on-site, making it one of the best viewing spots. Likewise, archery will take place at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, and all of the equestrian events will be held in suburban Greenwich Park. The 1,000-acre Lee Valley White Water Centre is brand-new and will remain open to recreational kayakers after the games end. Photos (from Left) courtesy of transPort for London, by robin mayes/courtesy of Water chariots, and by James o. Jenkins/ courtesy of transPort for London From left: legible london map, Water Chariots canal boat, and bike rental station city, on the Mall, then run through Trafalgar Square, along the Thames to east London where it will circle St. Paul’s Cathedral and loop past the Tower of London, returning along the Thames to Big Ben before passing Buckingham Palace and ending back on the Mall. There will be countless spots along the route to watch this highlight event for free. Other races, including cycling and the triathlon, have long routes past iconic landmarks In many ways, these out-of-the-city events will be the least hectic. The O2 arena, London’s most famous concert venue, will host marquee events like the men’s basketball finals, while the bulk of the high-profile action will be at the new Olympic Park in east London. The city’s crown jewel for the games, Olympic Park is the result of a massive revitalization of a former warehouse and factory sitting on wasteland. The centerpiece of the 600-acre 38 july 2012 usairwaysmag.com http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - July 2012

US Airways - July 2012
Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: Best Beaches
Wine & Dine: Table to Farm
Adventure: Home-Court Advantage
Great Escapes: Mayan Adventure
Destination Fabulous
Gear Up: Activate!
London Calling
Room with a View
Chefs Tell: Water's Edge
Charlotte in 2012
Best of Health
Flying High in North Carolina
Charlotte U.S.A.: From Crackers to Gelato
University Spotlight: Grand Canyon University
Must Read: Better, Stronger, Faster
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace™
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - July 2012