Winter Olympics opening ceremony at Oldies

The Winter Olympics begin in Vancouver on Friday (Feb 12) and many Canadian and US winter sports fans will be at Oldies for the opening ceremonies. With 40 screens, it will be impossible to find a corner without a good view. 

The official ceremonies start at 6 p.m., but the fun at Oldies starts at 5 p.m.
If the sight of all that snow and ice sends a chill down your spine, take advantage of some of the special warming drink offers, like two bottles of vodka for the price of one, and what you and your party don’t drink, will be kept on ice to await your next visit. 

Don’t be afraid to take your national flag with you. Cheering is encouraged.
Canada, the host country, has spent $100 million on its winter athletes to try to build up its medal count and exceed their total when the Olympics were held in Calgary.
The US is hoping to break through the winter barrier and come out on top for the first time in
its history.
Despite its dominance at the Summer Olympics, the United States historically has been a second-tier Winter Olympic nation that has excelled largely in sports popular among U.S. television audiences, such as figure skating, hockey and snowboarding.
It has been pushed around in more traditional snow pursuits by Germany, Norway, Russia, Austria and others.
But after more than a decade of trying to spur medal production from untapped winter disciplines, the U.S. Olympic Committee has finally assembled a deep, balanced team with medal hopes from ice dancing to luge to cross-country skiing..
Knocking off powerhouse Germany, which has won the overall medal count at the last three Olympics, and the hometown Canadians, remains a daunting proposition for the Americans, but the diverse strength of the 216-member U.S. team promises good theater, serious competition and, for those who watch on television, an introduction, perhaps, to some unfamiliar cold-weather pursuits.
If you are not the interested in the sports, the opening ceremonies are always worth watching and you will have a chance to cheer your team as they march into the arena.

Local hockey fans will be following the progress of both the US and Canada.
 Oldies is on Calle 39, the road near the former US Embassy that leads from Avenida Balboa to the National Hospital