2012 Visa Championships Fan Activities


Fans and St. Louis citizens will have lots of fun opportunities as part of the ancillary activities planned in conjunction with the 2012 Visa Championships. The opportunities range from morning fitness activities at the St. Louis Arch to the Visa Fan Fest, held next to Chaifetz Arena. The Visa Championships and its accompanying events will kick-off on June 7.

The following is a quick overview of the fan activities available during the Visa Championships.

  • Opening Ceremony/World Record Attempt. Gymnastics enthusiasts and the general public are invited to the open ceremony on Thursday, June 7, at 11:30 a.m. outside Chaifetz Arena. Included in the opening ceremony will be setting a world record for the longest balance beam. More information will be available in the coming weeks.

  • Morning fitness. Downtown workers and fans can start the day off right. From Thursday, June 7, through Saturday, June 9, with a 60-minute workout at the Arch. Each day will have a different workout: June 7, yoga, 6:30 a.m.; June 8, Zumba, 7:30 a.m.; and June 9, boot camp, 8:30 a.m.

  • Painting at Chaifetz. Gymnastics fans and citizens of St. Louis can help create an original painting that will become a part of the history of the 2012 Visa Championships. Interested individuals will have the opportunity to dip their hands and/or feet into paint and do handstands, cartwheels or walk across the canvas, developing a communal piece of art. Painting at Chaifetz will be available during the Visa Fan Fest. Those expected to participate include gymnasts competing in the event, local and gymnastics celebrities and dignitaries, gymnastics fans, aspiring gymnasts and residents of St. Louis. The finished canvas will be featured during the final session of the Visa Championships, and pieces of the canvas will be presented as special gifts to selected organizations and individuals affiliated with the event. Painting at Chaifetz is presented by Art of the Olympians, founded by Cathy Oerter and her late husband, Al, who was a four-time Olympic discus champion. Works of Al Oerter provide the background in the signage and visual imagery for the 2012 Visa Championships.

  • USA Gymnastics Fitness Zone. Kids can have fun and gain knowledge about the importance of fitness through the interactive USA Gymnastics Fitness Zone. The zone features activities in building strength, flexibility and cardiovascular exercise. The Fitness Zone will be featured on the concourse at the Chaifetz Arena and the Visa Fan Fest.

  • Visa Fan Fest. Fans can gather for fun between the gymnastics sessions on June 8-10 and post-competition on June 10. The Visa Fan Fest will be a great place to mingle and enjoy music, autographs, food, Painting at Chaifetz, the USA Gymnastics Fitness Zone and other fun activities, as well as buy merchandise.

  • The Road to London Piece by Piece. Fans can be part of piecing together the Road to London during the Visa Championships. Decorate a 1x2 (or smaller) piece of wood and bring it to the opening ceremony on Thursday, June 7, at 11:30 a.m. Ian Mackenzie, an artist from Fine Art Ltd in St. Louis, will create a gymnast sculpture using the pieces of wood during the Championships.

  • WGYM. Two-time Olympic gold-medalist Shannon Miller and 2007 U.S. all-around champion David Durante will host WGYM, the in-house radio broadcast for men's and women's gymnastics. WGYM provides running commentary on the competition, as well as fun facts about the sport and the competitors. Radios will be available at Chaifetz.

  • Merchandise. Fans can purchase everything gymnastics from event-specific tees to the newest adidas leotards at both Chaifetz and the Visa Fan Fest. USA Gymnastics is proud to accept only Visa, along with cash.





Things to do in St. Louis


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From sports and shopping to tours and attractions, even science, arts and culture—it's all in a day's fun in St. Louis, Missouri.

    Anheuser-Busch Brewery tours are free and include the historic Brew House, Budweiser Clydesdale stable, beechwood lagering cellar, packaging plant, hospitality room and Anheuser-Busch gift shop. [More]

    Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark founded in 1859 with 79 acres of scenic landscaping and historic structures. [More]

    Busch Stadium is home to the reigning and 11-time World champions, the St. Louis Cardinals. [More]

    Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis holds the world's largest collection of ornate mosaic art; museum and shop and is open daily for Masses and self-guided tours. [More]

    City Museum is an interactive museum for children and adults and offers a mixture of funhouse, playground and architectural marvel. [More]

    Fabulous Fox opened in 1929; The Fox today presents live entertainment with superstar concerts, Broadway and family shows. [More]

    Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States complete with a 7.5-mile biking, jogging and skating path and home of many St. Louis attractions including the 1904 World's Fair. [More]

    The Gateway Arch has the finest view in the Gateway City after taking a 630-foot rider to the top of this world-famous stainless steel monument. [More]

    Grant's Farm offers animal shows, petting area and a tram ride through wildlife preserve on Busch family estate that was once owned by Ulysses S. Grant. [More]

    Magic House offers hundreds of hands-on educational exhibits for kids from one to 101. [More]

    Missouri History Museum features St. Louis history, from its foundation in 1764 to The Spirit of St. Louis, the 1904 World's Fair, Miles Davis and the Cardinals. [More]

    Peabody Opera House, formerly known as Kiel Opera House, just underwent a $78.7 million restoration, and hosts an array of entertainment and special events. [More]

    St. Louis Art Museum was built as the Fine Arts Palace of the 1904 World's Fair and one of the nation's leading comprehensive art museums that includes works of art of exceptional quality from virtually every culture and time period. [More]

    St. Louis Science Center welcomes everyone to explore 700+ exhibits, the OMNIMAX Theatre, planetarium, special traveling exhibitions, and more. [More]

    Saint Louis Zoo is home to more than 18,000 exotic animals and one of the nation's leading zoological parks. It's also free! [More]

    Shopping Centers offer couture and designer brand name fashion and all under one roof. [More]

    Six Flags St. Louis has heart-pounding roller coasters, family rides and attractions, and a 12 –acre Water Park, Hurricane Harbor. [More]

    Specialty Boutiques are located throughout the city where you can find vintage-inspired clothing, trendy and unique furniture and accessories. [More]

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St. Louis is home to a rich mix of cultures and culinary interests. From Italian and German fare to Bosnian and Vietnamese cuisine, there's something to satisfy every craving at the hundreds of one-of-a-kind restaurants dotting the city's culinary landscape. [More]
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