U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge to be on Olympics Team USA tour Sept. 4-7
Yes, the Summer Olympic Games are in Rio in 2016, but did you know they’re making an advance stop in San Diego?
The U.S. Olympic Committee is sending its “Road to Rio” interactive exhibit to be part of the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge on Labor Day weekend.
And World Master artists will theme their sand sculptures around the Olympics as well.
Team USA selected San Diego’s signature event as one of only three stops on its tour in 2015 because it was named one of USA Today’s 10 Best events of its kind and has become one of the world’s most important sand sculpture competitions.
Sculptors from Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Canada, Singapore and Russia (for the first time) are coming to challenge the best Master Sculptors in the States. Along with national pride, $60,000 in prize and appearance money is at stake.
While it takes two full weeks from start-up to tear-down (including bringing 300 tons of sand onto downtown San Diego’s cruise ship pier), the public has just four days to see the sculptures, from Sept. 4-7.
“Road to Rio” interactivity takes place on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5 and 6. Virtual-reality technology will enable fans to experience pole vaulting, beach volleyball, gymnastics and diving, and capture their own personal Olympic moments.
Notable Event Elements
The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge — 23 amazing sand sculptures, many themed to the Olympics
The U.S. Olympic Committee’s “Road to Rio” interactive exhibit, open Saturday and Sunday only
The Dimensional Art Exposition — over 1,000 one-of-a-kind original works of art (metal, wood, glass, jewelry, handmade clothing, wall art, acrylic, fabric, gemstones, etc.) on display and for sale
Family Fun — Kid Zone with rides and sand castle building lessons taught by professional artists
15 gourmet food trucks and a beer/wine garden
Live entertainment all weekend long
Children’s Educational Charities
A significant portion of proceeds from the event go to:
The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts
Young Audiences of San Diego/Arts for Learning
It’s All About the Kids Foundation
The Maritime Museum’s Children’s Education Program
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge, a Labor Day Weekend-Long Festival
Sept. 4 – Sept 7 at B Street Pier, 1140 N. Harbor Drive, downtown San Diego, CA 92101
Tickets:
Friday (Preview and First Responder Appreciation Day) Tickets:
Active duty military, Police, Fire, EMT with I.D. — Free
Family members and everyone else (all ages) — $6. Save: Go to www.USsandSculpting.com/tickets.
Toddlers (under 2) in strollers - Free
Saturday, Sunday or Monday Single Day Tickets:
Adults (13-62) — $11. Save: Go to www.USsandSculpting.com/tickets
Adults showing MTS pass or ticket — $9
Kids (under 12 years), seniors, military and first responders with I.D. — $9
Toddlers (under 2) in strollers — Free
Everyday Four-Day Tickets:
Adults (13-62) — $19. Save: Go to www.USsandSculpting.com/tickets
Adults showing MTS pass or ticket — $17.
Kids (under 12 years), seniors, military, first responders with I.D. — $17.
V.I.P.
Private preview meet-the-sculptors party and everyday access; on-line only — $53.75.
Save time and money. Buy tickets on-line at www.USsandSculpting.com/tickets.
Times:
Friday — 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday — 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday and Monday — 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
More Event Info:
www.USsandSculpting.com
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge Producer / Sponsorship Contacts:
Joyce Summer - JSummer@USsandSculpting.com – 619-980-6651
Gordon Summer - GSummer@USsandSculpting.com – 619-994-3752
Media Contacts – c3 Communications, Inc.
Joice Truban Curry - joice@c3publicrelations.com - 858-794-6974 / 619-540-6611
Sean Curry - scurry@c3publicrelations.com - 858-794-6974 / 858-449-6282
We invite you to please find more information and pictures of the sculptures at www.USsandSculpting.com.