2008 Tamburitza Extravaganza
Update - 06/15/2008
Pitt Ganza 2008 Update - June 15, 2008Greetings, Tambura Lovers! As I begin this update I realize there are just 100 days left now until we will be in Pittsburgh for the Tamburitza Extravaganza. The excitement is building and it truly is shaping up to be a great weekend. If you haven't made your room reservations yet, there are still some rooms available for Friday and Saturday nights. If you have any difficulty making your reservation or cannot complete your reservation as requested, please email us at rooms@pittganza2008.org. As expected, the hotel is sold out on some nights and we are working to secure lodging at a neighboring hotel for those who would still like to attend. We will do our best to try to accommodate your needs. You can also register for all TAA functions on-line by clicking HERE. As a reminder, the deadline is September 5 for making your room reservations at the special TAA rate and ordering packages or tickets if you want to attend the hall of fame banquet, dessert cruise or Pittsburgh Tour. Tickets for the welcome dance, shows, breakout rooms and survivors party will also be available at the hotel all weekend. I thought some information on Pittsburgh would be helpful - especially for our guests who are arriving as early as Sunday before the Extravaganza. ARRIVING IN PITTSBURGH Presumably you have one of two choices here: flying or driving. If you are flying into the Pittsburgh International Airport, you will need to make arrangements to get to the Westin, which is approximately 17 miles from the airport. Rental cars are available from a variety of agencies and a taxi cab ride will be approximately $35. As an alternative, shuttles are available through Express Shuttle (visit their website HERE). Reservations are not required for these shuttles, which leave the airport every half hour Sunday - Friday 7am to 11:30pm and Saturday 7am to 9pm. Their counter is located in the baggage claim area of the airport by Thrifty rental car and is identified by a large, lighted sign which reads "Express Shuttle". Cost for the shuttle is $20 for a one-way trip and $35 for a round trip. You can coordinate your return trip with the shuttle and hotel concierge. If you are driving into Pittsburgh, valet and self-serve parking are available under the hotel on a first come, first serve basis. We have secured self parking rates at a 30% discount. With this discount, self serve parking would currently be $14 for a full day. Valet parking is $22 for a full day. HOTEL SHUTTLE Once you have arrived at the Westin Hotel, a complimentary shuttle service is available to take you anywhere in downtown Pittsburgh, Station Square or the Strip District. The shuttles do not venture from these areas of town so please be sure that it can take you to your destination in advance. The shuttle is available Monday through Friday from 7am to 11pm, Saturday 12pm to 11pm and Sunday 10am to 6:30pm. PITTSBURGH 250 If ever there was a year to visit Pittsburgh, this is it! Pittsburgh is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year and there are events planned throughout the year. Click HERE for details on what's going on while you are here and what venues and attractions will be available for you to visit. |