Birds of Prey base area readies for World Champs

When Birds of Prey fans arrive at the World Cup base this weekend, they’ll be treated to a taste of what’s in store at the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships in February.

The bleachers and lower standing area have mushroomed in size to fit roughly 8,500 spectators. Fans will also be able to watch the World Championship races from spots just up the hill. Next to the finish corral is a two-story, 20,000 square-foot “Platinum and Gold” hospitality structure for VIPs. And tucked behind the bleachers, the three-floor International Broadcast Center stands at 30,000 square feet.

Birds of Prey also now boasts the largest-ever finish-area screen: a Faber Audiovisual main video board and scoreboard that measures nearly 69 square feet and has a 170-degree viewing angle. The screens that we’ll see at World Champs, meanwhile, will arrive via the FIFA World Cup of soccer in Brazil.

There’s a new look to the Birds of Prey finish stadium. Steve Prawdzik, Beaver Creek Talon Crew

The bleachers and lower standing area now fit some 8,500 spectators. 2015 Committee

Organizers hope for plentiful snow for February. Steve Prawdzik, Beaver Creek Talon Crew

Winch cats prep the Birds of Prey course. Steve Prawdzik, Beaver Creek Talon Crew

The Beaver Creek Talon Crew sets up A netting. Steve Prawdzik, Beaver Creek Talon Crew