This is Columbia. This is New York City.

Each year, a number of teams travel long distances — up the East Coast, out from the Midwest, and across the nation — to compete in the Columbia Invitational. For many teams, the Invitational not only provides an opportunity to compete against some of the best speakers, interpreters, and debaters in the nation but also the chance to visit and experience New York City. As students here at Columbia University, we can’t blame them. New York City has an amazing array of sights, sounds, tastes, and experiences that we don’t want you to miss out on. Before the tournament, during tournament nights, and after the tournament on behalf of our great city, we extend a warm welcome mat.

On the weekend of 1/21, among countless other events, the Invitational shares the city with the 2011 New York International Motorcycle Show, taking place at the Jacob Javitz Center. Also of possible interest is the New York City Ballet‘s celebration of the birthday of noted choreographer and NYCB co-founder, George Balanchine with a variety of events on 1/22 down the 1 line at Lincoln Center. If motorcycles or ballet aren’t your thing (and we are certainly not suggesting they are mutually exclusive), here’s a full list of events taking place in NYC between 1/20/2011 and 1/24/2011 from NYC & Co..

Also, between rounds venture out into our neighborhood, Morningside Heights.