How much it costs to go to a tournament

Robroy

Robroy

Robin Dodson
Silver Member
I'm amazed how pool players are able to get to tournaments around the country.
Each year I think this might have to be my last, but Brunswick and everyone here supports what I do.
Although I don't compete anymore, the love for the pool players doesn't go away, your passion for the game brings back awesome memories.
I had to drop Valley Forge Expo last year and this year, a Cue Holder just doesn't cover costs.
To even think I might have to start selling something like washers and dryers, well I guess I do know a little about them too. ;) I've washed my share of clothes for my household.
Thanks again for supporting me every year, I still love it.
The Brunswick Gold Crown V covers all my costs.
How do you guys get to the tournaments?
 
Robroy said:
I'm amazed how pool players are able to get to tournaments around the country.
Each year I think this might have to be my last, but Brunswick and everyone here supports what I do.
Although I don't compete anymore, the love for the pool players doesn't go away, your passion for the game brings back awesome memories.
I had to drop Valley Forge Expo last year and this year, a Cue Holder just doesn't cover costs.
To even think I might have to start selling something like washers and dryers, well I guess I do know a little about them too. ;) I've washed my share of clothes for my household.
Thanks again for supporting me every year, I still love it.
The Brunswick Gold Crown V covers all my costs.
How do you guys get to the tournaments?
Click to expand...

Those of us that don't sell washers, cues, dvd's, cases, or aren't sponsored by Nike or Gatorade - we all make so much gambling off our talents, we're flush for the tourneys. Comeon Robin, don't you know all pool players have a 65% win ratio?

Geesh... Ya'd think a HOFer would have been clued in by now...

;)

(to be honest, I short my cats 1/4 can of food a day for the month prior to a tourney)


KK9 <-- glad I could be enlightening
 
I have no idea either...this is my best guess as to how I have made it these last ten years.

I will go if it means sleeping in someones trunk. I think this motivation is how I get to the shows. Plus a ton of help from good friends.
 
Last edited:
KoolKat9Lives said:
Those of us that don't sell washers, cues, dvd's, cases, or aren't sponsored by Nike or Gatorade - we all make so much gambling off our talents, we're flush for the tourneys. Comeon Robin, don't you know all pool players have a 65% win ratio?

Geesh... Ya'd think a HOFer would have been clued in by now...

;)

(to be honest, I short my cats 1/4 can of food a day for the month prior to a tourney)


KK9 <-- glad I could be enlightening
Click to expand...

There's so many players I have to wonder, maybe its their vacation?
I never played leagues before, they have grown so much. Just wondered how everyone made their passion trip come true.
 
I thunk it all comes down to being smart with your money. Share rooms, drive if possible(and car pool), eat on the cheap, ect.

For instance, SBE coming up, I'll be going with 3 others. That's 1/4 gas, a 1/4 hotel and i'll eat on a budget. Not burgerking, but not steaks. I'm spending enough on a booth & product, I gotta do what I can to at least break even.
 
cleary said:
I thunk it all comes down to being smart with your money. Share rooms, drive if possible(and car pool), eat on the cheap, ect.

For instance, SBE coming up, I'll be going with 3 others. That's 1/4 gas, a 1/4 hotel and i'll eat on a budget. Not burgerking, but not steaks. I'm spending enough on a booth & product, I gotta do what I can to at least break even.
Click to expand...


Good idea is anyone driving up through NC, to Valley Forge?
 
JamisonNeu said:
I have no idea either...this is my best guess as to how I have made it these last ten years.

I will go if it means sleeping in someones trunk. I think this motivation is how I get to the shows. Plus a ton of help from good friends.
Click to expand...

This totally reminded me of my first tournament. Old timers, I may need your help. It was 1983, Texas somewhere...the guy who ran the event was Sid Mann again I could use a little confirmation.
This is what I do remember, Little Al Romero and Johnny Borba invited me to go, there was a women’s event too. I never played in a huge event before and I Never played against so many women. The kids kissed me goodbye and I was on the road.

Johnny had a motor home before I knew it we were on our way to Texas (from Ca). We picked up another player in Arizona, I think we just stopped I don’t remember why maybe for little Al to match up. Next thing I know we had a 4th rider.
One other thing I remember very clearly Texas is HUGE, I never thought we were going to get there. Thankfully I didn’t know about getting sharked, the ride didn’t wear me out I was ready to play. Johnny staked me in the tournament also, that got me the green light to go.
The draw of course wasn’t in my favor being a newbie and all, not sure if she was my first match, all I really remember is the match I had played with her.
I didn’t know any of the women I had not played in 5 ½ years…I had only been back playing a year at best.
So, I thought the right thing to do….I went up and introduced myself…”Hi my name is Robin…Robin Bell” she looked at me…and turned around and went in the other direction. Hmmmm ok, well shortly after that our match was on deck. We were announced… I thought that was pretty awesome…I wished my kids could have been there…I felt like a star. And then her name was announced and EVERYONE shouted and clapped go Lori…. Lori Shampo.
That was pretty much all I heard from the crowd that evening Lori pretty much sat in her seat during our match. Afterwards she came over to where I was and began talking to me she shared things from her heart…I told her “she better be careful I might not think she’s so tough” she smiled and said no one would believe me.

There’s more but the popcorn is ready and hubby is calling….bye…thanks for the memories.
 
The tourney would be the 'River City Open' held at the Villa Capri hotel, right on Interstate 35 that runs north/south through the middle of Austin. Sid Mann was the promoter and held two of these events, one in 83 won by Hopkins, and one in 84 won by Hubbart. I am a bit fuzzy on who won the ladies events in both years as my programs are buried somewhere in the pile.
 
I use to get 6 weeks of vacation time a yr..I'd sell a couple of weeks time an me an my wife would fly down to vegas to play..was nice while it lasted..an yes I enjoyed watching the pro go at it..if I am not playing, I am watching..smile
 
Rockin' Robin said:
The tourney would be the 'River City Open' held at the Villa Capri hotel, right on Interstate 35 that runs north/south through the middle of Austin. Sid Mann was the promoter and held two of these events, one in 83 won by Hopkins, and one in 84 won by Hubbart. I am a bit fuzzy on who won the ladies events in both years as my programs are buried somewhere in the pile.
Click to expand...

Wow, that is it cool!!! I came in 3rd I think Belinda won...Lori might have come in second.
 
Rockin' Robin said:
The tourney would be the 'River City Open' held at the Villa Capri hotel, right on Interstate 35 that runs north/south through the middle of Austin. Sid Mann was the promoter and held two of these events, one in 83 won by Hopkins, and one in 84 won by Hubbart. I am a bit fuzzy on who won the ladies events in both years as my programs are buried somewhere in the pile.
Click to expand...

BTW great memory!!!
I think it's going to be a good idea as I'm writing my story to ask some of the players for better details than I can recall. Thats was serious detail, and really added to my memories, thanks Robin
 
Last edited:
Well today I'm going to a tournament, feels weird not taking my pool cue.
But I need to get some orders sold... I may not shoot anymore but hanging out is still a blast for me.
Have a great weekend everyone!
 
I overheard a coulple of wanabe pool hustlers talking a couple of years ago at the DCC at the Exectutive West. They were telling someone there were 8 staying in their room, had one bar of soap and two towels, now that is traveling on the CHEAP....
 
poolandpokerman said:
I overheard a coulple of wanabe pool hustlers talking a couple of years ago at the DCC at the Exectutive West. They were telling someone there were 8 staying in their room, had one bar of soap and two towels, now that is traveling on the CHEAP....
Click to expand...

It wasn't unheard at a WPBA event for 4 players to bunk together...however we always asked for more towels :)
 
Robroy said:
Well today I'm going to a tournament, feels weird not taking my pool cue.
But I need to get some orders sold... I may not shoot anymore but hanging out is still a blast for me.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Click to expand...
Hi Robin, What tournament will you be going to today?
 
Robroy said:
I went to the Pen it was an APA regional event. I give lessons now and they are customers.
Click to expand...

I watched one of the players a girl named Melinda I believe. She was playing a guy, she put him in a trap every single game. She played so smart and was so patient...it was really fun to watch. She flat TRAPPED him every time, you could tell she was around pool players not just an APA player.
I sold some tickets for the Brunswick GCV and some clips it was a fun afternoon.
 
Must have just missed you

Robroy said:
I went to the Pen it was an APA regional event. I give lessons now and they are customers.
Click to expand...
I figured that you had been there. I stopped by later in the day and saw Cue-it-ups in abundance. :grin-square::grin-square:
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top