Constructive Criticism of SBE

Kickin' Chicken

Kickin' Chicken

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While I certainly had a terrific time at SBE, I found a few things that I believe, if corrected, could make for a better experience.

1. While waiting in the long slow line Wednesday evening to pick up our badges for the various amateur events, it would have been nice if we were able to enter the Wednesday Warmup tourney at the same time. I think a couple of laptops plus a money box and this could be done. I didn't play that warmup because after waiting a half hour getting my tourney badge, waiting in the line downstairs for what looked like would be at least an hour was unappealing to me.

2. The upstairs playing environment was much better in that the tables there all had diamond lights and the temperature was very pleasant. Downstairs was too hot and humid (the change hits you in the face as you descend the stairs). The tables down there are poorly lit (only the existing ceiling lights, 40 or 50 feet above). It has been this way for all of the years that I've been going - maybe there's a reason they can't hang proper lights but it sure would be nice if they did.

3. The elevator is locked from going down to the lower level. This is obviously done so people can't get in without paying from an upper hotel floor. I say, put a staff member at the lower level elevators to check badges/tickets. This is not about laziness; some people have a tough time negotiating those big stairways.

4. Scheduling conflicts for amateur events (this one's for you Lyn). If SBE is willing to take entry fees from an amateur to compete in more than one event, they (SBE) should make some sort of effort to minimize schedule conflicts. I know they disclaim this in advance but, still, there must be some basic software that could at least keep paying customers out of conflict as long as possible.

Overall, a truly GREAT event!

With some minor tweaking, it could be even better, IMHO. :thumbup:

What else did I miss?

Best,
Brian kc
 
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yea

Kickin' Chicken said:
While I certainly had a terrific time at SBE, I found a few things that I believe, if corrected, could make for a better experience.

1. While waiting in the long slow line Wednesday evening to pick up our badges for the various amateur events, it would have been nice if we were able to enter the Wednesday Warmup tourney at the same time. I think a couple of laptops plus a money box and this could be done. I didn't play that warmup because after waiting a half hour getting my tourney badge, waiting in the line downstairs for what looked like would be at least an hour was unappealing to me.

2. The upstairs playing environment was much better in that the tables there all had diamond lights and the temperature was very pleasant. Downstairs was too hot and humid (the change hits you in the face as you descend the stairs). The tables down there are poorly lit (only the existing ceiling lights, 40 or 50 feet above). This has been this way for all of the years that I've been going - maybe there's a reason they can't hang proper lights but it sure would be nice if they did.

3. The elevator is locked from going to the lower level. This is obviously done so people can't get in from an upper hotel floor without paying. I say, put a staff member at the lower level elevators to check badges/tickets. This is not about laziness; some people have a tough time negotiating the big stairways.

4. Scheduling conflicts for amateur events (this one's for you Lyn). If SBE is willing to take entry fees from a amateur for more than one event, they (SBE) should make some sort of effort to minimize schedule conflicts. I know they disclaim this in advance but, still, there must be some basic software that could at least keep paying customers out of conflict as long as possible.

Overall, a truly GREAT event!

With some minor tweaking, it could be even better. :thumbup:

What else did I miss?

Best,
Brian kc
Click to expand...

Sounds like good suggestions. Nice post
 
Some good suggestions for sure.

That long line sucks big time. We used to arrive at the Conference Center 90 minutes ahead of time, before Keith match was scheduled to begin in the Pro Arena.

It took us 10 minutes or so to find a parking place, if we were lucky. Then if we had to park up in the Alps of the parking lot, it took another 5 minutes to walk to the front door.

Standing in the line was awful. One year, even arriving 90 minutes ahead of Keith's scheduled match time, we could hear them calling his name on the loud speaker for his match, while we were having our badges looked at by the gate. After you stand in the long line, then you have to go to another person at the gate to get into the second floor. Then you have to show your badge once more to the gate at the Pro Arena.

Keith barely made his match. We arrived 90 minutes ahead of time, and he was almost forfeited.

Thankfully, they have cheerful people working the gates these days. There used to be a few pitbull personalities that used to be at the gates. Because of that, I kind of did not enjoy my SBE experience. Allen Hopkins is great, though, and so are the majority of the staff. I'm glad he's gotten rid of the rotten eggs.

The no smoking is great, now that I'm not a smoker. Even when I was smoking, that smoke downstairs was brutal.

I'd love to hear more about the Action Pit this year, but there hasn't been much written about it. Does anybody have any trip reports they can share on the Action Pit?
 
JAM said:
Some good suggestions for sure.

That long line sucks big time. We used to arrive at the Conference Center 90 minutes ahead of time, before Keith match was scheduled to begin in the Pro Arena.

It took us 10 minutes or so to find a parking place, if we were lucky. Then if we had to park up in the Alps of the parking lot, it took another 5 minutes to walk to the front door.

Standing in the line was awful. One year, even arriving 90 minutes ahead of Keith's scheduled match time, we could hear them calling his name on the loud speaker for his match, while we were having our badges looked at by the gate. After you stand in the long line, then you have to go to another person at the gate to get into the second floor. Then you have to show your badge once more to the gate at the Pro Arena.

Keith barely made his match. We arrived 90 minutes ahead of time, and he was almost forfeited.

Thankfully, they have cheerful people working the gates these days. There used to be a few pitbull personalities that used to be at the gates. Because of that, I kind of did not enjoy my SBE experience. Allen Hopkins is great, though, and so are the majority of the staff. I'm glad he's gotten rid of the rotten eggs.

The no smoking is great, now that I'm not a smoker. Even when I was smoking, that smoke downstairs was brutal.

I'd love to hear more about the Action Pit this year, but there hasn't been much written about it. Does anybody have any trip reports they can share on the Action Pit?
Click to expand...

It's taking me way too long to get to it but I will post on Shane vs John Morra, how that was going a little crazy sideways and the monumental Scooter vs Spanky extravaganza.

Best,
Brian kc
 
Kickin' Chicken said:
It's taking me way too long to get to it but I will post on Shane vs John Morra, how that was going a little crazy sideways and the monumental Scooter vs Spanky extravaganza.

Best,
Brian kc
Click to expand...

Well, giddyup, dag nab it! :grin-square:
 
all good suggestions

Kickin' Chicken said:
While I certainly had a terrific time at SBE, I found a few things that I believe, if corrected, could make for a better experience.

1. While waiting in the long slow line Wednesday evening to pick up our badges for the various amateur events, it would have been nice if we were able to enter the Wednesday Warmup tourney at the same time. I think a couple of laptops plus a money box and this could be done. I didn't play that warmup because after waiting a half hour getting my tourney badge, waiting in the line downstairs for what looked like would be at least an hour was unappealing to me.

2. The upstairs playing environment was much better in that the tables there all had diamond lights and the temperature was very pleasant. Downstairs was too hot and humid (the change hits you in the face as you descend the stairs). The tables down there are poorly lit (only the existing ceiling lights, 40 or 50 feet above). It has been this way for all of the years that I've been going - maybe there's a reason they can't hang proper lights but it sure would be nice if they did.

3. The elevator is locked from going down to the lower level. This is obviously done so people can't get in without paying from an upper hotel floor. I say, put a staff member at the lower level elevators to check badges/tickets. This is not about laziness; some people have a tough time negotiating those big stairways.

4. Scheduling conflicts for amateur events (this one's for you Lyn). If SBE is willing to take entry fees from an amateur to compete in more than one event, they (SBE) should make some sort of effort to minimize schedule conflicts. I know they disclaim this in advance but, still, there must be some basic software that could at least keep paying customers out of conflict as long as possible.

Overall, a truly GREAT event!

With some minor tweaking, it could be even better, IMHO. :thumbup:

What else did I miss?

Best,
Brian kc
Click to expand...



Brian,

All good suggestions but I'm going to focus on #3 for a couple of reasons. One, it is far harder on me to go down stairs than up them. Second, disabling the elevator to go down is illegal. Bad move and leaves everyone concerned wide open to a lawsuit that they can't win. Direct violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act or something similar.

Some of your other suggestions would be a little harder to deal with but I've long thought that a little planning and the building of some supports to span a half dozen tables at a time could take care of the instances when there is no place to hang lights. No idea of the climate control capabilities for the site so that irritation may or may not be manageable. Sign ins should be a no brainer. The scheduling conflicts are always tough. Sometimes it is obvious things could be changed, sometimes there are real time issues that can't be predicted.

Thanks for posting this. Good info. If I ever get a chance to go that way I'll check on the elevators before making the trip.

Hu
 
I totally agree about the difference in playing conditions upstairs vs downstairs. The upstairs had the lights dimmed down and a nice cool comfortable temp. Downstairs was a sweat box at some points. Especially with all the food being cooked downstairs that didnt help. All in all it was a GREAT event. IMO its the best event put on all year. Thanks to Mr. Hopkins and everyone else who helped put on the tournaments and expo. I cant wait to go back next year.
 
:grin-square:Schedule conflicts witnessed 2 turned out to good both times
First one open event sold his to opponent(came in top 16) for 150
seller then played in senior event and lost!
next incident i was watching senior event player won 1st set
it was 4-4 next set had a 5pm open match sold to other player for 400 was guarenteed 300 win or lose next match he lost next match!:sorry:
 
fish on said:
:grin-square:Schedule conflicts witnessed 2 turned out to good both times
First one open event sold his to opponent(came in top 16) for 150
seller then played in senior event and lost!
next incident i was watching senior event player won 1st set
it was 4-4 next set had a 5pm open match sold to other player for 400 was guarenteed 300 win or lose next match he lost next match!:sorry:
Click to expand...

I am not understanding what you wrote. Does it go something like this?

You witnessed two schedule conflicts.

First one in the Open Event? What happened? How can you sell anything in a tournament?

I may be getting hung up on the word "sold" as it pertains to competing in a pool tournament. :confused:
 
Kickin' Chicken said:
While I certainly had a terrific time at SBE, I found a few things that I believe, if corrected, could make for a better experience.

1. While waiting in the long slow line Wednesday evening to pick up our badges for the various amateur events, it would have been nice if we were able to enter the Wednesday Warmup tourney at the same time. I think a couple of laptops plus a money box and this could be done. I didn't play that warmup because after waiting a half hour getting my tourney badge, waiting in the line downstairs for what looked like would be at least an hour was unappealing to me.

2. The upstairs playing environment was much better in that the tables there all had diamond lights and the temperature was very pleasant. Downstairs was too hot and humid (the change hits you in the face as you descend the stairs). The tables down there are poorly lit (only the existing ceiling lights, 40 or 50 feet above). It has been this way for all of the years that I've been going - maybe there's a reason they can't hang proper lights but it sure would be nice if they did.

3. The elevator is locked from going down to the lower level. This is obviously done so people can't get in without paying from an upper hotel floor. I say, put a staff member at the lower level elevators to check badges/tickets. This is not about laziness; some people have a tough time negotiating those big stairways.

4. Scheduling conflicts for amateur events (this one's for you Lyn). If SBE is willing to take entry fees from an amateur to compete in more than one event, they (SBE) should make some sort of effort to minimize schedule conflicts. I know they disclaim this in advance but, still, there must be some basic software that could at least keep paying customers out of conflict as long as possible.

Overall, a truly GREAT event!

With some minor tweaking, it could be even better, IMHO. :thumbup:

What else did I miss?

Best,
Brian kc
Click to expand...

they also oughtta consider some better ventilation
by saturday, the bottom floor smelled like a locker room :rolleyes:

ps> good to meet you brian
 
JAM said:
I am not understanding what you wrote. Does it go something like this?

You witnessed two schedule conflicts.

First one in the Open Event? What happened? How can you sell anything in a tournament?

I may be getting hung up on the word "sold" as it pertains to competing in a pool tournament. :confused:
Click to expand...

Jam;

My guess, and it is just that, a guess, is he is saying that he witnessed a couple of instances where a competitor was in a match that would result in money won if they win the match, but, they worked out a deal with whom they were playing to buy them out so they could make another match he was scheduled to play.

Am I close, fishon?

Best,
Brian kc
 
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Kickin' Chicken said:
2. The upstairs playing environment was much better in that the tables there all had diamond lights and the temperature was very pleasant. Downstairs was too hot and humid (the change hits you in the face as you descend the stairs). The tables down there are poorly lit (only the existing ceiling lights, 40 or 50 feet above). It has been this way for all of the years that I've been going - maybe there's a reason they can't hang proper lights but it sure would be nice if they did.
Click to expand...

And smelly.
This was the first year I spent little to no time around the pit. The heat and smell were just too much. Some fresh air really needs to be piped in down there.
 
Yes, the bottom floor was HOT. It was never this hot in the past few years, that I recall. However, upstairs in the World Artistic Pool Championship area, it was freezing cold. And, in the VIP section of the Pro Arena, a lot of folks down at our end were freezing their buns off! I even grabbed my earmuffs out of the car, because it was so cold.

I never had allergies that made me cough before last year. Now, when I get around dust or mold, I cough and cough and cough, uncontrollably... I was coughing and sneezing like crazy in that arena and I wasn't the only one! Whatever was coming out of the vents wasn't just air! We had to walk by the folks watching the 10 ball competition just to leave the room, so I just sat there and coughed and sneezed, because it would have been more disruptive for me to try to leave. They really need to clean those vents out and/or change the filters. Another Legionnaire's Pneumonia outbreak or something similar would not be good.
 
So they elevator would'nt work, I got a funny SBE story about the elevator and action I believe it was true. As you know there are generally some great prop/ sucker bets at SBE 3 card monte/ shell game ect.

Last time I was there about 5 years ago I was betting it up in the Pit and I started talking to this guy who had been betting earlier with a guy that had to have been drunk/stoned/ stupid or all three.

Anyway they were betting on who got off the elevator first on the bottom floor. The dumb guy must have figured that the men would be gentlemen and let the ladies out first, but what dumbass did'nt figure out was that it was 97% guys at VF and very few women. He let the smart better also pick who would was going to get off the elevator first

So the smart better just kept on picking men and winning the $ occasionally he would choose a women just to lose and keep the other guy betting.

Some might doubt this story but still funny none the less:D
 
fish on said:
:grin-square:Schedule conflicts witnessed 2 turned out to good both times
First one open event sold his to opponent(came in top 16) for 150
seller then played in senior event and lost!
next incident i was watching senior event player won 1st set
it was 4-4 next set had a 5pm open match sold to other player for 400 was guarenteed 300 win or lose next match he lost next match!:sorry:
Click to expand...

uh.....o-----k

It was hot downstairs to say the least but I think to me it was due to me wearing my jacket because ...where was I going to put it without it getting taken lol. Heard some incidents with Cues and Cases being stolen. Shame.

Spanky and Scooter was pretty interesting to watch. A crap ton of woofing and playing to the crowd per say between the two. Scooter ended up breaking even or up a bit not sure. I still am blown away at the shear amount of beer players can drink and still play at a high level (Spanky).
On a side note, John Morra is a beast. I heard he just got back from the Phillipines and is playing absolutely jam up. He played SVB for a long time with SVB using Morra's BKll as a playing cue. That was the spot. Clatterbuck and Morra were trying to match up but never did. That would have been the match of the week. Stoney beat Shane Winters Sat. night hill hill for 2K. Was a great match as well. They were trying to play again but I left... don't know if this went off. Spanky and Clatterbuck played in the pit Sat. night and I guess you can imagine who won that. I noticed Mark Vidal on the Challenge Tables ALL week winning and winning and winning. Good player.

Only complaints I have are the Elevators .... Arguements about who's up next on the challenge tables were brutal. The heat was uncomfortable at times downstairs. All in all it was a GREAT tourny. Congrats to all the winners.
 
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The Pit was alot of fun. The staff was good about emptying a couple garbage bins that were 'near' the pit. I think they should have a few garbage bins attached to the poles between the tables and enforce that people actually put their garbage in. I cant believe how lazy the railbirds/players were. It was so disgusting the mess that they would leave throughout the handful of chairs/standing room only. A bit of enforcing would of went along way.


As far as a pit report--it was tough to report on it as it was pretty tame IMO. Couple things I noticed:
a. At one point it was the largest crowd I ever saw watching a $5.00 challenge table. The table limit was at the lowest yet the crowd grew to a point where everyone thought it was something.
b. Most of the time the main table was a $40 - $50 challenge table.
c. Railbird side betting consisted of shouting the favorite player every and very little betting happened as most matches were lopsided. 3-2 was common odds or it was a $20 to win $15 type stuff just to say they were gambling. A few times the list consisted of heavy hitters in a row and the side action got pretty exciting as people were willing to bet either side.
d. Clatterbuck purchased 4 front row seats for $200 prior to a possible match with John Morra. He then played 3 or 4 sets with Spanky.
e. Spanky was going to jump a 7' Diamond table corner to corner without touching the table for an amount of money which had everyone ready to bet. Drew enough attention that the staff said he couldnt do it.
f. Spanky vs Scooter one night for a few sets. Pretty entertaining stuff. Final set had Spanky shooting the wrong ball in a crucial moment and then he also scratched with two balls to go on the hill. Pretty costly mistakes for the cheese. Scooter won the next 3 games to win the set by two.


There was alot more that happened but those thoughts stick out. The PIT allowed me to break even for the weekend.
 
JAM said:
I am not understanding what you wrote. Does it go something like this?

You witnessed two schedule conflicts.

First one in the Open Event? What happened? How can you sell anything in a tournament?

I may be getting hung up on the word "sold" as it pertains to competing in a pool tournament. :confused:
Click to expand...

Thank you. I also was looking for the English translation. :p

Scott
 
Kickin' Chicken said:
Scheduling conflicts for amateur events (this one's for you Lyn). If SBE is willing to take entry fees from an amateur to compete in more than one event, they (SBE) should make some sort of effort to minimize schedule conflicts. I know they disclaim this in advance but, still, there must be some basic software that could at least keep paying customers out of conflict as long as possible.
Click to expand...

Brian,

Thanks for the note. Knew in advance I'd have conflicts. My only problem was not getting to play even one match in the Seniors. Those extra one hundred matches Allen created would have destroyed even the best planning. I'm sending a letter directly to Allen regarding my situation. I'm hoping he will do the right thing. Other than that, sad not to have met you. Perhaps another time.

All in all, I think this years SBE was great. Yes, lots of problems. Things could have been better. Alot of things were right! I'd prefer to reflect on the latter. I'll update you at a later date.

Lyn
 
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