SBE Poll

[Rich R.]

It doesnt really matter what we say or the poll says on here. Allens gonna do whats right for him.

What is right for Allen is to please his customers, just like any other business man. This event has gotten larger every year. If customers aren't pleased with the new location, the event will not continue to grow.

If we don't let Allen know there are problems with the new sight, he can't fix them.

As one customers who is not happy with the new location, I'm hoping for one of two things to happen. Either correct the problems with the new location or find yet another location.

I'm not trying to bash anything here. I'm trying to instigate a little discussion to let Allen know that there are problems.

 

[JAM]

I wonder if all 38 people (at the time of this writing) who voted on the poll that they did not like the new venue were actually there. :embarrassed2:

Seems like you have been there on site if you were to place a vote, IMO.

 

[Mickey Qualls]

What is right for Allen is to please his customers, just like any other business man. This event has gotten larger every year. If customers aren't pleased with the new location, the event will not continue to grow.

If we don't let Allen know there are problems with the new sight, he can't fix them.

As one customers who is not happy with the new location, I'm hoping for one of two things to happen. Either correct the problems with the new location or find yet another location.

I'm not trying to bash anything here. I'm trying to instigate a little discussion to let Allen know that there are problems.

+1

Allen Jr posts here from time to time
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=262927

I'd venture a guess that he (and possibly his father) will check out the threads in AZB and act on some of the suggestions to try and appease as many customers (first-timers and returning) as they can. Obviously they can't connect a hotel to the venu, but I'm sure they'll try to improve on as many things as possible that are within thier realm of control.

Rome wasn't built in a day...

P.S. I didn't go, so I didn't vote. And my opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it.

 

[lenoxmjs]

My observations

1. Having everything on one floor was great

2. The carpet in the vendors booth area needed a pad underneath

3. Food prices were in line with an event of this nature iMO. The food handling was improper. I watched a clerk ring up someone's order handle money, the proceed to grab a hot dog bun with bare hands , then grab a hot dog with her bare hands , stick it in a bun and hand it to me ! Yuk !

4. Vendor should have also had their own designated parking area close to the building. The area on the left as you face the building would have been perfect.

5. I missed being able to go up to my room for a break or a clean bathroom. Also had to watch the drinking since getting home required driving.

6. None of the above would keep me from attending again.

 

[cookie man]

I don't think Allen needs to read anything on here, he knows what the problems are. I don't think he ever left the place. The first year at a new place with a tournament of this size went pretty well. He has things to fix and I have to think he will address the problems.

 

[BREEZY B]

I was there the whole time wed-sunday just got home actually. I'm not gonna say what needs to change and what doesn't. Allen knows what needs to change next year. He is a professional and I'm sure the problems with the new facility will be fixed for next year's expo. I just want to say Thank you Allen Hopkin's for putting on this great tournament and show for all of us to enjoy. For this being in a new facility and for the size of the event I think you and your crew did an execellant job


P.S. please misplace a couple 9 foot tables in the pit next year!!! :thumbup:

 

[Rich R.]

I wonder if all 38 people (at the time of this writing) who voted on the poll that they did not like the new venue were actually there. :embarrassed2:

Seems like you have been there on site if you were to place a vote, IMO.

Jen, this poll is as valid as any other poll done on AZ. We should take them all with a huge grain of salt. However, most of the comments seem to be from people who where there and saw the situation first hand. Those comments seem to reflect the vote or close to it.
I really don't think you should be trying to discredit this poll since you were not there and you did not see the conditions.

 

[rjb1168]

First off I would like to thank Allen Hopkins and family for keeping the expo in the same area.:thumbup: I would also like to say thanks to all the people working for Allen to make this happen. :thumbup:I agree with some of the grip's,lighting,bathrooms only had 1-2 urinals,lounge needs 2 bartenders and they need to get the door issue straight. When the expo is open you should be allowed to go in or out any door,anyway I will be there every year even if nothing changes.
Thanks Again,
Ray

 

[nevermiss]

I had fun at the expo and will go again, but I have a few suggestions. The action area was not as lively as the last time I went a few years ago (I think this was due to the fact that it is too large and people are too spread out), the pillars in the pro arena were really annoying if you wanted to keep your eyes on a couple of matches, there should be a few 9' tables for people to play on, and I like the idea of a discounted ticket for both sessions.

 

[Eric.]

I voted "terrible...". Although I didn't find the venue and layout terrible, I did find it to be a poor location.

I had a similar opinion of the Oaks Expo Ctr. Overall, I didn't like it.

I made it a point to ask everyone I talked to (over 50 ppl). I asked them what their opinion was of the new Expo Ctr. I also asked them what, specifically, it was that they didn't like.

For the most part, these are the common complaints I heard:

-the building has no character/ambiance and feels like a dirty warehouse
-the lighting over some of the pool tables was terrible
-no hotel (need a car/inconvenient to go back to your room/cant drink due to driving)
-no restaurants within walking distance

These are the big ones. I left out the more nit picky ones.

Invariably, everyone I spoke with either said that the new place was "okay" or they didnt like it. Not one person mentioned that they liked it.

That said, I will still continue to support the SBE. IF anything, these aren't things that can't be fixed. From my understanding, Allen is signed up for a 2 year contract, so maybe some constructive feedback can change things.


Eric

 

[javi2]

Discounted tickets for the Pro arena would be nice especially if you're attending the day and night session. If you like to sit in the VIP area and attend 3 sessions during the event it will run you $60.00. Maybe some porta-potties outside would alleviate the long lines for the bathrooms. Vendor food...ah, it's the same wherever you go.

Valley Forge is a good location because of it's proximity to I-95, the Turnpike , Route 1 and the Airport (50-60 minute ride). There are at least 4 pool halls within 20-40 minutes of the place for action. I'm sure some of the kinks will get worked out. I've been going for the last 8 years and I'll be back........

 

[JB Cases]

What did you think of the new SBE facility?
I didn't really care for the new facility but I'd like to know how others felt about it.

The poll is too extreme. I thought that the facility is fine and that it will work for the SBE but that if Allen finds a "nicer" place it wouldn't be bad either.

Personally from hearing what some of the plans are I feel that this show could grow into being the defacto industry show and if so then I think that this place is plenty big enough to hold that show. I think that the BCA expo can easily be replaced by this one and that it should be.

 

[mr8ball]

It's already dated there for next year so we were told. We were there for the whole show in a booth and for me with it being the first year at the new place things went as well as could be expected. The plans were to close the vendor area at 8 PM but with the pit tables I seen right off that would not happen. Some of the vendors were pretty upset with that but thats expected as well. I could see what was going to happen if Allen tried to get all of them players out. Yes, the floor was a killer and the lighting was real bad and I am sure it will be better next year. What Allen does for the players is great and yes he is in it to make money as well but he does love the sport. Very few people can pull this off. Someone said in another thread to stop the Tap players but that will never happen. I feel it will get bigger. Can you imagine if they stopped the 9 ball instead? That will not happen either. Everyone needs to play. It is good for all they just need more tables which will come next year. I feel sure that next year things will be a lot better. One of the worst things for us was not staying at the hotel there. We had to drive back and forth 2 times a day (Cleaning tables) The old place in now a casino and that and pool players do not mix well. It takes a lot of money from the vendors. Over all it was a great show for us and many other vendors. Not many can fathom what goes in to doing something this big and I am sure the very first one did not go as well as it could. One other option for the vote should be. Stay with a few changes. (That is my vote) JMO Great job Allen and thanks for keeping pool alive in the USA

 

[cardiac kid]

What did you think of the new SBE facility?
I didn't really care for the new facility but I'd like to know how others felt about it.

Rich,

Not going to vote on this one. Allen had very few choices as far as facilities big enough to hold both events. There may have been alternatives as far as size of venue but not room costs. Mark Griffin is about to learn which one the players value most. Tournament convenience or cost of attending. My feet hurt as much as many others. My stomach also suffered as much as others. The lack of sufficient bathroom facilities and available public drinking water was also a problem. Considering all facets of operation, Allen and his staff did a great job.

Understand the Valley Forge Eight Ball will be back in the basement of the old convention center (new casino) for the June event.

Lyn

 

[youngstownkid]

it was a big no-class disappointment. i guess the pool players don't deserve class though, so whatever. they do deserve coin machines though, seriously.

 

[ignomirello]

Thank you Allen

Thank you, Allen Hopkins and Allen Jr., when you read this thread, for keeping the Super Billiards Expo alive. We are fortunate to have a pool happening of this magnitude on the East Coast, considering some industry members are located in the West Coast or Vegas region of the world.

Keep it going, Allen! Wishing you all the very best!

Okay. AzBilliards Gold Star of the Day goes out to who can name the place where this photo was taken. :grin-square:

Mr.Hopkins Thanks!

Yes we needed more bathrooms & The floor was a killer.

Maybe let people come in any door & have the dealers Park far enough away (maybe Back Parking lot?).

I had an opponet go to the mens room (After winning my first set)
He came back 23 minutes later! Yes I lost the next two sets,
but how could I complain when I knew there was not enough bathrooms?

Is their work to improve? well yes But He did a good job I don't see anybody else putting together anything near as big event as this.

Thanks again Allen!

 

[SKILLZELITE]

The Grimy Warehouse of SBX..

For 1 ,it was to far from the hotels, 2 it was hideous appearance wise, 3 the place was big ,but it seemed there was about the same amount of pool tables and even less vendors than usual.. The concrete floors were trashy , parking wasn't to bad most the time,, it just felt as if the place was tasteless and un-classy......

I spoke with Hopkins, he said that they were going to definitely have it at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in 2013,, and that there was plans for carpet ,or possibly tile ,and fresh coats of paint,, even so it'll still need some help after carpet/paint..
Overall the Awe feeling wasn't quite there ,at least not like how was in the past, none the less its still a great gathering for Players,and vendors alike, I do hope Allen seeks out a better,closer locale to the main stretch,, either way I'll be there as usual........

 

[sunnyday]

Rich,

Not going to vote on this one. Allen had very few choices as far as facilities big enough to hold both events. There may have been alternatives as far as size of venue but not room costs. Mark Griffin is about to learn which one the players value most. Tournament convenience or cost of attending. My feet hurt as much as many others. My stomach also suffered as much as others. The lack of sufficient bathroom facilities and available public drinking water was also a problem. Considering all facets of operation, Allen and his staff did a great job.

Understand the Valley Forge Eight Ball will be back in the basement of the old convention center (new casino) for the June event.

Lyn

Lyn,

Mark & I are confused. What do you mean by Mark Griffin is about to learn which one the players value most? If you're referring to our move to Rio in 2013, you will be pleasantly surprised about our room rate there.

And we have many more cool things planed for the Rio.

I don't think SBE & BCAPL National Championships is a fair comparison.

S.G.

** Nice finish at SBE.

 

[cyrex]

If you don't like it, put on one yourself!

I personally had a great time. I don't think most people have any idea how much coordination it takes to pull off an event remotely close to this size. I stayed at the Hampton Inn which was less than 1 mile away. You could even take the back road directly to the parking lot of the Expo. No problem at all.

The only thing that sucked was that it was freezing at night. But then, I'm from California so anything below 40 is just insane. :sorry:

My hats off to Allen and all of his staff for putting on another successful SBE.
I'm sure he will make any changes/adjustments he feels will be better for the vendors, players, and visitors.

 

[TheMarsMan]

I heard that lights were offered to Allen but he didn't want to spend the money.

As far as people thanking him for the tournament, I know for a fact that he makes a lot of money for it and isn't doing anyone a favor (other than himself) by continuing to run this event.

I have many friends who went to the event, fortunately I missed this year. I will not be back if this venue continues to where the event is located.