Barry wants to know which do you think would work best?

[RobertaAgnor]

Thank you so much for everyone's input, it's all been very helpful. Working alongside Barry has shown me even more how much he loves pool & this tournament. He really wants to make it the best he possibly can for everyone involved so he wanted to see how everyone felt about things going into this year's event. Any man or woman who doesn't ask is foolish & Barry cares very much which is why he wanted some feedback.

Matt, I'm not sure of the exact numbers from the past couple years or I would let you know; hope to see you & your friends there this year. Would love it if Pinky could manage to come too. :smile:

Thanks again everyone for your suggestions.

 

[watchez]

If he made a decision months go to raise the entry fee to $1000 and limit the total number of entries, then he needs to stick by it. If that is a mistake in his mind, he can correct it next year.

I know there is still concern from some of the Asian talent (and most likely others) if they are going to be paid on the spot if they cash in the tournament. This should be the focus of Barry's efforts and it should be clearly spelled out how this will be handled to put any potential player's mind at ease.

 

[mr8ball]

What have you, and others ?, witnessed over the years as to vendor partiicpation and sales?

I remember the first year at the DCC after they moved the BB players to another place. It seemed like a ghost town there. Before the move the halls and side rooms were packed and you could hardly move. I remember hearing quite a few vendors say how bad business was and the were hoping they would bring the BB players back. The league / BB players are who spend the most money in pool and when combined with a pro event it is really good for vendors. JMO

 

[Bayawak]

Which do you think would work best?
By Barry Behrman

I'm going back & forth in my mind about several important matters pertaining to this year's U.S. Open. That's right, "Open". As I ponder if I'm doing the right & best thing to do. Such as cutting off the field at 128 players? Such as the high entry fee & trying my best to make as many players, sponsors, vendors, the greatest fans on Earth, & more as happy as possible.

So I'm asking the pool world, "What Should I Do?" Here is one example. Having 175 or so players pay only $700.00 comes to $122,500.00 & added money of $72,000.00 comes to around $195,000.00. By doing so now most players who have been playing for years will be able to continue which brings more people to the event, a welcome sight. Why have less is the question I'm asking myself every day. This is an easy fix to have 175 plus players paying $700.00 by just using 4 additional tables in the other ballroom for the first 2-3 days. Start the event as usual on Sunday rather than Monday, have the players meeting as usual at 4 pm Saturday & by 9 pm players will know what time they may play Sunday starting at 11 am.

I'm adding $72,000.00 regardless of the number of players as a Tier II W.P.A. points sanctioned event, leaving 1st place at $30,000.00 & continue to pay deep. I want my sponsors, vendors, more players, & fans which is why I'm asking for "your input". It's not too late to make a positive improvement which I feel this certainly is. Or do I leave it as it is now? What do you think?

Pay the players as soon as they finish the match!!