DCC Hotel Proposal

[JAM]

I would like to see it stay where it has been, it is just great. I would gladly to pay $100 for the Executive Inn, that is only 20 more per day, The Galt is downtown, might be more traffic, I think Greg will figure something out, but it needs to stay in Louisville or surroundings, and if it could stay in the same hotel, that would be fantastic.

I agree with you. Actually, the location of Executive Inn being right across the street from the airport has some advantages and cost savings for those who fly.

However, there are pros and cons to the Executive Inn which I know Greg is well aware of. The food there is a major bone of contention.

Most people NEVER leave the hotel when they attend the DCC. That is the advantage of having everything under one roof. However, the one and only restaurant there is not popular with the MAJORITY of DCC attendees. The teensy, weensy bar is another logistical problem with its one bartender to serve the entire population of the DCC, after the restaurant closes down.

This would be one advantage I could see leaving Executive Inn and going to a place like the Galt House. I mean, my God, at least there is a Starbucks within walking distance, as well as a variety of eateries to choose from. The coffee at the one and only restaurant at the Executive Inn was horrible. One year, I couldn't take it anymore and drove myself downtown Louisville in pursuit of a Starbucks. I got lost going and got lost coming back in my 2-hour mission to get me a decent cup of coffee.

Truth be told, I have been to Executive Inn several times, as we drive to Louisville when we go to the DCC, and I have gotten lost each and every time. The highways and ramps getting to and from there are very confusing.

One thing to consider, though, I am not sure a place like Galt House or other lodging facility would provide a warm welcome to the traditional atmosphere of the DCC. In fact, the Executive Inn seems to turn a blind eye to some of the activities, which is a good thing for the die-hard action folks.

Wherever it goes, I think it does belong in Louisville for sure. JMHO, FWIW!

JAM

 

[catscradle]

Greg,

I really think that you need to take a hard line with these hotels, as Spider said. Tell them you realize they can afford to charge those prices during the Derby, but quite frankly, they are never going to fill up their hotel during early January, unless you bring everyone in. Tell them that because of the unique nature of the DCC, that people often won't leave the hotel for DAYS at a time, which keeps them spending money in the hotel bar and restaraunt, so you simply will not allow yourself to be raked over the coals.

If they still want to play hardball, tell them you are investigating venues in other areas then, because the DCC is most certainly not reliant on a certain area of the country in order to be profitable.

Russ

How about down the street a ways to Lexington, KY, they must have something there. Or up to Indianapolis or Cincinnati. You wouldn't have to go far to find a substitute and the players would follow you.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

How about down the street a ways to Lexington, KY, they must have something there. Or up to Indianapolis or Cincinnati. You wouldn't have to go far to find a substitute and the players would follow you.

Las Vegas is the place to hold any event, great food, entertainment, gambling, and room up the wazoo, with prices for everone budget, and good public transportation.

Home of the SCC Sin City Classic Pool Tournment.

 

[hilla_hilla]

How about down the street a ways to Lexington, KY, they must have something there. Or up to Indianapolis or Cincinnati. You wouldn't have to go far to find a substitute and the players would follow you.

I think Indiana is a GREAT idea!

 

[JCIN]

Las Vegas is the place to hold any event, great food, entertainment, gambling, and room up the wazoo, with prices for everone budget, and good public transportation.

Home of the SCC Sin City Classic Pool Tournment.

Dude you really have no idea what you are talking about.

No amount of stupid smilies is going to change that.

Vegas is ridiculously expensive for the fans and especially the promoters compared to anywhere in the midwest. If the Riv ever does get imploded you can say good bye to pool tournaments in Vegas.

 

[hilla_hilla]

Dude you really have no idea what you are talking about.

No amount of stupid smilies is going to change that.

Vegas is ridiculously expensive for the fans and especially the promoters compared to anywhere in the midwest. If the Riv ever does get imploded you can say good bye to pool tournaments in Vegas.

Or the tournaments in Vegas will be held in the scary part of downtown where Danny Medina's jaw was broken.

 

[SJDinPHX]

I agree with you. Actually, the location of Executive Inn being right across the street from the airport has some advantages and cost savings for those who fly.

However, there are pros and cons to the Executive Inn which I know Greg is well aware of. The food there is a major bone of contention.

Most people NEVER leave the hotel when they attend the DCC. That is the advantage of having everything under one roof. However, the one and only restaurant there is not popular with the MAJORITY of DCC attendees. The teensy, weensy bar is another logistical problem with its one bartender to serve the entire population of the DCC, after the restaurant closes down.

This would be one advantage I could see leaving Executive Inn and going to a place like the Galt House. I mean, my God, at least there is a Starbucks within walking distance, as well as a variety of eateries to choose from. The coffee at the one and only restaurant at the Executive Inn was horrible. One year, I couldn't take it anymore and drove myself downtown Louisville in pursuit of a Starbucks. I got lost going and got lost coming back in my 2-hour mission to get me a decent cup of coffee.

Truth be told, I have been to Executive Inn several times, as we drive to Louisville when we go to the DCC, and I have gotten lost each and every time. The highways and ramps getting to and from there are very confusing.

One thing to consider, though, I am not sure a place like Galt House or other lodging facility would provide a warm welcome to the traditional atmosphere of the DCC. In fact, the Executive Inn seems to turn a blind eye to some of the activities, which is a good thing for the die-hard action folks.

Wherever it goes, I think it does belong in Louisville for sure. JMHO, FWIW!

JAM

I agree Jennie. Also wouldn't Greg take some pretty tough financial hits if he relocated the DCC very far from his home base ? Greg, heres a thought
for you. You might consider copyrighting the initials DCC to stand for maybe the "Diamond Champion's Classic". Then if you did have to re-locate
(even to a city close by) it would still have that familiar DCC ring to it.
Just a thought.

Dick

 

[ragbug74]

I believe the current location of the tournament, being close to the Diamond factory, is a major consideration for Greg and the folks at Diamond. If they were to move the tournamet away (Vegas, etc.), it would add considerable cost/time for the transportation of the tournament equipment.

 

[hoosier_cues]

Las Vegas is the place to hold any event, great food, entertainment, gambling, and room up the wazoo, with prices for everone budget, and good public transportation.

Home of the SCC Sin City Classic Pool Tournment.

My parents live in Vegas so I go out there 2 or 3 times a year. I think 10 years ago you could make this claim. Not now. Sure if you move of the strip you can find good hotel and food prices. But what is the point of being in Vegas. You might as well be in Louisville.

 

[JAM]

Dude you really have no idea what you are talking about.

No amount of stupid smilies is going to change that.

Vegas is ridiculously expensive for the fans and especially the promoters compared to anywhere in the midwest. If the Riv ever does get imploded you can say good bye to pool tournaments in Vegas.

And I agree 100 percent. Las Vegas stinks for pool tournaments.

It is VERY EXPENSIVE, and I don't care if they give you the room for free. Everything else, the price is jacked up.

I love the atmosphere of Kentucky. The local inhabitants are SUPER NICE and friendly, just like Greg Sullivan. This is exactly what separates the DERBY CITY CLASSIC from all the rest of the pool events, IMHO!

Louisville rocks, as does Kentucky. Keep it in Louisville, I say!

JAM

 

[SCCues]

Another City?

Got the proposals from the two sites. Seems like they are very proud of their remodeling!!! First off the Executive West will undergo a name change as well as a new room rate of $110. Even though there will be room for a few more tables it won't be enough for the 7ft growth I'd like to see or the 3 cushion growth I'd hoped for!.....

The Gualt House would have the space for growth. 60 7ft tables, 60 9fts as well as a few 3 cushion..Also plenty of vendors and very nice atmosphere, but it comes with negatives. The room rate as stated today would be $146 a nite and a $12 daily parking...Seems like everything is getting rediculous!!

This is their first proposal and we're going to try and get a better deal. I understand things go up. Really the Gualt House and upgrades to the Executive West may be worth it, but if you are staying more than 3 or 4 days it gets too expensive IMO! I hope they give us better rates especially if you're staying for more than 1 event! I'll keep you posted....Greg

Greg,

These rates are too high for people like myself. I'd be going by myself and I can't afford rates that high plus all of the other expenses.

Have you considered another city to hold your event in that may be willing to give lower hotel rates and have a venue as nice or nicer than the Executive West Hotel? I'm sure there are many hotels that would work with you in other cities.

James

 

[Da Poet]

One of the things about having the DCC at a nicer hotel might be that ultimately there would be more women there. Nothing personal guys, but looking at this sorry bunch for a whole week is not exactly what I would call a vacation.

 

[JoeyA]

Hell I got a room at some extended stay somethingarother 2 DCC"S back for $159 per WEEK!

That's another choice for attendees. They can simply stay at other nearby hotels for less money. Since the times for matches will be published, it doesn't necessitate that you have to be quite so careful about checking the tournament board.

this in turn will give you the opportunity to eat out at some of Louisville's other nice restaurants.

JoeyA

 

[JoeyA]

I believe the current location of the tournament, being close to the Diamond factory, is a major consideration for Greg and the folks at Diamond. If they were to move the tournamet away (Vegas, etc.), it would add considerable cost/time for the transportation of the tournament equipment.

Greg says the location of the Diamond factory is not a biggee. Afterall, he moves hundreds of tables to Las Vegas and he also does the U.S. Open 9 Ball Championship and the logistics don't seem to bother him.

JoeyA

 

[watchez]

Dude you really have no idea what you are talking about.

No amount of stupid smilies is going to change that.

Vegas is ridiculously expensive for the fans and especially the promoters compared to anywhere in the midwest. If the Riv ever does get imploded you can say good bye to pool tournaments in Vegas.

That is a sad thought. If the BCA moved out of Vegas, I know I would NEVER go. It is a great excuse that I have had for the past 9 years to go to Vegas for 10 days. I personally love it. Also, the RIV gets sold out earlier every year so obviously the event is not hurting for participants - no matter the high cost of being in Vegas for 5-10 days.

Personally, I think pool tournaments in casinos are fantastic. For a pool tournament based on gambling like the DCC - it would not be a good idea as stated, the players would all go to the casino. At the DCC, the tournament is a side show to the real action of gambling.

Pro events at casinos are great. I think it is a win/win/win for the players, fans, and casino. If the pool players can't handle the distractions than they probably have bigger issues that 4 days at a pool tournament would cause. It works for boxing & the now popular UFC- hell Floyd Mayweather (along with many UFC fighters) LIVES in Vegas. He seems to be doing alright. It also works for poker. Also, I think if the pro pool players didn't ruin it with gambling on matches at the sports book than it would be even better. Too bad most pool players think short term.

 

[SpiderWebComm]

The Al J. Schneider Company owns and operates the Galt House Hotel & Suites, Executive Inn, Executive West, Waterfront Plaza, One Riverfront Plaza and Home Lumber Supply.

The ownership is among Louisville's wealthiest families. If you tell those people to take it or leave it...they would be very willing to leave it.

It is a 4 Star, upscale hotel...quite a step up from the Executive Inn. I just checked and there Saturday rate for more than a month out is $148.00.

Regards,
Jim

If they're a wealthy family, they PROB make good business decisions. Price checking for a single room has no bearing on what Greg should and will pay. Just because a hotel charges X per room and Y for parking, doesn't mean someone who brings 100's of rooms and 6 figures of revenue with him will pay that .... let's just say it's merely a SUGGESTION If Greg paid what they're asking, it'd be like going to a car dealership to buy 50 cars and paying sticker price. After Greg would sign, the entire back office would laugh at him as he was walking out. Just a dumb example, since no one in the solar system would ever do such a thing.

The more $ a person/company has, the more times someone has told them to take it or leave it -- it's their final offer. Happens every day. There's no ego, it's just business.

 

[Craig Fales]

Las Vegas is the place to hold any event, great food, entertainment, gambling, and room up the wazoo, with prices for everone budget, and good public transportation.

Home of the SCC Sin City Classic Pool Tournment.

You don't seem to be getting it. The location of it is unrealistic for people who are on the east coast. (Which means the bulk of the populace.) Anything out west just isn't going to get the draw as it is now. Vendors are mostly located around the east coast area and logistics would make it unfeasable to go to an event 2000 or more miles away.

 

[JCIN]

That is a sad thought. If the BCA moved out of Vegas, I know I would NEVER go. It is a great excuse that I have had for the past 9 years to go to Vegas for 10 days. I personally love it. Also, the RIV gets sold out earlier every year so obviously the event is not hurting for participants - no matter the high cost of being in Vegas for 5-10 days.

Personally, I think pool tournaments in casinos are fantastic. For a pool tournament based on gambling like the DCC - it would not be a good idea as stated, the players would all go to the casino. At the DCC, the tournament is a side show to the real action of gambling.

Pro events at casinos are great. I think it is a win/win/win for the players, fans, and casino. If the pool players can't handle the distractions than they probably have bigger issues that 4 days at a pool tournament would cause. It works for boxing & the now popular UFC- hell Floyd Mayweather (along with many UFC fighters) LIVES in Vegas. He seems to be doing alright. It also works for poker. Also, I think if the pro pool players didn't ruin it with gambling on matches at the sports book than it would be even better. Too bad most pool players think short term.

I was referring to the Derby in particular regarding Vegas. The BCAPL event is 9 days long, the Derby is 9 days long. Most people who dont already choose one or the other would be forced to. Add in the fact that getting the required amount of space for the required amount of time in a strip hotel for the Derby is nowhere near as easy or cheap as some people make it out to be.

Most of the events you mention are 1 to 2 day affairs that take place on a weekend. As far as someone living in Vegas it is no different than living anywhere else. You dont stay in hotels and pay Vegas Hotel prices for food and drink when you live in the same city as an event. The nature of the Derby is that so many "regular" players play in the event and many people who just drive in to watch for 3 or 4 days. Put it in Vegas and that will plummet. I also would not underestimate the cost of moving tables, paying for staff expenses (the majority of DCC staff are Diamond employees who live in the Louisville area) and all the other logistical issues involved with moving that much gear and that many people across the country. I was at the Derby this year from set up to tear down and it is no small undertaking.

A perfect example is the Reno tournaments. Take away the $29 rooms and make them $89 or $100 and that event would cease to exist. One other point is that if Vegas is so cheap and easy to hold pool tournaments in how come outside of the league nationals there hasn't been one there in forever (I am not counting the IPT for obvious reasons) ? And if the tournaments are lucrative for the casinos why dont the other hotels besides the Riv go after the business?

I have talked with Greg about this and if there is anyone on this earth who knows what the Derby is and why it is a success it is him. He will figure a way and make it happen.

 

[Skess]

We had TAP Nationals at the Galt House a couple years ago and they treated us very well. I loved Louisville and was sad to see TAP move the event from there.

The room price does seem a bit out of line. We didn't pay that much a night and I had a suite in the main hotel.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

Dude you really have no idea what you are talking about.

No amount of stupid smilies is going to change that.

Vegas is ridiculously expensive for the fans and especially the promoters compared to anywhere in the midwest. If the Riv ever does get imploded you can say good bye to pool tournaments in Vegas.

Las Vegas in January in not busy, they have room for all price ranges, food is every where. Be it gourmet, buffet, or a hot dog. Air Fair from place like NYC are inexpensive as Las Vegas is transportation hub. Las Vegas has it head over heals over Louisville.

Check Air Fares from San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Miami, LA to Louisville, and than to Las Vegas and you might see my point.


BTW the Riviera is not the only Hotel with a Convention Center, maybe it is just the CHEAPEST, and most accommodating to the BCA. Also the city OWN a LARGE Convention Center off the Strip.