Hilton-sponsored NAOT Tour-Pittsburgh-2/20-24-$20,000 added monies

[sizl]

What about local players? They can't play unless they go stay at the hotel? There is a NAOT tournaments scheduled for later this year in August in Tucson. While Tucson is about an hour and 20 minute drive for me from Chandler, I wasn't planning on staying out there every night for the entire week. I'd be a little irritated if I couldn't play because I'd have the nerve to want to go sleep in my own bed here and there.

On the UPA website I found a flyer that contained information on this subject. It said "all players must be a registered guest at the host hotel while competing.(or live within 20 miles of host hotel)"

Here is a link..................

http://www.upatour.org/images/FEBAD1.jpg

 

[Jimmy M.]

On the UPA website I found a flyer that contained information on this subject. It said "all players must be a registered guest at the host hotel while competing.(or live within 20 miles of host hotel)"

Here is a link..................

http://www.upatour.org/images/FEBAD1.jpg

Man, I'll tell ya what; 6 nights at $99/night, $125 entry fee + $25 registration fee. That's $750 out of each player's pocket, and only $125 of it is going into the pot. I'm happy I have a job. Does anyone else realize that if they get 34 players, Hilton is AHEAD on the $20,000 they added, plus that $20k is a tax write off (at $99/night, 6 nights, that's $594 per player * 34 = $20,196)? It's just so depressing to actually *want* to play pool because this is the only type of tournament that we have to look forward to. I'm sure I'll have someone here giving me a hard time for making these observations, but I don't really care. These tournaments are no bargains for the players, by any means. Guess what, guys/gals? The "added money" is being "added" by the players. Again, as much as work sucks, I'm happy I have a job.

I guess I can't overlook the possibility that people will room together. If the average occupancy is 2 people per room, for example, then okay, it would take 68 players before the players themselves will have had added 100% of the advertized "added money".

Again, I fully expect someone to tell me how wrong I am in my thinking, but if that is what happens, I'm thinking that it's coming from an incessant need to disagree with someone over the Internet.

Disclaimer: JMO/IMO/FWIW

 

[br8knrun52]

Thanks for the info, Cardiac Kid.

This is a tragedy that the first day of the $20,000-added Hilton-sponsored NAOT tournament begins on Sunday, the LAST day of the $15,000-added Joss Tour Turning Stone event.

I really wanted Keith to get a chance to compete in Pittsburgh, but I guess it won't happen this time! I hope the UPA can bring enough players to this wonderful tournament this time, as opposed to the 43 who showed up on the first leg of this tour. Again, this is tragic having a scheduling conflict like this, but at least I can make my travel plans now.

You're so right about Turning Stone. I've been there only once. You can smoke cigarettes as much as you want, unlike the rest of New York State, but there is no alcohol served on site. I've been told that you can bring your own, though. We already got a room at the $90 player's rate. I'm looking forward to this one. There's a poker tournament on Friday night that I'm fixing to make my debut, so watch out!

Br8knrun52, hope to meet you, and, of course, you can snap as many pictures as you desire! I really like pictures!

There will be two Cherry Hill, New Jersey stops on the Hilton-sponsored NAOT tour:

March 29-April 3, 2005
Hilton Philadelphia
Cherry Hill, N.J. • (609) 213-1516

Nov. 26-Dec. 4, 2005
Season Finale
Hilton Philadelphia
Cherry Hill, N.J. • (609) 213-1516

JAM

Hello JAM,

I hope to meet you guys too . Are the tickets supposed to be purchased in advance or can you pay at the door? I didn't go to the UPA site or look through the thread . Thanks.

 

[JAM]

Man, I'll tell ya what; 6 nights at $99/night, $125 entry fee + $25 registration fee. That's $750 out of each player's pocket, and only $125 of it is going into the pot. I'm happy I have a job...I'm sure I'll have someone here giving me a hard time for making these observations...These tournaments are no bargains for the players, by any means...Again, I fully expect someone to tell me how wrong I am in my thinking...

You won't hear any argument from me, Jimmy M.! Every single time we're on the road to a pool tournament, I tend to look at it as a "pool vacation." It isn't a money-making venture, by any means. Doing year-end tax preparations, I see the expenses for the past year relating to pool, and I sometimes wonder how any aspiring pool player can afford to keep up with the pack.

Having said that, though, I'm appreciative of folks like Jim Dawson and the Hilton Hotel for providing a high-quality competitive venue. In the scheme of things, it is an opportunity to put one's talents to the test, but if your income is dependent on pool, the outgoing expenses are overwhelming.

I'm not sure Keith and I will be able to attend the Pittsburgh event. I have been told to get a hold of the TD to see if the logistics can be arranged, but I have strong doubts. First off, it's a UPA-sanctioned tournament, and the UPA-ranking system will be used to seed the UPA players. It would seem impossible, therefore, for Keith, not a UPA member, to arrive Sunday evening without forfeiting a match (IMO).

One meaning of the word "pool" means: "Any gambling or commercial venture in which several persons join." Isn't it funny that a synonym for "pocket billiards" is the word "pool"? It is ironic in my mind that some think gambling is the reason pocket billiards has not excelled. Bottom line, there's more to pool than competitive venues, which is why many resort to gambling and games of stake.

I'm still wearing my rose-colored glasses looking forward to the advancement of the sport. I continue to travel the tournament trail because of Keith's passion for the game, but in reality, Jimmy M., there truly is no place like home. Keith thinks we're living on the nit-blast sometimes, and JAM thinks we're traveling on the edge. It is difficult to juggle his pool schedule and my work responsibilities, but I gotta tell ya', I ain't quitting my day job any time soon, and I enjoy having a little stability in my life.

JAM

 

[cardiac kid]

Hi JAM,

The information that Mike intends on finishing around 1 PM is news to me! I know he wanted to play the first day deep into the night. He has twelve tables and ninty six players. There will be no scheduled matches. If your not in the tournament room when your match is called, you forfeit. I have no problem with that. It better be equally enforced!

I am also suprised that Mr. Dawson intends to allow players to show up "late" in Pittsburgh. The players meeting is Saturday night. If I showed up for the meeting and was told they weren't starting till late Sunday night, I'd be pissed! The UPA did that for the last Capitol City Classic. Thats another $150 to $200 I'm spending to accomodate them.

I am also pleased Hilton Hotels stepped up to the plate backing this series. Like some others, I've done the math on the "added" money. I found this to be true of nearly all major events that are hotel/casino based. Whats your take on that?