Is $100 right to see an Earl exhibition?

[CreeDo]

Just curious what y'all think. Saw an ad for an exhibition he's doing soon and they're charging 100 bucks a head (max 25 seats).

When Mike Massey came to down, I think he did it for 800ish and the owner paid it and charged the spectators nothing, but I wouldn't expect that kind of generosity every time.

My feeling is.. I might pay 20 bucks (maybe 40 tops) to see a pool exhibition, no matter who's doing it. I'd rather pay to sweat a big money match (with maybe some antics thrown in) than to see trick shots, especially since I've already seen the king of trick shots at a much lower price.

Is 100 typical for top level players, and do they fill the seats at that price? Do you guys think it's fair?

 

[pwd72s]

I guess if he fills the 25 spots, it's fair? Value determination set by the free market. Personally, I'd probably pass...

 

[9ballrun]

I might pay that to see some of the pros but that not one of them

 

[mattman]

Not a trick shot exhibition...not me anyways. I have my DVR set to record anything pool related. I have to go through and delete any and all trick shot shows....just don't get into them. I did however, watch the 3-cushion trick shot shows. I might pay $20 tops to see some of the pros.

 

[Icon of Sin]

Not a trick shot exhibition...not me anyways. I have my DVR set to record anything pool related. I have to go through and delete any and all trick shot shows....just don't get into them. I did however, watch the 3-cushion trick shot shows. I might pay $20 tops to see some of the pros.

I do the same exact thing.

 

[JoeyA]

Banger's Paradise Vs. Buffal0 Billiards

Just curious what y'all think. Saw an ad for an exhibition he's doing soon and they're charging 100 bucks a head (max 25 seats).

When Mike Massey came to down, I think he did it for 800ish and the owner paid it and charged the spectators nothing, but I wouldn't expect that kind of generosity every time.

My feeling is.. I might pay 20 bucks (maybe 40 tops) to see a pool exhibition, no matter who's doing it. I'd rather pay to sweat a big money match (with maybe some antics thrown in) than to see trick shots, especially since I've already seen the king of trick shots at a much lower price.

Is 100 typical for top level players, and do they fill the seats at that price? Do you guys think it's fair?

John Schmidt passed through town and couldn't get any action at Banger's Paradise in New Orleans.

He went over to Buffalo Billiards and the owner immediately put John in action playing the 10 ball ghost for a couple of hundred bucks. He eventually left with a couple of hundred more after getting some additional action at Buffalo Billiards in New Orleans. Banger's Paradise didn't want any part of an exhibition.

I guess it just depends on who the owner is and what their priorities are. Some owners are simple-minded people without the vision of the big picture.

John stayed around and answered questions for anyone who had one. He also showed us some shots that boggle the mind. It was really nice of Buffalo Billiards to let his customers see John play his best. We all learned a little something.

Oh yeah, John played a couple of the locals for dinner and fun.

Yesterday, I dropped in at Buffalo Billiards and they were watching football on the telly and Buff ordered enough pizzas to feed an army. It was great and NO EXPENSE TO THE CUSTOMERS.

$100 a head seems a little high IMO but the cover charge is something that the owner has to weigh and decide for themselves. Some owners see the whole forest and others see one tree trunk.

AND THEN:
Some owners don't want the top players to show up because they might get "showed-up".

JoeyA

 

[CrownCityCorey]

Just curious what y'all think. Saw an ad for an exhibition he's doing soon and they're charging 100 bucks a head (max 25 seats).

When Mike Massey came to down, I think he did it for 800ish and the owner paid it and charged the spectators nothing, but I wouldn't expect that kind of generosity every time.

My feeling is.. I might pay 20 bucks (maybe 40 tops) to see a pool exhibition, no matter who's doing it. I'd rather pay to sweat a big money match (with maybe some antics thrown in) than to see trick shots, especially since I've already seen the king of trick shots at a much lower price.

Is 100 typical for top level players, and do they fill the seats at that price? Do you guys think it's fair?

I'd be certain that the 25 that go would get the opportunity to take photos, get autographs and actually talk and hang out with Earl vs. just seeing the exhibition.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

Personally I wouldn't pay such a price but that's me. I'm not a fan of ANY pro. I don't think it's good for your game if you idolize your opponents.

However, this is a small group which will provide some one-on-one time with one of the most accomplished pool players in history. Considering what Earl's costs might be just to be there, $100 per person is not a lot to ask.

 

[firehawk062]

John Schmidt passed through town and couldn't get any action at Banger's Paradise in New Orleans.

He went over to Buffalo Billiards and the owner immediately put John in action playing the 10 ball ghost for a couple of hundred bucks. He eventually left with a couple of hundred more after getting some additional action at Buffalo Billiards in New Orleans. Banger's Paradise didn't want any part of an exhibition.

I guess it just depends on who the owner is and what their priorities are. Some owners are simple-minded people without the vision of the big picture.

John stayed around and answered questions for anyone who had one. He also showed us some shots that boggle the mind. It was really nice of Buffalo Billiards to let his customers see John play his best. We all learned a little something.

Oh yeah, John played a couple of the locals for dinner and fun.

Yesterday, I dropped in at Buffalo Billiards and they were watching football on the telly and Buff ordered enough pizzas to feed an army. It was great and NO EXPENSE TO THE CUSTOMERS.

$100 a head seems a little high IMO but the cover charge is something that the owner has to weigh and decide for themselves. Some owners see the whole forest and others see one tree trunk.

AND THEN:
Some owners don't want the top players to show up because they might get "showed-up".

JoeyA

Nice to know there is still at least one good pool room out there with an owner who supports players and regulars. Maybe I should listen to my friend, da pistol, about coming to New Orleans.

 

[Bob Jewett]

Just curious what y'all think. Saw an ad for an exhibition he's doing soon and they're charging 100 bucks a head (max 25 seats). ... Do you guys think it's fair?

If there was a charity involved, I'd consider it. I think there were some Caras/Mosconi exhibitions in the 1990's were charity-related. Most of the exhibitions I've seen were free to attend.

 

[breaktime2]

A few years ago (4-5) I had Mike Massey in to do an exhibition. At that time he charged $600. We didn't charge the customers anything. Mike was great! He stayed in the room for almost 8 hours!! Played all my customers and talked pool the whole time. Couldn't have asked for more. Based on paying $100 for an exhibition by Earl, the room consensus was no takers. Maybe I've spoiled them.

 

[yally]

Way too high. I paid $30 to see him play at our Casino in a challenge match againt our pros in Quebec. Was a classy black tie affair too.

 

[cueandcushion]

Depends on the format.

If this is more an "EVENT" than a simple exhibition then I would say it is worth it. A private party atmosphere with some snacks or drinks. You can have exhibitions that are worth $5 and some worth $hundreds depending on how it is set up. Without more information about what happened at the event I think it is too early to make judgements if it is overpriced or underpriced.

Hopefully someone who is actually AT the event will give us a report with a picture or two.

 

[Rick S.]

It's worth the 100 just to see Earl shoot 'wingshots', if you have never seen it. Sure, a lot of players shoot them...BUT, not like Earl!

The combination of the speed he rolls the balls, and the angle he shoots it at, set him apart from the pack. Believe me!! And he fires them one after another. Cutting them all the way across the table, at the very last second...to drop in the hole. And if your lucky he'll fire the last one behind his back. It's really something to see in person.

It really has to be seen to be believed.


Rick S.

 

[Koopa]

However, this is a small group which will provide some one-on-one time with one of the most accomplished pool players in history. Considering what Earl's costs might be just to be there, $100 per person is not a lot to ask.

You beat me to it. People complain about pro players not making enough money because of the lack of tournament winnings. These guys need to make something. Hotel, travel and providing some entertainment for 25 people makes $2500 sound reasonable.

 

[Flex]

It's worth the 100 just to see Earl shoot 'wingshots', if you have never seen it. Sure, a lot of players shoot them...BUT, not like Earl!

The combination of the speed he rolls the balls, and the angle he shoots it at, set him apart from the pack. Believe me!! And he fires them one after another. Cutting them all the way across the table, at the very last second...to drop in the hole. And if your lucky he'll fire the last one behind his back. It's really something to see in person.

It really has to be seen to be believed.


Rick S.

You want wingshots? Try booking Fast Larry.

I saw a couple of tapes he sent out that were simply amazing...

Now this mention of FL ought to get some flames going

Flx

 

[Tennesseejoe]

I would definitely pay the $100. One: to support the game and player and Two: in 20 years I want to sit my grandchildren on my knee and tell I saw the best 9 ball player in the world in exhibition.

I remember back in the '70's, some people wouldn't pay $50 to see Muhamed Ali fight.

 

[Reaper114]

I suppose the price depends on what earls getting paid for it. Id pay 50 to see what he'd do in an exhibition. i know the people who go have the posibility to speak one on one etc etc with earl but i still think 100 is a bit too high!

 

[Scott Lee]

When Mike Massey came to down, I think he did it for 800ish and the owner paid it and charged the spectators nothing, but I wouldn't expect that kind of generosity every time.

CreeDo...Amen! Just FYI, Mike's 'normal' rate is $2500, and he gets it a LOT! Whether he's worth it, or not, is up to the person paying the bill. His shows are always very entertaining and he's very interactive with the audience. Jeanette gets $10K...I think Mike's a bargain at 1/4 of that fee!

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

 

[Rick S.]

Thanks Earl!

Here's a good story...

Earl and I used to be neighbors. I knew as soon as I moved to Greensboro, I'd run into him. Sure enough...Played golf together a couple times, and was just barely getting to know him.

My son comes into town for the week from Tennessee. I called Earl and asked if he'd come over and meet my son. (BIG fan) Earl told me to go to Breakers, (poolroom) he'd meet us there.

We jumped in the car and headed over to Breakers. Walk in, rent some balls. Look up, and here he comes. You should have seen the smile on the kids face!! (mine too, I'm sure)

I introduce the two, and Earl takes over. He screws his stick together, and proceeds to give the kid what he came to see!! I think he must have gone through his whole exhibition routine. Wing shots, trickshots. masse, jumps, 14 balls with one shot, you name it. It went on for what seems like a couple hours.

Let me tell you...all I heard from the kid was "How'd he do that..?? How did he make that ball? How did he get SO good?" ...never ending questions for the remainder of the weekend.

It was something neither of us will ever forget. He made a couple life long fans that day, for sure!

Rick S.