[Lengthy Trip Report] US Open 2013
- Thread starter CreeDo
- Start date
nice
Along with everyone else, just a big THANK YOU for your pictures and interesting comments which provided some nice insight into the tournament and atmosphere..
I especially like that you pointed out how much effort and work goes into staging the tournament, including all that Accustats has to construct and organize to provide the quality videos that they produce.......
Along with everyone else, just a big THANK YOU for your pictures and interesting comments which provided some nice insight into the tournament and atmosphere..
I especially like that you pointed out how much effort and work goes into staging the tournament, including all that Accustats has to construct and organize to provide the quality videos that they produce.......
Great report and pictures. Thanks so very much. If we ever cross paths down the road, please introduce yourself......drinks are on me.
Fantastic thread, thanks a lot for all your work on this!!
This is a first-timer's thoughts on the US Open.
This will have a lot of photos but there are many more at this imgur album:
>>> http://imgur.com/a/2pC9S#0
The Venue
First, as a warning to future first-timers: This was held at the Norfolk
Marriott Chesapeake at 725 Woodlake Drive. There's another Norfolk Marriott.
My buddy had me just type "Norfolk Marriott" into the GPS and we ended
at the wrong one. Managed to get there just in time for the 6:30 TV Table match.
I like the venue. Seating was a bit cramped and but the hotel is nice, with
a semi-upscale, modern feel. I never experienced the other venues so I can't
compare it, but I have no complaints except for the tight seating.
This is the main playing area. Love the lighting. The curtained corridor
separates it from the TV table area. But they thoughtfully rigged up 2 TV's
(notice back right wall) showing the live stream so people can sweat both rooms.
This is just the wrong ISO setting on my camera but this place would look cool
in low lighting. This position also lets you watch both rooms at once.
Click for a wide panaroma shot going from the TV table area to the main room.
>>> http://i.imgur.com/Dp1w3ic.jpg
Of course, in the pool world, nothing is ever quite done 100% upscale
with unlimited budget. See the white seat cushions? They just took bleachers
and wrapped polythylene foam
around them.
You see this right away when you walk in. I'd like to imagine some businessman
from Iowa booked his room here not realizing it's U.S. Open week and just
walked in and said "what the fuuuuucckkkk?" and then got sucked into the scene.
Jacoby's booth. There's a bunch of booths set up in the hallway next to the
arena. You can buy all sorts of cues and cases, plus US Open polos, etc.
At the head of this all this is a small bar where you can get various
stiff drinks and a limited selection of food... dogs, burgers, pizza, that sort
of thing. Prices were high (4 bucks a slice, 3 dollar dogs) but not terrible.
Cory near one of the case booths with an AZBer I just met.
I'll let him ID himself if he wants.
They keep a handwritten bracket in the Vendor Area.
You can see the relentless march of SVB at the top.
There was a nice little floating counter with a few TVs nearby, where various
pros and US Open regulars gathered to, uh, speculate on the outcome of
upcoming matches. Naturally, I am using the definition of speculate that means
to meditate on or ponder a subject. Not the definition that means
to assume a business risk in hope of gain. That sort of speculation
would not possibly happen at a major pool event.
This is the one time in the whole event my camera flash accidentally went off.
Hence everyone turning and looking surprised. They weren't entirely amused.
To the left under a smiling Larry Kressel (Larry is always smiling) is the
owner of TJ's in Waterville, ME. It's a great room where Mike Dechaine
grew up terrorizing the locals. He was very much rooting for Mike to go
far in the tournament and was quite sad when MD got knocked out.
I love, love, love this trip report. Well done! Larry Kressel, haven't seen him in a long while. Really good kid. One time after a tournament in Richmond, Keith and Larry went outside in the parking lot and played tonk all night long until sunrise. I was so mad. I wanted to leave and beat the rush hour back home, but Keith had Larry stuck a few hundred and so he stayed as long as Larry wanted him to. :grin-square:
I got a new appreciation for the difference between accu-stats, and the rest
of the streaming world. Not knocking the other guys, it's just that
that Accu-stats is on a different level. A half dozen people sit near the booth
with an array of monitors, and a camera operator moves the main camera around
on this giant swivelling arm. The others control 3 other cameras that
hang from the ceiling on all sides, each of these (like the one pictured)
is rigged to pan around.
You can see they had to rig metal scaffolding from the 20ish foot ceilings
and then mount a bazillion lights.
They also set up the famous accustats booth, which is an actual booth
that's glassed in so the players won't be distracted by the commentary.
There was a lot of work that went into the rest of the venue too.. the bleacher
seating, the little columns and walls and curtains around the TV table, etc.
Full-size photo of the whole setup >>> http://i.imgur.com/UXZ2qYB.jpg
The famous giant-ball scoring beads. These things are weathered.
I'd almost bet the guy at the top right is Danny DiLiberto's brother.
Saw them talking and there's an unmistakable resemblance.
Below is the famous US Open trophy. I couldn't help thinking
"that's just 12 feet away from me. I could hop down from the bleachers,
and just grab it and run like crazy. How far would I get?"
Somehow I resisted the urge.
The VIP seats around the TV table. A step up from polythylene wrap.
Random crowd shot. Accu-stats also offered wireless headsets at $5.00 a pop
so you could hear the booth commentary.
The TV Table
Being noobs, my buddy and I just walk right up to the TV table and pick
some seats. We see some closer seats are empty and say "hey, let's just
move to those". So we do, and it's awesome. I'm close enough to flick
Niels Feijen's ears. I'd need to be paid ~$1,000 to actually do it, mind you.
We're as close as you can get to any table in the tournament.
That will change.
They are NOT kidding about the TV table lights and how they affect everything.
There are banks of these things giving the whole arena a crisp glow.
As soon as I sat down, I felt it. We're literally sweating the match.
It's not horrible but the players must feel it.
Ken explains carefully the various rules of the match to Nick.
Just after the lag... so many empty seats? I think this is because it's
not the "big name" players. People know Neils Feijen but Nick Ekonomopoulos
isn't as famous despite being on the winning Mosconi Cup team last year.
I couldn't picture the guy in my head, before this.
What's funny watching these guys is, you get this feeling of unreality.
Their fundamentals are so good, they're so careful, they play so perfect
and risk-free, and they make almost everything. They are better than me,
better than any of my friends, better than anyone in my pool hall,
better than anyone in my state. Both of these guys are gods of pool...
and they're not even favored to win this event. So people aren't watching them.
Ooh-la-la. That Greek is a hunk. The Greek v. Niels. Eye candy for the ladies.
Gosh, I reallyo, really enjoyed this trip report, Creedo. Well done! :clapping::clapping::clapping:
I've been to Q-Masters and this venue at the hotel when it was Holiday Inn, so I had a feel for the environment, but your commentary with the photos is brilliant. I felt like I was right there with you. I wish more AzB-ers would take the time and do what you did.
BTW, I thought is was funny that Shane and Jayson were roommates at this tournament and then ended up having to play each other for the hotseat. Friday night for the two of them must have been a wee bit tense. Maybe not, though. Jayson will be right up there with Shane as he seasons. He needs to slow down his pace a wee bit, I think.
Gosh, again, thanks for the cool pool read. What a nice way to start my day!
I've been to Q-Masters and this venue at the hotel when it was Holiday Inn, so I had a feel for the environment, but your commentary with the photos is brilliant. I felt like I was right there with you. I wish more AzB-ers would take the time and do what you did.
BTW, I thought is was funny that Shane and Jayson were roommates at this tournament and then ended up having to play each other for the hotseat. Friday night for the two of them must have been a wee bit tense. Maybe not, though. Jayson will be right up there with Shane as he seasons. He needs to slow down his pace a wee bit, I think.
Gosh, again, thanks for the cool pool read. What a nice way to start my day!
Shane vs. Chris Melling
Famous Faces
-
You forgot to mention that you took several pictures of what looks like the back of Greg Sullivan's head" mr diamond pool table"
Hope you said hello to the guy in the red shirt and suspenders'
Rob.M
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Great pictures and report, 10,000 thank-very-muches!! Was kind of hoping to go this year but bought a house instead
I was there two years ago. I've had VIP seats the last two times I've been, had gen. admission the first time and did not like it at all. I know they are expensive but it's The US Open!
Again, thanks for the pics and report.
I was there two years ago. I've had VIP seats the last two times I've been, had gen. admission the first time and did not like it at all. I know they are expensive but it's The US Open!Again, thanks for the pics and report.
Was cool meeting you. Great report!
Thanks everyone for the nice comments and reps. I had a great time...
I think I'd like to try to make this event every year. And I will probably go ahead and spring for VIP seats.
If anyone is on the fence about going, just try it. You'll have a blast.
I need to hit up DCC too someday. I think you're right Beetle, pool is in a sad state and you can't help
thinking "it'll be a tragedy when this ends". After a few years of Barry paying late, people said
"the US open is done for sure, RIP US Open"... they said it last year and again this year.
If they were right I'd have ended up missing out.
I'm glad they were wrong this year and hope they're wrong again.
I think if the escrow money leads to timely payment for everyone, they'll have a full field next year.
People rag on pool players for jumping at any hint of money, and giving second chances to promoters
who stiff them. But in this case I'm glad they do... this tournament needs to survive.
Robin, I will definitely say hi next time. I know your face from watching your jumping video
I have the feeling I overlooked a lot of famous players and industry people (like Mr. Sullivan).
BTW, anyone know who the blonde was sitting by him? Saw her front row of all events, talking
to shannon, and chatting with shane at Q-masters. Is she wpba?
One buddy from years ago in new england was there and somehow we never crossed paths.
But I did bump into random people from my pool league who I never suspected were so into pool that they'd
drive for hours to watch any tournament.
JAM, thanks for your kind words, I wish I'd met you there, guessing you didn't make it...
maybe the next one? You're right, Nick and Niels are hunky lol. Niels I think would be in TV commercials
if he were part of golf, b-ball, or football rather than pool. Ads for insurance or the new Kia at least.
Nick could be an actor in a movie that needed a young greek sea captain or something.
You're right about shaw, he's one of those players that taps into fast, rhythmic playing and that's
great for the crowd and prevents him from overthinking things and getting anxious.
But at the same time some shots just looked rushed and deserved a little extra TLC.
I asked him if he gets nervous and he says "nah I'm just here to have fun."
I asked Chris Melling the same thing and he says "oh no. not anymore. I used to.
Actually, well, maybe a little... if it's the finals or something."
Give Shaw a little bit of Chris' "healthy caution".
edit: just figured out which break cue shane was using... the cuetech WCT.
http://www.ozonebilliards.com/cucuwctbrcue.html
Seems like having shane promote your break cue could be like free money.
PPS: you as well Icon!
I think I'd like to try to make this event every year. And I will probably go ahead and spring for VIP seats.
If anyone is on the fence about going, just try it. You'll have a blast.
I need to hit up DCC too someday. I think you're right Beetle, pool is in a sad state and you can't help
thinking "it'll be a tragedy when this ends". After a few years of Barry paying late, people said
"the US open is done for sure, RIP US Open"... they said it last year and again this year.
If they were right I'd have ended up missing out.
I'm glad they were wrong this year and hope they're wrong again.
I think if the escrow money leads to timely payment for everyone, they'll have a full field next year.
People rag on pool players for jumping at any hint of money, and giving second chances to promoters
who stiff them. But in this case I'm glad they do... this tournament needs to survive.
Robin, I will definitely say hi next time. I know your face from watching your jumping video
I have the feeling I overlooked a lot of famous players and industry people (like Mr. Sullivan).
BTW, anyone know who the blonde was sitting by him? Saw her front row of all events, talking
to shannon, and chatting with shane at Q-masters. Is she wpba?
One buddy from years ago in new england was there and somehow we never crossed paths.
But I did bump into random people from my pool league who I never suspected were so into pool that they'd
drive for hours to watch any tournament.
JAM, thanks for your kind words, I wish I'd met you there, guessing you didn't make it...
maybe the next one? You're right, Nick and Niels are hunky lol. Niels I think would be in TV commercials
if he were part of golf, b-ball, or football rather than pool. Ads for insurance or the new Kia at least.
Nick could be an actor in a movie that needed a young greek sea captain or something.
You're right about shaw, he's one of those players that taps into fast, rhythmic playing and that's
great for the crowd and prevents him from overthinking things and getting anxious.
But at the same time some shots just looked rushed and deserved a little extra TLC.
I asked him if he gets nervous and he says "nah I'm just here to have fun."
I asked Chris Melling the same thing and he says "oh no. not anymore. I used to.
Actually, well, maybe a little... if it's the finals or something."
Give Shaw a little bit of Chris' "healthy caution".
edit: just figured out which break cue shane was using... the cuetech WCT.
http://www.ozonebilliards.com/cucuwctbrcue.html
Seems like having shane promote your break cue could be like free money.
PPS: you as well Icon!
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You really got some awesome pics, I enjoyed them very much!
Great post Creedo!!
I am not Robin Dodson with the jump videos, I am much better looking. LOL. (just kidding Robin).
What a pleasure it is to for a pool player to open AZ billiards.
This thread and JAM's play by play is the next best thing to being there.
I hope the US Open survives...it's my favorite tournament.
I hardly sleep when I go there...good viewing all day...
....action at QMasters all night....
...and I like to drive over to the ocean early morning.
I think I prefer the Chesapeake center location though.
...and I kinda miss the old QMasters in Norfolk.
This thread and JAM's play by play is the next best thing to being there.
I hope the US Open survives...it's my favorite tournament.
I hardly sleep when I go there...good viewing all day...
....action at QMasters all night....
...and I like to drive over to the ocean early morning.
I think I prefer the Chesapeake center location though.
...and I kinda miss the old QMasters in Norfolk.
Typical view from the theater seats. The left table has a guy whose name
escapes me (Sykes?) facing some unfortunate who doesn't realize an APA 6
has no shot against an A or AA player. From what I understand he started
out getting a ball from the guy, then 2 balls, then 3, and I'm fairly sure
he lost every set. Maybe just an off-day.
To the right is Bryan Deska (son of straight pool legend Ed Deska) playing
Larry Kressel. They see each other all the time on the APT and both have
won several of those events. I think Bryan would be a more famous name
if he got out and played more. Maybe I've got him clocked wrong but I think
he plays at Brandon Shuff's speed. They're doing some $100 1p games here.
When I left Bryan was up a few racks I think.
I shoulda got a better picture for JAM, she'd say he's dreamy.
Ah, ha! I saw everyone in those seats, so I'm unsure which one was you...but yes, you have my name correct
Thanks for the pictures/post! Hope you had a great experience.
Oh sorry! well, hopefully one of us wears a nametag next time so I can collect my shirley temple.