Need Support - Lets use the US Open to pump up Pool

[elvicash]

I think a big reason pool does not do much is it is not in any main street news outlets. Local TV newpapers etc and of course main stream TV the big 3 and ESPN/other sports cable.

The idea is while the US Open is going on if as many AZ'rs as possible would call there local newspapers and TV stations and other media outlets to inquire what do they have for news on the US Open. Ask about mathces etc letting the reporter know you are interested in getting info about this event and the matchups.

The news reporter will likely say he has no idea what caller is talking about most likely mention that the US Open billiards tourney is this week in Norfolk VA etc and provide details to the reporter. Tell them we would like to see reporting on pocket billiards. I think the only way pool will ever get main streamed is if the mainstream ask for it and consumes it so lets ask while the US Open is going on.

Here are some other details
2008 US Open Prizefund

250,000 Total Purse with $100,000 added this year, $600.00 Entry

Race to 11, Double elimination. Finals is one race to 13

1st. 40,000, 2nd 20,000, 3rd 10,000, 4th 8,000 5-6th 6,500 ea. , 7-8th 5,000 ea. , 9-12th 4,000 ea. ,13-16th 3,500 ea. ,17-24th 3,000 ea. , 25-32th 2,500 ea. , 33-48th 1,750 ea. , 49-64th 1,250 ea. , 65-96th 1,000 ea. and $1000.00 most racks run

Here is alink to the players entered http://www.usopen9ballchampionships.com/players-entered.php I think there are 216 players this year.

Then post back who you called with the paper or TV station phone number and also who you talked to so others in your town can call the same place.

Let the media know we would like to see some info on our sport, I for one will call the Indy Star in Indianapolis IN 444-4000 right now.

 

[JAM]

Elvicash, you remind me of me about 10 years ago. :grin-square:

There was a pro tournament in my neck of the woods, and I was literally pissed off that there was no media.

Well, I went home and called, sent e-mails, contacted friends of friends, hoping to get someone, anyone to provide coverage. I spent hours trying to get somebody out to this pro tournament to report about it on TV.

I was told at that time by the sports divisions of the TV stations that pool was not considered a sport.

Maybe if I lived in a different area, I would have gotten a response, but here in Washington, D.C., pool doesn't get much mention in the media, sad to report. :frown:

I love the fact, though, that you want to try to get the word out. Hey, it can't hurt. I'll send a few e-mails to the TV stations in my area for sure. :smile:

 

[elvicash]

I doubt the tournament is set up to deal with media either. I call Q Masters they proceeded to give me a number for the conference center where the tourney is 757 382 2500 and this number is dead on the weekend and probably a switch board through the week not the tourney desk. The US Open should submit results to some mainstream media if they are the big dog tournament. I have nothing to gain from this I just like the stupid game/sport/activity.

However if we called a few outlets or E-mailed them in requests on pool info while the US Open is ongoing then at least we could get them to think pool for the week.

Maybe some of them would wirte a blurb or two, maybe put out an article about a local player going to the open. Maybe people who like pool but are not AZ'rs would see it and talk to other people who like to play or watch the best in the world play. Maybe pool could take off a little you never know.

I am probably pissing in the wind but I had to go anyway and I am little tired of just watching the wind go by since there was not much to see ............

 

[JAM]

I doubt the tournament is set up to deal with media either. I call Q Masters they game me a number for the conference center where the tourney is 757 382 2500 and this number is dead on the weekend and probably a switch board on the weekend. The US Open should submit results to some mainstream media if they are the big dog tournament. I have nothing to gain from this I just like the stupid game/sport/activity.

However if we called a few outlets or E-mailed them in requests on pool info while the US Open is ongoing then at least we could get them to think pool for the week.

Maybe some of them would wirte a blurb or two ro maybe an article about a local player going to the open.

I am probably pissing in the wind but I had to go anyway and I am little tired of just watching the wind go by since there was not much to see ............

Barry does get the local media there, I know, and several years, I saw ESPN Radio there. I remember them interviewing Earl. I got a picture, in fact. LOL!

Here's the picture of Barry Behrman, the U.S. Open promoter, with Scott "The Shot" Smith, the Tournament Emcee. I think this was 2005, but I can't remember for sure.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

If you can when you call the Media, that with an Assigment Editor, as these are the people who start the ball rolling at most NEWS AGENCYS.

FYI most will ask for a Press RELEASE, unless it is Breaking News like the Lost Child in Colorado.

FYI

 

[unknownpro]

Papers may not put anything in the sports page. But many papers would consider printing a human interest story on a local player that is participating in the tournament. The top guys probably wouldn't mind the publicity. If there was a standard press release you could send a little information about the player along with that to a player's local paper. You maybe could mention AZBilliards or other places to get more coverage of the tournament.

 

[skor]

What does the BCA do to promote pool in the USA these days?
That's exactly their job..... an event like this is usually broadcast live all over Asia and sometimes Europe as well.