SBE Poll

[JAM]

Jen, this poll is as valid as any other poll done on AZ. We should take them all with a huge grain of salt. However, most of the comments seem to be from people who where there and saw the situation first hand. Those comments seem to reflect the vote or close to it.
I really don't think you should be trying to discredit this poll since you were not there and you did not see the conditions.

Rich, it is good to see you posting on AzBilliards forum. I have not read you in a long while. I thought you gave up on posting here. Where have you been?

I am not discrediting the poll. I am, however, noticing a few names who voted in the negative who I believe were *not* there. My point is that those who do vote should only be those who were there. In case you did not notice, I did not vote.

It is kind of like voting for the DCC Louie Roberts A&E Award. Only those who were there at DCC are allowed to vote. That is my point. Maybe I did not word it correctly on this thread, and I meant no harm to you. I only wanted to point out that those who were on site this year at SBE should vote, nothing more and nothing less.

 

[JB Cases]

I heard that lights were offered to Allen but he didn't want to spend the money.

As far as people thanking him for the tournament, I know for a fact that he makes a lot of money for it and isn't doing anyone a favor (other than himself) by continuing to run this event.

I have many friends who went to the event, fortunately I missed this year. I will not be back if this venue continues to where the event is located.

They could just quit. As a seller of pool cue cases I am glad that they put this show on. Being able to show my stuff to thousands of people is great and being able to connect with friends is even better.

I hope the promoter makes money. That is the motivation.

 

[metallicane]

I wasn't a fan, but could get used to it. I know the other place did not have lights, but was much brighter around the tables. I will be back no matter where he holds it.

 

[cardiac kid]

Lyn,

Mark & I are confused. What do you mean by Mark Griffin is about to learn which one the players value most? If you're referring to our move to Rio in 2013, you will be pleasantly surprised about our room rate there.

And we have many more cool things planed for the Rio.

I don't think SBE & BCAPL National Championships is a fair comparison.

S.G.

** Nice finish at SBE.

Sunny,

The vast majority of people, especially pool players, don't like change. Me included. Next years Nationals will test the mettle of of the "average" pool player. Rooms will be more than the Riv. The adult beverage costs will be much higher. Food costs for the average player will go way up. Having the all day pass at the buffet will satisfy some but $45 to $50 per day may keep some players away. At least from the Rio.

All the increased player costs will be offset to some degree by the facility itself. Service from people who actually smile and are happy you are there. Much better food quality. First class rooms. I'm sure there are many more positives. Just too tired to think.

As far as comparisons, take away the team events and the two are not that dis-similar. Allen had nearly a thousand entries in the Open. Including the seniors, women and super seniors, there were nearly 1700 total entries. Taking away multiple entries, Allen still brought over 1400 players to Greater Philidelphia for the SBE. Add the TAP League players in and the numbers become really interesting. Must have been over 500 of them on Friday. All of players from all the events playing in what must have originally been a livestock facility for a county fair. Now lets add in the number of vendors. As I said, the two events are not that dis-similar!

Anyway, I will be in Vegas in both 2012 and 2013 supporting the BCAPL / CSI event. Might go to the Swanson instead of the Bar Box though. I'll still play in four or five BCAPL leagues. Just think next year will be quite a learning experience for all of us.

Thanks for the kudos. The second in the Super Seniors soothed the pain and shame of being beaten by a twelve year old in the Open. Best to you and Mark. See you in May!!!!!

Lyn

 

[cardiac kid]

I heard that lights were offered to Allen but he didn't want to spend the money.

As far as people thanking him for the tournament, I know for a fact that he makes a lot of money for it and isn't doing anyone a favor (other than himself) by continuing to run this event.

I have many friends who went to the event, fortunately I missed this year. I will not be back if this venue continues to where the event is located.

How does making money color the fact he ran (for twenty years) a successful event? I hope all the promoters make money. Without them, I have no events to play in!!!! Hey, stay away. Doubt if you would have fun anyway. Just let the thousand plus players who do attend have our event.

Also heard that drop lights were available to Allen. The number tossed out to install them was $30,000! Might have to pay the dreaded dollar per game fee just to have the lights. I'm sixty seven. Saw the balls just fine!

Lyn

 

[Rosebud]

Not too good

I'm sure Allen did what he had to do in a tight situation. I hope he finds a better place for next year. It is hard to drive ten hours to an event and end up in a venue like that.

There were not enough bathrooms, the beer was not cold and too high, they were limited to which brands, and they didn't have enough staff to wait on the amount of people there. It is not good to wait in line for ten minutes to get a hot beer and a cold hot dog after already waiting in line five minutes to use the bathroom.

Although the venue was bad, it could be worse. Look what hapened to Derby City. The Horseshoe could care less about us and they will charge what ever they want to. Having said that I will say that the beer and food is cheaper and better at Derby City.

 

[Mark Griffin]

New Venues

Lyn,

Not sure what you are saying - but I agree that pool players do not like change, however there has been many comments that the BCAPL needs to find a new venue.

I think you (and everyone else) will find our move to the RIO will be a pleasant suprise - from room rates to beer prices etc.

The move from one casino in Vegas to another casino in Vegas is nowhere near the extreme change in venues for the SBE.

Either way, I hope everyone will move with us because we can grow some more in the new venue at the RIO.

Mark Griffin

Rich,

Not going to vote on this one. Allen had very few choices as far as facilities big enough to hold both events. There may have been alternatives as far as size of venue but not room costs. Mark Griffin is about to learn which one the players value most. Tournament convenience or cost of attending. My feet hurt as much as many others. My stomach also suffered as much as others. The lack of sufficient bathroom facilities and available public drinking water was also a problem. Considering all facets of operation, Allen and his staff did a great job.

Understand the Valley Forge Eight Ball will be back in the basement of the old convention center (new casino) for the June event.

Lyn

 

[Mark Griffin]

New Venues

Lyn,

I am going to disagree with you on some things you stated.

The room rates will be very attractive and will be lower than everyone expects. The Rio is being very generous with their rates. We will not be releasing the rates until about 9 months before the event.

The beverages and food will NOT be much higher than the Riv.
Food costs will NOT go way up.
A 24 pass to any/all Caesar's buffets for $48 is a DEAL. (3 meals in Kady's is more than that!)

There is a lot of difference between the two events. I think Hopkins and crew do a great job - but their event is quite a bit different than ours. As far as numbers, we get about 6500 actual unique players - but not as much spectator participation as SBE. After all, there are 20 million people within driving range of the SBE - not true in Vegas.

And you cannot compare the Rio to the new SBE facility - or even the Riviera. The Rio has many more options that everyone should really appreciate.

I think the move to the RIO is necessary for us to grow both the amateur and pro events. We take pride in presenting the 'Greatest Pool Tournament in the World'.

See you in MAY.

Mark Griffin

Rooms will be more than the Riv. The adult beverage costs will be much higher. Food costs for the average player will go way up. Having the all day pass at the buffet will satisfy some but $45 to $50 per day may keep some players away. At least from the Rio.

All the increased player costs will be offset to some degree by the facility itself. Service from people who actually smile and are happy you are there. Much better food quality. First class rooms. I'm sure there are many more positives. Just too tired to think.

As far as comparisons, take away the team events and the two are not that dis-similar. Allen had nearly a thousand entries in the Open. Including the seniors, women and super seniors, there were nearly 1700 total entries. Taking away multiple entries, Allen still brought over 1400 players to Greater Philidelphia for the SBE. Add the TAP League players in and the numbers become really interesting. Must have been over 500 of them on Friday. All of players from all the events playing in what must have originally been a livestock facility for a county fair. Now lets add in the number of vendors. As I said, the two events are not that dis-similar!

Anyway, I will be in Vegas in both 2012 and 2013 supporting the BCAPL / CSI event. Might go to the Swanson instead of the Bar Box though. I'll still play in four or five BCAPL leagues. Just think next year will be quite a learning experience for all of us.

Thanks for the kudos. The second in the Super Seniors soothed the pain and shame of being beaten by a twelve year old in the Open. Best to you and Mark. See you in May!!!!!

Lyn

 

[Spade]

it was different. not sure what i liked more. but i certainly didnt hate it. i think it ill be fine in long run

 

[TheMarsMan]

How does making money color the fact he ran (for twenty years) a successful event? I hope all the promoters make money. Without them, I have no events to play in!!!! Hey, stay away. Doubt if you would have fun anyway. Just let the thousand plus players who do attend have our event.

Also heard that drop lights were available to Allen. The number tossed out to install them was $30,000! Might have to pay the dreaded dollar per game fee just to have the lights. I'm sixty seven. Saw the balls just fine!

Lyn

I never have problems with someone making money, he is taking all of the risks and deserves to make money if the event is profitable.

But it looks like over two thirds of the people who went to the event were not happy. If I had that percentage of people not happy with one of my businesses I would make some serious changes. I know several people who attended this year who will not be back. I guess it is hard to find people who like to wait in line to go to the bathroom, eat expensive bad food and drink warm beer.

I believe if he doesn't make major changes he won't be making nearly as much profit in the future.