The Magnificent 7, AZB HELP needed please.

bfdlad

bfdlad

T-Wheels
Silver Member
Hi all, as most of you know we have "The Magnificent 7" weekend planned for November 12th, 13th and 14th more info here http://www.azbilliards.com/2000storya.php?storynum=7932

I have had alot of interest but at this point I have nobody writing checks. I am a little shocked that something like this has not taken off like I would have expected. Therefore I have to re evealuate the situation and look to see what exactly I am doing wrong here, I do not believe that the line up of players are the problem for obvious reasons. So how can I make this a better event and or more appealing to the pool fans?

Here are some of the remaining factors that I would like your opinions on.

1) price - Would it be better to have 50 guests at $1,000.00 per person instead of a more private experience with 20 guests at $2,500.00 per person?

2) Location - Is Denver too far out of the way? (I feel its fairly central in location and a great pool room)

3) Schedule of events - Is there something that I am missing that people would like to see more than the current schedule?

4) Me - Am I smoking crack? thinking that this is something that anyone even wants to take part in?

5) Everyone will get a signed picture with the Pros along with a copy of the DVD documentary of the weekend when it has been edited and released for sale. Do I need to add more value??

I respect the opinions of the AZB community for the most part and would love to know what it would take for the average pool fan to want to take part in this event.

I hate to come on here and explain that one of the best (In my opinion) gatherings isn't working like I wanted it to, but hey I am constantly learning and trying to make things happen while pushing the envelope of what can be done in the pool world. I guess you have to fail in order to learn right?

Please let me know, thanks
Mark,
 
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The idea is good in theory, but I don't see you filling all of the spots, even if you change from 20 @ $2500 to 50 @ $1000.

Some day in the future, when pool is viewed as a sport and is at a similar level to the mainstream sports (golf, baseball, football, etc.), then you shouldn't have any problem filling the spots at an even higher price per person.

Right now, I just don't see enough people with that kind of money to throw around ready to drop it to attend this.

I hope I am wrong, and I wish I could go, and I hope you find a way to make it happen!
 
The schedule goes pretty late on Sunday night for anyone traveling. I realize that you're trying to pack as many activities in for your guests as possible, but I would have expected a 3:00 end time. Events after that time could, of course, be optional. Then again, maybe taking Monday off for this event wouldn't be out of the question. More guests to lower the price could help, but may eliminate your tournament plans.

Ultimately, I think it's because you used the word "eated" in your press release that is causing you difficulty. :D

Sounds like a great event, and I wish you success! In fact, I would like to see this group/event travel to several major cities.
Mr H
 
I was curious as to how well you were gonna do with the $2500 price tag. But I'm new to this scene, and I see people paying $1200 and up for a cue, so what do I know? I wouldn't think it would be that difficult to find 20 people that have the disposable income to take advantage of this opportunity, given the star power you have put together.

It sure sounds like a wonderful event. I hope it works out for you and all those involved.
 
When I first seen the thread,the first thing that came to my mind was it was a "tournament with legends".I thought "cool"...I would be interested in watching that.
But after reading it and seen the price of $2,500 I thought wow thats kinda high.
Its a great idea but I was more excited thinking this was going to be a tournament or ring game,or something like that.
I would have definately paid for a streaming of $25 to watch competative pool from these legends......$25 x 2,000 people = $50,000.
I dont know,just thought of Keith Mccready coming out of retirement to take down some legends in some competitive format NOT just banging some balls around.
 
It's all about the price. Having to generate $50K is going to be pretty damn tough no matter how you slice it up. Add to that that if you dont fill then the event does not happen and the people who did write a check are refunded.

The people I know who have the extra time and money to spend $2500 plus expenses on a pool weekend like to plan things and have a pretty good degree of certainty what they have going on in the future. So it is daunting for a guy to scratch that check send off the dough then not know if the event is even going to happen. Not mention making travel arrangements. Not only does a person have to place faith in the promoter to make the event happen he has to place faith in 19 other guys getting on board too. Brutally tough sale in this climate.

Perhaps piggybacking an event of this type on an event like the BCAPL in Vegas and do one day clinics/get togthers for a lower rate throughout the week. Try to get 10 people a day for $200-$250 for 5 or 6 days. Even then you may not do more than cover expenses. Its a very tough nut to crack because it has so many moving parts. I hope you keep trying though and I hope you succeed.

As for a PPV stream supported tournament it could generate a pretty good chunk of revenue I think but nowhere near what the current target is set at.
 
I like your idea, but to me it seems a bit incongruous to charge $2500 at the gate then book a block of rooms at La Quinta for $62/night. The folks who would want to stay there can't afford the trip, and those who can afford such a venture might be disinclined to stay at an inexpensive hotel. It is just an observation...not a criticism. I would pay 1K to see 3 days of McCready and Mataya working their craft. Set up the beer, the smokes and line up the challengers. $100 on the breaker!
 
If I had the money to spend and the time to travel to the destination it would be a dream come true. This is one of those great things where if I were there I would wish I could split myself in two so I could be there with my cue and sit there watching everything.
 
IMO it goes back to the same old pool issue. No money in it.

Since pool players arent mega celebs like a tiger woods or roger federer, most of us have had a chance to bump elbow with them. For example.

Have you ever been able to go to your local golf course and hang out with Tiger Woods? Of course not, but how about Earl or Buddy? Sure, just know what pool hall they live near, and you can go drink coffee with them almost daily. Or the Derby. I can watch Mataya at arms length at the derby playing one handed for 500 a game. Have you every been in the same Building as Pete Rose or John Madden? Probably not, but I have personally been in an elevator with 5 of the 7 Players in this event. Its sad that Pool players dont get the Fame they deserve.

I think the major issue is pool players are very tangable, unlike other Hall of Famers in other sports.
 
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I guess Im alone on this and I have no stats but my sense has always been that the 'high end' pool market is healthy, pretty big and under pitched. A lot of guys have no problem paying big bucks for fancy cues and home tables. Look how many Custom Cue maker's the market supports. Some older pros have a list of guys that will lend them 4 figures.

The players are legends. I think you can still do it.
 
Hey Mark,

It's a terrific idea (on paper) but I doubt that you will find a lot of pool players and fans willing to pay $2500 for this.

At the most, people might be willing to pay $250 but even that may be pushing the limits of what most people will pay.

If you can figure out a way to come up with a promotional event that cost people around $50-100, you might be able to generate a lot of interest in it.

When Earl and John were in town two weeks ago for their exhibition, Billiards Ink had a packed house of spectators watching them so the potential opportunity is there if it's done right.
 
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It would be a great event, but in these difficult economic times people (particularly pool players) are lucky to come up with $250, much less $2,500.
 
bfdlad said:
Hi all, as most of you know we have "The Magnificent 7" weekend planned for November 12th, 13th and 14th more info here http://www.azbilliards.com/2000storya.php?storynum=7932

I have had alot of interest but at this point I have nobody writing checks. I am a little shocked that something like this has not taken off like I would have expected. Therefore I have to re evealuate the situation and look to see what exactly I am doing wrong here, I do not believe that the line up of players are the problem for obvious reasons. So how can I make this a better event and or more appealing to the pool fans?

Here are some of the remaining factors that I would like your opinions on.

1) price - Would it be better to have 50 guests at $1,000.00 per person instead of a more private experience with 20 guests at $2,500.00 per person?

2) Location - Is Denver too far out of the way? (I feel its fairly central in location and a great pool room)

3) Schedule of events - Is there something that I am missing that people would like to see more than the current schedule?

4) Me - Am I smoking crack? thinking that this is something that anyone even wants to take part in?

5) Everyone will get a signed picture with the Pros along with a copy of the DVD documentary of the weekend when it has been edited and released for sale. Do I need to add more value??

I respect the opinions of the AZB community for the most part and would love to know what it would take for the average pool fan to want to take part in this event.

I hate to come on here and explain that one of the best (In my opinion) gatherings isn't working like I wanted it to, but hey I am constantly learning and trying to make things happen while pushing the envelope of what can be done in the pool world. I guess you have to fail in order to learn right?

Please let me know, thanks
Mark,
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Mark,

I'll be perfectly honest here. When I first read about the concept, I was skeptical that it would work. I hope you left yourself an out.

It doesn't have anything to do with you or your team It has to do with the very narrow interest group who would shell out for something like this and if the event itself is enough if a draw to make it a destination.

Why don't you just take Keith to Valley Forge or Derby City and charge people $100 to play him a race to 5, sell internet, and charge spectators $10 and sell beer? If the people beat him, they get their money back. I bet he would be be booked for the whole week.

Chris
 
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Nostroke said:
I guess Im alone on this and I have no stats but my sense has always been that the 'high end' pool market is healthy, pretty big and under pitched. A lot of guys have no problem paying big bucks for fancy cues and home tables. Look how many Custom Cue maker's the market supports. Some older pros have a list of guys that will lend them 4 figures.

The players are legends. I think you can still do it.
Click to expand...

The problem is that this is trying to create a whole market that doesn't yet exist. For example, if someone puts on a Fantasy Baseball camp, there are tens of thousands of previous participants to advertise to. Same with car racing weekends and other "fantasy" camps. For billiards, it's a new concept.

Chris
 
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I'd put it on plastic in a second.... BUT the IRS is attacking us. :(
 
Upscale

I think the audience you are going after would be more interested in having a good time in an upscale setting without a strict schedule in place. I don't think the people you are targeting are looking for instruction but more to have a good time visiting with these players and having great eats and a nice place to stay.

I know I would pay a couple of hundred dollars (and buy my own food) just to go out to eat with them and then go to the local pool hall and try to stir up some action.
 
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Recession recession recession recession

bfdlad said:
Hi all, as most of you know we have "The Magnificent 7" weekend planned for November 12th, 13th and 14th more info here http://www.azbilliards.com/2000storya.php?storynum=7932

I have had alot of interest but at this point I have nobody writing checks. I am a little shocked that something like this has not taken off like I would have expected. Therefore I have to re evealuate the situation and look to see what exactly I am doing wrong here, I do not believe that the line up of players are the problem for obvious reasons. So how can I make this a better event and or more appealing to the pool fans?

Here are some of the remaining factors that I would like your opinions on.

1) price - Would it be better to have 50 guests at $1,000.00 per person instead of a more private experience with 20 guests at $2,500.00 per person?

2) Location - Is Denver too far out of the way? (I feel its fairly central in location and a great pool room)

3) Schedule of events - Is there something that I am missing that people would like to see more than the current schedule?

4) Me - Am I smoking crack? thinking that this is something that anyone even wants to take part in?

5) Everyone will get a signed picture with the Pros along with a copy of the DVD documentary of the weekend when it has been edited and released for sale. Do I need to add more value??

I respect the opinions of the AZB community for the most part and would love to know what it would take for the average pool fan to want to take part in this event.

I hate to come on here and explain that one of the best (In my opinion) gatherings isn't working like I wanted it to, but hey I am constantly learning and trying to make things happen while pushing the envelope of what can be done in the pool world. I guess you have to fail in order to learn right?

Please let me know, thanks
Mark,
Click to expand...



Mark let me remind you we, the U.S.A. is in the worst RECESSION in the last 20 years.

In my particular case, if I live 10 minute walk from the venue paying $1.000.00, or $2,500.00 for this once in a life time opportunity would be a BIG NO.

This is why in my particular case. $1,000.00 is more than my Monthly Pension, so I would choose food, paying utilities, car insurance, gas, etc. over this opportunity for a experience.,

Those not living with in local driving distance of Denver, where they could go back, and forth to the venue, and home would face cost of travel, and lodging.

Think you idea, may have been great during a time in the past when people had money to burn, or lost of extra expendable income.

IMHO now is not the time to do as you want, think about the RECESSION!

JMHO:smile:
 
Beam me up Scotty

Your ad states that fans can bare witness; I hope not since I don’t want to see anybody’s witness. Whoever designed your seven, the bottom of it looks like a sagging scrotum. You want people to travel to Denver, pay $60-$100 a night for a room plus any other expenses, pay a $2500 fee, so a person can have a chance to visit, share stories, whatever with seven (think of a better name than magnificent) players. The only thing fans will get from this holy event will be a signed photo and a DVD (whatever value you want to give it). Are people actually that hard up for a way to spend their money? Do you sit around all day trying to think of ways to get the most you can possibly get for the least you can possibly do? I bet you had to twist a lot of arms to get the players sold on this idea. For $2500 I’d rather have several high-priced hookers, a suite at the top of the hotel, and champagne than to mingle with these seven players who aren’t seriously competing with each other. Do you think there’s that many ducks to pluck? Or are you seriously crazy?


Sarcasm, just one of the services I offer.

P.S. Maybe in this day and age negative publicity is all you need
 
canwin said:
Beam me up Scotty

Your ad states that fans can bare witness; I hope not since I don’t want to see anybody’s witness. Whoever designed your seven, the bottom of it looks like a sagging scrotum. You want people to travel to Denver, pay $60-$100 a night for a room plus any other expenses, pay a $2500 fee, so a person can have a chance to visit, share stories, whatever with seven (think of a better name than magnificent) players. The only thing fans will get from this holy event will be a signed photo and a DVD (whatever value you want to give it). Are people actually that hard up for a way to spend their money? Do you sit around all day trying to think of ways to get the most you can possibly get for the least you can possibly do? I bet you had to twist a lot of arms to get the players sold on this idea. For $2500 I’d rather have several high-priced hookers, a suite at the top of the hotel, and champagne than to mingle with these seven players who aren’t seriously competing with each other. Do you think there’s that many ducks to pluck? Or are you seriously crazy?


Sarcasm, just one of the services I offer.

P.S. Maybe in this day and age negative publicity is all you need
Click to expand...



You earned a GREENIE!
 
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