Thinking of going to US open this year and was curious....

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Febreze

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I am thinking of going to the US open this year, not to play, strictly for knowledge and observattion. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio, so its quite a drive, and i just wanted to know from anyone who has been if it is worth it. Would you reccomend going to spectate?

Thanks!
 
Go if you can, 12hr drive for you, but don't dare go thru DC or Richmond / either way/ between 7am and 9pm!

It might be cheaper to fly/ rent a car
 
If you have the chance of joining the tournament aswell, you should do so. In what other sport is there an oppurtunity for the fans to actually play in the pro events, and even get a chance to play the best player in the world?
 
Absolutely go for it. However you get here, it's worth the trip. I'm going to attempt playing in it this year :D

Last year I just spectated, and it was awesome. Lucky for me I live in the area.
 
Hierovision said:
Absolutely go for it. However you get here, it's worth the trip. I'm going to attempt playing in it this year :D

Last year I just spectated, and it was awesome. Lucky for me I live in the area.
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Im rooting for you:)
 
Febreze said:
I am thinking of going to the US open this year, not to play, strictly for knowledge and observattion. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio, so its quite a drive, and i just wanted to know from anyone who has been if it is worth it. Would you reccomend going to spectate?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Here's three pages of pictures I took of my experience at the U.S. Open in 2004: http://www.hometown.aol.com/khmccready/2004USopen.html

I spoke to Barry Behrman, the U.S. Open promoter, last evening about another pool-related matter, and he told me that this year's U.S. Open Nine-ball Championship is going to be better than ever. :)

A little U.S. Open Nine-ball Championship information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Open_Nine-ball_Championship

JAM
 
I went to my first Open last year with 2 friends. two words: it rocked.

I learned more watching the pros live than i do watching videos. I have some helpful hints.

1. Some people like the early days for the number of matches, I choose to go the latter part of the week to see key matches. If you cant go for the whole thing, I suggest a VIP seat so you have a seat at the final table for finals etc.

2. If you dont drive, be prepared to rent a car or dump alot in taxis. You will want to go to Qmasters (open 24-7 the week of the open) and practice what you see. YOu will also get to rub elbows with some pros and even test your mettle against some of the early eliminated players if you want to play with some weight on your side. Qmasters has good food and nice spectator seats for action games.

3. Stay at a hotel next to the place. It is cool to walk over and its cool to go to the hotel pool and hang out with J Archer or SVB (both stayed at same hotel as me). Reminder: Dont pester them if they are with their families.

4. bring money for new gear. good deals to be had from the vendors. Really enjoyed talking to Mr. Jacoby for the first time.

5. if you have it, spend it... help the pool industry.

6. Have fun... you cant say no after all that rambling!
 
Go and Play if you can. I played last year and drew Peaches the first round and he went on to win the world 9 ball title soon after. It was neat. Why buy VIP Seats just play for the extra few hundred and play. My friend also played not a pro but a strong player and he took Efren to the one hole. Plus, Barry treats the players well.
 
JAM said:
Here's three pages of pictures I took of my experience at the U.S. Open in 2004: http://www.hometown.aol.com/khmccready/2004USopen.html

I spoke to Barry Behrman, the U.S. Open promoter, last evening about another pool-related matter, and he told me that this year's U.S. Open Nine-ball Championship is going to be better than ever. :)

A little U.S. Open Nine-ball Championship information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Open_Nine-ball_Championship

JAM
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You are the best, I love when you post those pics.
Frankie
 
Febreze said:
I am thinking of going to the US open this year, not to play, strictly for knowledge and observattion. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio, so its quite a drive, and i just wanted to know from anyone who has been if it is worth it. Would you reccomend going to spectate?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Only if you like watching the best pool players in the world. Otherwise, don't go. :)
 
SloRoller said:
Does anyone know about any qualifiers for the Open?

JAM is Keith going this year?

SR
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When Keith was unable to attend the DCC earlier this year, one poster thought it prudent to initiate a thread about Keith's non-attendance at the DCC, and the thread was quite perplexing. So it is difficult to confirm in June that we are going to a tournament that will occur in October.

I am pretty sure, though, we will be there two days before the U.S. Open for a pre-U.S. Open activity IF LOGISTICS ARE WORKED OUT BY ALL PARTIES.

That said, there are qualifiers for the U.S. Open around the country. I know there are quite a few in the Virginia area. For example, the Virginia State 9-Ball Championship offers a free U.S. Open entry fee to the first-place winner each year. Various pool rooms in Virginia have qualifier tournaments for the U.S. Open. There may be some regional tours, like Tiger Tour and others, who offer qualifier events for the U.S. Open.

Of course, the U.S. Open website might post up qualifier dates later on this year when the qualifier hosting pool rooms avail themselves: http://www.usopen9ballchampionships.com/index.php

Also, do check the TOURNAMENT section of this forum for qualifier events because I am sure they will be happening. :)

Here's a cute shot of Keith and Nick Varner outside in front of the Chesapeake Conference Center, where the tournament takes place.

JAM
 

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JAM said:
Here's three pages of pictures I took of my experience at the U.S. Open in 2004: http://www.hometown.aol.com/khmccready/2004USopen.html

I spoke to Barry Behrman, the U.S. Open promoter, last evening about another pool-related matter, and he told me that this year's U.S. Open Nine-ball Championship is going to be better than ever. :)

A little U.S. Open Nine-ball Championship information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Open_Nine-ball_Championship

JAM
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Those pics are awesome! Thanks for sharing JAM!
 
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Kanedog said:
Those pics are awesome! Thanks for sharing JAM!
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My pleasure, Kanedog. The first page of the three is the best one, with a lot of the U.S. Open champions on it.

All U.S. Open champions get FREE ENTRY for life to the U.S. Open. :)

This year, the entry fee has gone up from $500 to $600.

Once you see and experience your first U.S. Open, held in one of the BEST States of these United States of America, good old Virginia with all of its fine Southern hospitality and charm, you'll be back. :D

I've been fortunate to enjoy a few victory thrills of some tough matches with my boyfriend at the U.S. Open, but I've also experienced the horrible agony of defeat there as well. :(

BTW, I love that adorable pooch in your avatar! :p

JAM
 
It is a shame that the qualifiers are so hard to find...you'd think there would be some kind of promotion past the individuals running said qualifiers.
 
To anyone who has played, do you suggest it to ANY player or just the higher level players?

I played this season on the canadian 9 ball tour to improve my game (which is has) but I really think Im under-par skill wise against those players.

Input? (pm works too)
 
JAM,

The picture on Page1 of Keith and Danny D. is great. I would imagine if that picture were used in a caption contest, you'd get some great quotes.

Great pictures and thanks for sharing!
 
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If you gonna go spectate for the whole week you might as well play for almost the same price. You go 2 and out who cares you get to watch all the matches you want with your players badge. If you play you support the players and the promoter instead of just the promoter.
 
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