Welcome to Charlotte- PRESS BOX- Best Pool Hall

[rhatten]

Here is some info for you. fyi FB page https://www.facebook.com/thepressboxbilliard/reviews

NEW CHARLOTTE NC POOL HALL- The Press Box Entertainment Cafe .. opened this week - May 12, 2014.


The Press Box Entertainment Cafe
9609 N Tryon St Charlotte NC 28262
(704) 717-2727
Chris... Mgr


Its located in north Charlotte in a shopping center at the bottom of the hill across from UNCC's new main entrance on N Tryon (HWY 29).

I'm here to tell you it is the BEST Pool Hall in this part of the country with no exceptions. Chris and his partners have held nothing back in putting this room together.... and it couldn't been in a better location to service the counties around north Charlotte. Modern, spotlessly clean and enough elbow room for high quality play, this place is a MUST SEE for the billiard enthusiast. (fyi... I am not associated/affiliated with The Press Box in any way- just a happy customer trying to get the word out on this gem).

With 13 new highest quality 9' (Blue Label) Diamond tables, new Cyclops (traditional) ball sets running on 860 Simonis, its THE pool players 'dream come true'. Currently they are staffing up for their main Grand Opening in the near future but invite ALL to come in and enjoy the best pool equipment in the country as they introduce themselves to the southeast.

Store hours are temporarily set to open daily at 4pm thru 2am (at least for their introduction period), but will probably change soon once people realize what they have going on there. An earlier mid-day opening time is coming when 'demand' picks up. So for all of us "retired folks" who play 1 Pocket, 10 Ball, Rotation and straight pool and need the best equipment come out and support what we have now in our area. All 'Action' is welcome there as well. (but please respect others while negotiating/-thx :thumbup: ... personal preference) (btw anyone please update this thread when newer information becomes available) Hourly table rates are very competitive with both daily rate and monthly rate packages to be announced in the near future as business pick up. Please come out and support this room often so they can give back these promotions 'sooner' to us die hard players.

Full bar now open and beginning in the up coming weeks it will have a short menu food selection as their (attached) main bar/lounge and restaurant opens in the upcoming month.

Guys and Gals this is the best pool hall that Charlotte has ever seen. Don't miss this one!


Randy:smile:

Link in the Pool Room Review forum on the Main Category section
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?p=4728280#post4728280

 

[pfduser]

Very nice. I'm sorta jealous since my area hasn't seen a real pool room in 25 years. Good luck to the new room! Hope it stays in business forever.

 

[Quesports]

Thanks for the heads up about this new pool hall. I am in Asheville visiting for the next two weeks, I may just have to buzz on down to Charlotte for a night or two now!!! Love Diamonds with blue label rails...

 

[rhatten]

Professional All the way around- this place

Yeap the first day I was there (last week) Allison Fisher was holding classes before the doors were open. I understand Ms Kelly Fisher will be 'around' to offer her support as well in the near future. Can't wait until weekly tourny's to get rollin. That should really make the word get out.

Kinda like the new 6 Pockets in Decatur Alabama is doing now... there are getting great turnouts. 9B Fridays, 10B Saturdays and 1P on Sundays. If we could get those moving around here man we would have the new version of the old historic 'Mothers pool hall'. Almost constant action here in Charlotte again... like back in the 'old days' of the late 80's / early 90's... I guess we all can hope.

It can't happen without people showing up though. 1 visit to this new place will get your adrenalin flowing again.


R

 

[kenny_74]

Thanks for the heads up about this new pool hall. I am in Asheville visiting for the next two weeks, I may just have to buzz on down to Charlotte for a night or two now!!! Love Diamonds with blue label rails...

I may just have to follow you.

 

[Scott Lee]

Randy...That's excellent! I did shows at UNCC's gameroom for several years. I remember another room nearby that was also on N Tryon, but it wasn't anything like you're talking about! BTW, I love 6 Pockets in Decatur AL too! Randyg and I are doing one of our 3 day pool schools there the last weekend in June. I'll be coming through Charlotte the first of June, on my way to Greensboro, so I'll be sure to stop in see The Press Box! Thanks for the info! :thumbup:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

Yeap the first day I was there (last week) Allison Fisher was holding classes before the doors were open. I understand Ms Kelly Fisher will be 'around' to offer her support as well in the near future. Can't wait until weekly tourny's to get rollin. That should really make the word get out.

Kinda like the new 6 Pockets in Decatur Alabama is doing now... there are getting great turnouts. 9B Fridays, 10B Saturdays and 1P on Sundays. If we could get those moving around here man we would have the new version of the old historic 'Mothers pool hall'. Almost constant action here in Charlotte again... like back in the 'old days' of the late 80's / early 90's... I guess we all can hope.

It can't happen without people showing up though. 1 visit to this new place will get your adrenalin flowing again.


R

 

[rhatten]

Hi Scott,

Give us your dates when u get them and we'll meet up and do lunch/pool etc.. my schedule is open thru mid June's NAPA event in ATL. I'm sure others will be interested as well... Pm me or better yet keep all us posted here.

Randy

 

[PINKLADY]

Randy...That's excellent! I did shows at UNCC's gameroom for several years. I remember another room nearby that was also on N Tryon, but it wasn't anything like you're talking about! BTW, I love 6 Pockets in Decatur AL too! Randyg and I are doing one of our 3 day pool schools there the last weekend in June. I'll be coming through Charlotte the first of June, on my way to Greensboro, so I'll be sure to stop in see The Press Box! Thanks for the info! :thumbup:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

we might just have to meet you there & see if we can kick it from Charlotte to Greensboro. good to know i've got a place to kill time when working downtown.
thanks for the post!

 

[rhatten]

Thanks for the heads up about this new pool hall. I am in Asheville visiting for the next two weeks, I may just have to buzz on down to Charlotte for a night or two now!!! Love Diamonds with blue label rails...

Speaking of Ashville (area), we were just up that way in Waynesville's for the Smokey Mountain Shootout. The first time I had seen Harrah's Cherokee since the first year they tried to open. At about 2X the size, it's MUCH nicer now with live table games. Also got a chance to play some pool at the new Smokey Mountain Billiards pool hall there in Waynesville. Those are some good guys there too. Smaller place but some pretty good 9' Diamond equipment. This place adds a couple of days to the Mountain road trips I plan now.

Unfortunately now, with these brand new Diamonds here in Charlotte at The Press Box I'm gunna be pretty much pot committed for the next 2 months at trying to rub some paint off of these new cyclops balls and creating some new rail grooves and break line tracks on these new 860 tables.... Starting today again at 4pm.

If you get free time in this area, come out and have a look at the way pool halls should be put together from the start. It feels like I'm playing in one of Diamond sponsored events. Derby, Tunica...

Cool beans,

Randy

 

[1C Bitten]

The Smokin Cue is a nice place with 16 9ft tables. 13 Brunswicks 3 Diamond Blue Labels on University Blvd. towards Harrisburg. Great tables with friendly people and good food. Wednesday night tournament with 10,000 dollar break and run. Great place. I am glad to hear of another poolroom to play at and will check it out as soon as possible. Thank you for the information.

 

[rhatten]

The Smokin Cue is a nice place with 16 9ft tables. 13 Brunswicks 3 Diamond Blue Labels on University Blvd. towards Harrisburg. Great tables with friendly people and good food. Wednesday night tournament with 10,000 dollar break and run. Great place. I am glad to hear of another poolroom to play at and will check it out as soon as possible. Thank you for the information.

Different strokes for different folks i guess ... I haven't been in that place since the mid nineties before Allen died (original owner). Although I do have to play there this weekend for the APA Masters finals. Maybe by next years Masters finals everyone will have had a chance to see this new pool room (The Press Box) and have another option to vote for for the playoffs (as well as other events).

And Speaking of 10K Break and Run... My friend Steve who own's COURT SQUARE BILLIARDS (in Mocksville N.C- about 50 miles north of CLT) has a Saturday night 9 BALL TOURNAMENT (7pm ish) that also has a 10K Break and Run event during their tourny.

Charlotte area players are getting more quality room options these days for sure. Maybe thing are looking up for pool. Now if we can get some 'action' moving thru these new places we can revive Charlotte's historic reputation in the pool world. "Post" ='s Word of the day... these days. :smile:

Randy

 

[Scott Lee]

Wendy...I'm just thinking of stopping in to the Press Box for a couple of hours, since I have to pass through Charlotte, on my way to see you and Matt in Greensboro.

Randy...I'll stay in touch, and when I get closer I'll let you my time frame. It will likely be sometime on Monday June 2.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

we might just have to meet you there & see if we can kick it from Charlotte to Greensboro. good to know i've got a place to kill time when working downtown.
thanks for the post!

 

[rhatten]

Looks like a 1P day every day for the rest of this week on these new Diamond tables. Doors open at 4pm till I'll play til I get tired. :smile:

Race week is crankin up here in Charlotte for the Charlotte 600 event this comming weekend. With Speed Street kickin off in downtown Charlotte (good free music with 38 special and big ass turkey legs and funnel cakes etc ) and Paul Oakenfold headlining at Label Friday night, it looks like a good reason to get out of the house this week for some great pool and awesome music.

Fun Fun

Randy

 

[Ty Arnold]

This looks like its going to be a great pool hall for players in the Charlotte area. 13 brand new 9' Diamond tables. Simonis 860. Very nice. Good luck in the future for PRESS BOX

 

[rhatten]

Packed House

Here is their new FB site...

https://www.facebook.com/thepressboxbilliard/reviews

Place was absolutely packed last night...with a waiting list started about 9pm. Awesome Food and Drinks and the BEST POOL TABLES IN THE COUNTRY. (13 New Blue Label Diamonds w new traditional Cyclopes Balls) The word is spreading!! New Earlier hours will be offered soon for the lunch crowds as well.

Come out and support this great 'face lift' for pool. Btw both Allison and Kelly Fisher were in this week again offering their support as well.

Chris, Ed, Jo, Andre' et al are working hard to get this business up and running right for us all to enjoy.

Randy

 

[logical]

Was in press box this week Tuesday night. Maybe 4 tables bring used, cloth in pretty rough shape and mediocre food.

Smokin Cue the next night and tables were immaculate with good service and a big 9 ball tourney.

 

[Black-Balled]

Was in press box this week Tuesday night. Maybe 4 tables bring used, cloth in pretty rough shape and mediocre food.

Smokin Cue the next night and tables were immaculate with good service and a big 9 ball tourney.

Wow, only 'soft' open for 4 months and already rough state? Surprising, disappointing too.

 

[rhatten]

Was in press box this week Tuesday night. Maybe 4 tables bring used, cloth in pretty rough shape and mediocre food.

Smokin Cue the next night and tables were immaculate with good service and a big 9 ball tourney.

Thats interesting... today the 19th, the tables were all still relatively new again at the Press Box and the Fish Tacos were awesome during full menu hours ie before 11pm ..I understand they have a short menu with finger food as well later in the evening... someone must be switching things around for you... or... maybe its "Sarcasm while you wait" or something. There's no better Diamond Equipment in the Country... imo. Not sure you were in the right place. After 20 WEEKs or so in business there are maybe 4 tables that are 'broken in' but still miles above what offered elsewhere in the area.

The Press box hasn't even started offering a weekly open tournament yet and they just started APA 1 night a week 3 weeks ago (Thursdays- it slammed, so don't even try to get a table from 6pm to 11pm... 10-12 teams). They have been working on getting their full restaurant side and full bar (and staffing) worked out.

Maybe after 20 years (not 20 weeks) of business (kinda like Smoking Cue) the tournament events will be as popular at The Press Box as you mentioned.... Prolly even without two weekly 10K BREAK AND RUN gaft game on played a gaaaaft table. Btw the 'House Bank' on that gaft gimmick btw is a joke...mainly on the pool players!!.... its historically > than 200% or more most of the time... so much so they have to try to 'give it' back every quarter or so to keep the complaining down from all of the 'contributors', all at the time racking in beer, food and table time to put on the monkey 'show'... but hey, pool players also like to dream about winning the lotto as well. Remember payday is just around the corner again right???...

I say ...Play on play on and to each his on.... but play more pool whenever and wherever you can best afford.

R

edit 9/28: In all fairness to 'Logical's comments' above and below, after spending sometime there this past week there does seem to be some neglect issues (excess chalk dust/even some liquid stains) and misuse (masse' and jump shot micro tears on that new cloth) on about 6 (of the 12 new tables) and yeah on those tables I'd agree, if they were in my house I'd replace the cloth. I went back this week and stayed late a couple of nights and witnessed somethings from some college aged drunks (APA 3 'bridge type' folk) trying to shoot trick shots that would get you completely uninvited in my business/home. A couple of times they had to tell the drunks to get their drinks off of the tables as well. I was not happy at all to see the disrespect. On Sunday afternoon (game day-football games) the noise level is getting way out of hand as 'small groups' of very amateur drinking players are yelling over each other about their last shot and whats about to happen to their buddies on the next shoot... all this over the loud football game as people are yelling across the whole room. Not my favorite pool outing 'time of day' there for pool practice/action etc.

But their business is modeled as a sports 'bar and restaurant' and they are advertising on their FB and other social media for that "college crowd drunken mentality" to come in and eat, drink and be very 'marry'. So... it looks like they will have to change out the cloth on a much more frequent basis to keep the equipment up to speed if they want that type clientele to be "happy" on their $6k new Diamonds. Their tables/balls now do need professional cleaning and maintenance to keep the curb appeal it had 3 months ago when things were new 'right out of the box'. :sad:

 

[Scott Lee]

I've been to all the Charlotte rooms over the years...and I'm going to the Press Box the next time I'm in town. :thumbup: Randy, your last sentence says it all. We need to support as many poolrooms, collectively, as we can...or they'll disappear, and all we'll be left with is "pool bars".

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

 

[JAM]

I've been to all the Charlotte rooms over the years...and I'm going to the Press Box the next time I'm in town. :thumbup: Randy, your last sentence says it all. We need to support as many poolrooms, collectively, as we can...or they'll disappear, and all we'll be left with is "pool bars".

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

And when that happens, American loses its leagues. When that happens, well, we can all see the writing on the wall. :frown:

Pool will be about as popular as a game of croquet, and future generations can marvel at the photographs of this game called "pool" for what once was. :embarrassed2: