I wanted to make some general comments on the extra $12 per day. The playing room expense is a whopping $500 per day, and apparently the days of free (or cheap) playing rooms in Las Vegas appear to be a thing of the past. To put things in perspective, it is still only $41 per weeknight for a good Las Vegas hotel on the downtown strip, which I think is outstanding, given the location. When I went to the Canadian open on October, I paid $100 a night (plus high Canadian taxes) for 3 nights. (Don't get me wrong, I made out well in Canada as they had a nice prize fund and it was a well-run and tough tournament.) We expect a very good prize fund for the 2007 National. The alternative would be to take playing room costs out of the total prize fund, in which case the overall finances would come out similar (and the top finishers would actually end up having to pay the bulk of the playing room costs!) ....at least, that's my take on the situation. I wasn't personally involved with this decision. Secondly, I understand Mr. Niederhoffer may take care of the weekend playing room expense to help promote the youth tournament, which is most generous of him (as always).
Patrick, I'm not sure what Gerry has in mine regarding the logistics of your question. I presume either Alan Millhone (or other exec) or the referees will take care of this either at registration or on a daily basis, as needed.
This is ridiculous and probably a violation of ACF BY-Laws. The playing room is part of the bid. You can take it off the top of the bid or raise the entry fees to cover it(or maybe a combination of the 2), but trying to charge everyone $12 a day for the playing room is crazy. Personally I think it should be taken off the top of the bid, because it states in the ACF BY-Laws that the bids include playing quarters. So, actually you only have a $2000 bid or less.
I think I might have a good solution, but it could also be a problem. I know of a place I have access to rent out. It also has a beautiful lake on it which is quite big. The building itself has a kitchen and an extra room that can be used as an office, water, ect...and bathrooms. It won't cost $500! but way less- depending on how many days you want to use it. 3 days? - $125 (estimate). The problem- it is a much farther away than from the hotels downtown. The only thing I can think of is a shuttle bus or something but another problem with that could be the diff. times between people finishing their games. I will try to think of something else or other locations much closer to downtown or on the strip itself.
Just a thought, Yunior Lopez
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also....if someone is willing to fly to vegas they are also willing to pay the new entry fee price 20-50 whatever it has been to the new 80-100....but most important no one should walk up at this tournament to suddenly find out there is a new charge for playing room without having previously knowledge of this i know this will be taken care of ahead of time but i wouldnt want anyone with a tight budget to show up unaware
If I live in Columbus and have to play in Master Division
I should arrive on Sunday, and stay until Saturday. So, I have to pay $29 x 4 + $65 x 3 = $347 for 7 nights (approximately $50 per night)
In addition I have to pay for airtickets approximately $250. The price found is $5000-$3000 = $2000 which goes now below than Medina bid.
Lets compare these numbers with IL bid ... - they have $3000 cash price, I can drive here instead fly and obviously should pay less than $50 per night.
So ... in my particular case IL bid would work much.
Mr. Gerry Lopez is out of town till later this week. I have sent him the page of postings/discussion on the forum concerning this year's GAYP Nationals. Mr. Alex spoke of the Illinois bid for this years event. True it was for $3,000.00 but only for 3 days in duration. If the ACF Membership wants to vote to modify the usual week then we can then accept any and all bids received in the future ? Maybe go to 2 game rounds,etc. Let me know your pleasure. This year we only had 2 bids for hosting our Nationals. It is possible that in the future we might not receive any bids. Gerry did tell me earlier that this would be his last year for promotions. If anyone in 2008 can put together a better bid with playing room , inexpensive accomodiations provided,etc. let me know.
Sincerely: Alan Millhone, President American Checker Federation =============================================== Checkers--- " THE MENTAL SPORT ALTERNATIVE TO VIDEO GAMES " ===============================================
hotel cost here is much varied 39.99-and up and my concern about making a bid this year was the playing room perhaps costing money and i didnt think it would be acceptable if playing rooms will cost in the future...what would be an acceptable price range per day? 50-100 dollars a day?
i am not upset by the new playing room costs .......as long as we get this out of the way
Alan, I am sure everyone appreciates Gerry's bid and I don't think anyone objects(not me anyway) to paying a higher entry fee so I don't think that it is a real problem. Also If you are concerned one day we may not recieve a bid, I will put in a standing bid of at least $1000(details to be worked out latter, if that's legal) to have either one of the National TY's here in Tennessee if you don't recieve a bid one year.
Your standing offer of $1,000.00 is duly noted and much appreciated, thanks. I also feel the 'extra' should be added onto the entry fee in all three divisions. Gerry will be back from his trip this Saturday and I will forward all forum threads to him as this week progresses. The room costs and meals in Vegas for the most part are still reasonable most places. Across from the Plaza is the Golden Gate and I enjoy primb rib, baked potato, roll and vegetable for about $7.00 . You can order water and save on any drink costs as well:-) We will have a good purse and I suggest everyone dig out their Lee's Guide,etc. and begin earnest study of GAYP games and ending situations. Gerry Lopez also indicates he will bring along a goodly selection of Checker books to sell to those interested. I still have annotated 'select' games from the Dublin,Ohio GAYP nationals to sell for $20.00 (inflation). Our ACF Nationals is a once a year prestigous event and is a respected event around the globe.
Sincerely: Alan Millhone, President American Checker Federation =============================================== Checkers--- '' THE MENTAL SPORT ALTERNATIVE TO VIDEO GAMES " ===============================================
since we are talking about vegas....would anyone know how far this might be from the airport? similar to four queens? distance/ cost taxi.....is why i am asking