Who Says The West Coast Doesn’t Have Events?

The west coast pool players have asked for more tournaments and by the looks of the February schedule of events, the new year is starting out with a bang and giving them just that – one weekend after another of a variety of events. So, for the pool fanatic or road player wanting to get into stroke, you are in luck. You can begin your journey in California at the beginning of the month and end it in Nevada, with a brief visit to Arizona.

Initiating the month's festivities, the Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament kicks off at Hollywood Billiards Sports Bar & Grill, 5750 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, California the weekend of February 9th-10th. This open nine ball event will offer $3000 added ($4000 with a full field-limited to 192 players); races to eight on the winners side and seven on the one-loss side – the finals will be one race to thirteen. The entry fee (includes green fee) for this tournament is $65 if paid prior to January 21st and $70 the day of event. All mailed entries must be received no later than February 4th, or must be paid in person at the venue. For additional information, contact the room at (323) 465-0115.

As you make your way within California, the weekend of February 16th-17th will see Tournament Director Roger Tafoya and Stix Billiards (located at 7985 Vineyard Avenue G-1in Rancho Cucamonga, California) host the Southern California 14.1 Straight Pool Tournament. The $1500 added double elimination event welcomes all players and will cap off their entrants at 64 players with a $40 entry fee. The winners side of the board will race to 100 points and one-loss to 75 points. Additional information can be obtained from Roger Tafoya at (714) 299-5432 or via email breakballpromo@yahoo.com.

Danny K's Rotation Continuous Tournament takes place the following weekend (February 23rd-24th) in Orange, California at none other than Danny K's Billiards & Sports Bar at 1096 North Main Street. This event is a guaranteed $2000 added tournament with an entry of $30, double elimination. All players race to 75 points, with the exception of touring professionals – they have to exceed that amount and race to 100 points. More information can be attained at (714) 771-9706 or dannyks@sbcglobal.net.

Next in line is the 2008 Third Annual Arizona Desert Dust Off sponsored by Chuck Bobbitt Of "Visual Impressions" on February 22nd-24th. This ten-ball event will be played on 7' Diamond tables, double elimination format beginning with a 4 pm player's meeting/draw and 5 pm start time on Friday. The tournament will add $5000 based on 96 players (field capped at 96 as well). The specifics include $100 entry, winner breaks (and loser pays) with races to nine on the no-lose side and eight otherwise. All players are welcome as this is an open event. If interested in playing, send check or money order entries payable to Desert Dust Off c/o the venue itself: Alexander's Sports Bar, 3603 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85051. Contact Ron Merseal (602) 750-0044 for more detail.

Finally, finishing off the month is the event many have been talking about for quite some time, The 15th Annual U.S. Bar Table Championships February 25th through March 2nd. The Sands Regency in Reno, Nevada is hosting the event and a total of $24,500 guaranteed added will be up for grabs. The three double elimination divisions include ten-ball (February 25th-27th) with races to seven and offering up $6000 added; nine-ball (February 27th-29th), races to nine and $6000 added; and finally the eight ball matches begin February 29th and finish March 2nd - this division is adding $8000 and will play races to five. All three divisions will begin each event with a 12 pm player's meeting and play at 1 pm. The entry fee for each is $125, which includes a $25 registration fee. Entries must be postmarked by February 16th. If postmarked after that date, please include a $25 late fee. The entry form is located here for your convenience: http://www.playbca.com/portals/0/usbtc/08bbb.pdf

Sounds like a great few weeks out in the Wild Wild West with plenty of hours of pool to be played during February. We here at AZBilliards look forward to bringing you the results from the respective stops.