Pokémon TCG: Sword and Shield—Brilliant Stars

Oh No! Damage to the Columbus Convention Center

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Heatherdu

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Hi All! This story is still developing but I thought I would post it as many will be interested. Columbus, OH was hit by these wild and crazy January thunderstorms last night. It appears that the wind or something related to the storm has caused a huge water main break directly beneath the Columbus Convention Center. Initial reports say that there appears to be structural damage. Hopefully, things will look better once the water is cleaned up and I really hope that this is all a distant memory by Origins.

This link contains an article, video, and photos ->

http://10tv.com/?sec=&story=sites/10tv/content/pool/200801/602815602.html



Here is an update from the Columbus Dispatch at least it seems that there is no danger of collapse....

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/01/09/flood.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101
 
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Wow. and we were just there this weekend at Ohayocon. I'm glad it happened AFTER that was all said and done. But I think they'll get it all taken care of in time.
 
TheDarkTwins said:
Wow, way to be positive. I think right now that if they really didnt think that it would be ready in 5+ months that we would be notified as soon as possible so we could change our plans.

JMO,
Drew
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I think he was kidding.

I better get a refund on my badge though, if it has to be held somewhere else.

My vote is for Secaucus also, or some place cool to visit.
 
On the midday news, the reporter said that they now feel that there was not structural damage (thank goodness!). If I understood it correctly, the support columns were actually made to float off the floor in such an emergency and that is what they did. One person described some of those columns as looking like uprooted trees - the ground around them were all raised and buckled. The first damage estimates are in the millions for flooring and walls and that at least the main exhibit hall will be closed until February or March. There is supposed to be a news conference later this afternoon.
 
Well that stinks. I am sure GAMA is going crazy about what happen, and are hopping for a quick reslove. I doubt they will move Nat's unless the Convention Center cant hold Origins, it might be months away, but plans, and everything are already in place.
 
From the pictures, it looks like the area where the TCG tournaments are held was damaged. Hopefully in six months they can get everything working again. If not, there is always the Washington State Convention Center - nice and close to the OP headquarters...
 
Wow POP could save a ton of money.....

ryanvergel said:
Let's move it to Orlando and have a pre-worlds worlds.
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Think about it, what if Nationals for the US was held in the same city as Worlds, just one weekend earlier.
No longer any need to give the US winners paid trips to worlds as they would already be there.

Us players could play in Nationals one weekend, and the next play in the Ginder and have fun at worlds.
Outstanding idea Ryanvergel.
 
I respect everywhere pokemon has held their biggest events. I've been to nationals once and I hated that experience. When I was In Anaheim California which some parts of the area were under reconstruction and my cards got stolen that tournament and the place where it was held was the best event i've ever been to. Last years Hawaii's event I disliked even more then nationals mainly because the prices of items and nothing around the place.

Ive been playing this card game for almost 4 years now and when I couldnt attend events I heard they were a blast such as CA & FLR worlds and when I finally could attend events for some reason the places are like really odd to hold them. Im looking forward to Orlando Floridas World Championship this year. I heard its the same location in 04' which was amazing. Also how come none of these big events Nationals or Worlds have never been considered in New England or even down South like texas?
 
I've no doubt the Convention center will be up and running by the time Origins rolls around. It will take about five months of pretty much steady work to get ready, but the GCCC people should have it up in time. If Origins needs to be moved, I'm not exactly sure where it would go since so many people have already made travel and hotel accomodations already for the event. there are other convention centers in Ohio, but I'm not sure if anything is large enough in the Columbus area to hold all of Origins. there are some places up around Cleveland I'm aware of b/c of OMEA, but I know the cincy Conv. Center isn't large enough on its own. Any other Ohioan want to chime in on this?
 
According the the articles Heatherdu posted, if they have events with 10K+ people that are still going to go as planned in just a couple of weeks, then the geek invasion in June should go off without a hitch.
 
Think about it this way...the convention center is going to lose a ton of money if they don't get it fixed quickly. I highly doubt they are going to lollygag when it comes to getting everything set back up for the center to be used. Living two hours away from this place...I'm glad to be able to have easy access to such a large tournament.
 
Yes, all will be fine. Now that the water has receded and people were allowed to go in and look around, the damage estimate is US$200,000 (insurance will cover US$100,000). They plan to have everything completed by the end of February when they will host a different mega conference - the Arnold Sports Festival. This is actually wonderful news because when I originally started this thread yesterday morning the reporters were interviewing firemen who said that they were very concerned that one of the wings (the one where Nationals is held) was going to collapse. They were evacuating the convention center and preparing the hotel and nearby businesses for evacuation as well. So really, the mainly cosmetic damage that was found is the best case scenario.
 
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