I attended my first nationals (2008) in the masters division.
I had few major problems.
The playing area was comforitable, tons of space outside of the playing area, and atmosphere was pleasent.
The only HUGE problem that i had was that i was overwelmed by how many non pokemon displays there where.
The organisation of the entire venue needs a MAJOR overhaul.
Some suggestions
1. Move pokemon to where the main entrance of the establishment is.
2. Have halls be seperated by categories
ex. all pokemon displays, all role playing games, all items (dice, plush's, exet.), other small board games, card games, and everything else.
3. KEEP POKEMON TOGETHER!!!
I personaly could not stand walking 1/2 of a mile to go buy a pack of cards after a match and having to run back to the playing area because of not knowing when the next match's would begin.
Also origins is absolutley HUGE!!!
I arived a few hours befor the tournament began and couldnt even find most of the things that i had wanted because of all the random displays (role playing, small board games and card games).
Also with the origins "book" i cant even begin to get into how usless that thing was with 800 pages of usless material. How about cut the book into easier more understandable sections? Also by catagories better than "tcg, role play, board games".
DONT HAVE A *** PRIDE PARADE IN THE MIDDLE OF ONE OF THE BIGGEST KID DRAWING TOURNAMENTS!!!
I am not against ***s or their choises but COME ON!!
I walked out to have a cigarette and saw 3 girls walking down the side walk with no tops on and am sure they where not the only ones. (i at the time didnt mind it but i know if i had three little children with me i would be very concerned!)
Last thing i noticed was the lack of side events. I dont know if i just didnt look hard enough or came at the wrong time/day? But a few free modified tournaments would have been nice. (again i might of just missed them so this is a shot in the dark)
Over all nationals 08' was a great first experience but needs to have some small changes to ensure that the pokemon community, and all others, are fully satisfied.
-Mike
