Lack of Diversity in Nats & Worlds Cities

[Politoed666]

I think Chicago makes a good spot for both Nationals & Worlds. Being centralized makes it a good spot for Nationals. Now I spent almost my entire life around Chicago so it's not necessarily exciting to me, but it certainly is a beautiful city with more to do in the Summer than just about anywhere. There are so many famous landmarks worth visiting: Cellular Field, Wrigley Field, The Willis Tower (Sears Tower), Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, Navy Pier, Michigan Ave...

Yeah, I'm in favor of Chicago for Nats and Worlds.

 

[immewnity]

Similarly, I've lived in the area all my life, but even still, I get a sense of breathlessness every time I go. It's truly an amazing city.

Plus, the food is unbeatable.

EDIT: I think security is a major concern for any location. Consider Nationals. This past year, loads of stealing was reported. The year prior, there was a robbery at gunpoint the Thursday before.

 

[Ness]

Someone got robbed at gunpoint at Nationals last year? How did I not hear about this? That really disappoints me the guy got away, too.

I don't think the security issues have much to do with the city. All the Convention Centers should have security. I think they all have similar risks. Anywhere you go, you need to watch your stuff carefully.

 

[immewnity]

I don't think the security issues have much to do with the city. All the Convention Centers should have security. I think they all have similar risks. Anywhere you go, you need to watch your stuff carefully.

Some cities do have the so-called "bad neighborhoods". Plus, if a city has a low crime rate, many people would have a sense of security, even if it doesn't necessarily mean that crime will be lessened at the specific event. But yeah, for the most part, that is true.

EDIT: Just noticed that the Indianapolis convention center hasn't necessarily been keeping up with their security cameras, either: five months without fixing them.

 

[Ness]

I think all big cities have bad areas. Usually the areas with the Convention Centers and tourist attractions are relatively safe within a certain mile radius. Downtown Chicago would be safe, nationally-centered & fun. The only issue is cost. We don't know TPCi's exact budget or what it'd cost to do the tournament in Chicago. I do know Chicago can be pricey. However, I think all the things we look at for an event could be found in Chicago.

NYC is pretty similar to Chicago, too, though Chicago is less congested and more centrally-located. Wouldn't mind going there.

 

[GodBlessAmerica]

I think all big cities have bad areas. Usually the areas with the Convention Centers and tourist attractions are relatively safe within a certain mile radius. Downtown Chicago would be safe, nationally-centered & fun. The only issue is cost. We don't know TPCi's exact budget or what it'd cost to do the tournament in Chicago. I do know Chicago can be pricey. However, I think all the things we look at for an event could be found in Chicago.

NYC is pretty similar to Chicago, too, though Chicago is less congested and more centrally-located. Wouldn't mind going there.

QFT on all of that. I wouldn't mind Chicago, just put it in a big city area. That is untouched ground when it comes to World Championships. It doesn't have to be tropical. Just make it "Big City Tidal Wave" and hope japan doesn't get upset

 

[Ness]

"Lake Michigan Beach," heh.

Glad to see Chicago getting so much love. What do you guys think about a Worlds in Japan? They're talking about it on The Top Cut right now. Given that the game was invented there, do you think it's due?

 

[kwisdumb]

I think a Worlds in Japan would be cool, but ultimately it would bring up the same issues as Hawaii, but worse. Not only would most players have to pay an absurd amount to attend, but there's also the cost of a passport, the tediousness of going through customs, the language barrier, etc. I just don't see it as a realistic possibility.

 

[siLPH_Co]

I think Niagara Fall, Ontario would be another great city to hold worlds in. I mean if a huge waterfall doesn't wow you, I don't know what will. In all seriousness though, Niagara has lots of stuff to do, a great night life (for the older folks as well as families), lots of parks, shops, and restaurants to eat at that don't cost an arm and a leg like Hawaii. It's just an overall awesome tourist destination. They even have a hilton which is right on the waterfall! I remember going there when I was about 7 and it was one of my favorite vacations. Sure, there's the issue of getting passports, but that can easily be solved. You can expedite your passports if need. As of right now the government's expedited service takes 2-3 weeks, which is plenty of time after Nationals. They even offer services if you are leaving within 14 days travel.

As for Worlds in Japan, I would love it. There'd be a bit of a language barrier for some, but it's not too bad imo. It'd cost probably the same amount as Hawaii, if not more, but it's a foreign place with plenty of things to explore and would be a great over all cultural experience.

 

[Ness]

I do worry about the lack of English in Japan. I know there is some English, but not much...perhaps someone familiar with Japan could enlighten us. Ontario sounds fun. Tell us more about it!

 

[Regis_Neo]

Nats I don't mind being in Indy, Indiana is about as close to general mid-USA big city as you can get, and it's not too bad of a flight from anywhere.

Worlds though is meant to be more exclusive and invite-only in theory, and Hawaii is pretty much as exclusive as you can make it by forcing a large travel fee to anyone else; I doubt the original intent was to make it another USA event where you hang out with general buddies, instead you get to meet and compete with people from other nations. Though to be fair, since it's on a generally rotating basis, you get about 2 other US locations in the interim also, it's just roughly 1/3 of the time in Hawaii and 2/3rds somewhere mainland US on the east or west coast. Not to say that they couldn't or shouldn't have it in more locations like in Europe, but in general Worlds I would think is not supposed to have huge attendance, it's meant to be more exclusive for the top competitors.

 

[Ness]

Worlds though is meant to be more exclusive and invite-only in theory, and Hawaii is pretty much as exclusive as you can make it by forcing a large travel fee to anyone else; I doubt the original intent was to make it another USA event where you hang out with general buddies, instead you get to meet and compete with people from other nations. Though to be fair, since it's on a generally rotating basis, you get about 2 other US locations in the interim also, it's just roughly 1/3 of the time in Hawaii and 2/3rds somewhere mainland US on the east or west coast. Not to say that they couldn't or shouldn't have it in more locations like in Europe, but in general Worlds I would think is not supposed to have huge attendance, it's meant to be more exclusive for the top competitors.

I'm not sure I agree with this. I mean, if we asked all the players who qualified for Worlds "Do you like that there are less Pokémon players at this event?" would they really say "Yes?" I totally agree that the invitation structure of Worlds is meant to be exclusive and also that it should be exclusive. It would undermine the significance and prestige of qualifying for Worlds if too many people qualified. But does that really apply to the people who are just there to hang out and play in the Last Chance Qualifier?

To me, friendship & Pokémon have always gone hand-in-hand. Pokémon is just a friendly game! In fact, my 10 best friends I met all through Pokémon! I'm sure a bunch of you on this board met some of your best friends through Pokémon as well! This friendliness of Pokémon makes me think we should gear these events to be as big and welcoming as possible. Half of the fun of these tournaments is hanging out with your friends!

 

[siLPH_Co]

Anything for you, Jason. Now, I'm no Canadian and I haven't been there since I was little so I will do my best at remembering stuff here.

Located right on the border of Niagara Falls, New York, Niagara Falls, Ontario is quite a hotspot for tourists. With 4 waterfalls (Niagara Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls) that can be viewed from either border on land or by a tour boat like the Maid of the Mist or paths that take you up close and personal (some even behind the falls!) there is truly a wow factor here in this city. At night they light the Falls in a rainbow of color that switches up for quite the beautiful light show.

Picture of the falls lit up at night: http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs26/i/2008/117/5/b/Niagara_Falls_Night_by_PrimalOrB.jpg

One of the paths you can take:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/12/Cave_of_the_Winds_at_Niagara_Falls_IMG_1366.JPG
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b9/Cave_Of_the_Winds_Niagara.jpg

Apart from the falls we have things to do during the day like the Guinness World Records Museum, House of Frankenstein, Louis Tussaud's Waxworks, MGM Studio Experience, National Helicopters (helicopter rides around the Falls), Niagara Go-Karts, Niagara SkyWheel, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, African Lion Safari, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, Marineland of Canada, and so much more fun for families!

What you could see from a Helicopter ride:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Horseshoe_Falls_from_helicopter.jpg

Night life is also big here, there's Casinos along with clubs with views of the falls for the people of age . It's a very hip and happening place.

Restaurants are pretty affordable compared to Hawaii. The Skylon Tower is probably one of the most notable places to eat as it's a tower that rotates 360 degrees (very slowly so you won't get sick, I might add) for a stunning view of the falls. There's also a Hard Rock there among other well known restaurants for all budgets.

The Skylon Tower:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Ilievaart-falls0805_7584smaller.jpg

As for hotels there's a Hilton right on the falls and from a bit of research rooms are fairly affordable going as low as $129 a night (though room rates to vary day to day). Obviously, prices will vary season to season, but I feel like it's a good indicator either way. There are lots of other hotels really close to the Hilton even.

The Hilton:
http://www.statesman.com/multimedia/dynamic/00147/NIAGARA-FALLS-0117T_147830c.jpg

Transportation wise I remember most things being in walking distance of the hotel my family stayed in which was nice.

The falls are located 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York so there's the option of staying on the US side if that floats your boat. Plenty of border hopping to be done with touristy things all over.

Hopefully this is enough information for you, Jason. Let me know if you need anything else and I'll add it in when I wake up.

 

[Ness]

World Championships
2002: Seattle, Washington (WotC)
2004: Orlando, Florida
2005: San Diego, California
2006: Anaheim, California
2007: Waikaloa, Hawaii
2008: Orlando, Florida
2009: San Diego, California
2010: Waikaloa, Hawaii
2011: San Diego, California
2012: Waikaloa, Hawaii

U.S. Nationals
2004: Columbus, Ohio (Origins)
2005: Columbus, Ohio (Origins)
2006: Columbus, Ohio (Origins)
2007: Columbus, Ohio (Origins)
2008: Columbus, Ohio (Origins)
2009: St. Louis, Missouri
2010: Indianapolis, Indiana
2011: Indianapolis, Indiana
2012: Indianapolis, Indiana

And looking back at all the old large tournaments...

Tropical Mega Battle
1999: Honolulu, Hawaii
2000: Honolulu, Hawaii
2001: Honolulu, Hawaii

Fan Appreciation Tournament
2003: Indianapolis, Indiana (GenCon)

Super Trainer Showdown
2000 West Coast STS: Long Beach, California
2000 East Coast STS: Meadowlands, New Jersey
2001 West Coast STS: San Diego, California

As you can see, California & Hawaii have gotten a lot of attention. Nationals has always been somewhat centrally-located in the U.S.

 

[Zarmakuizz]

the cost of a passport

People that want to go in the USA need passport and either they can do ESTA (14$ application with absurd questions) or they need to get a Visa between 150 and 1000€.

Just a passport, is not a problem. Or else Worlds should be driven with Online playing, everyone at home, no passport issue… huh… No.

 

[meganium45]

Boy, that St. Louis Nationals was SUCH A MISS and SUCH A MESS.

I am really sorry that THAT is the impression that the Pokemon community.

We're really a much better city than that, even with better convention spaces than that.

Thanks,

Vince

 

[siLPH_Co]

the cost of a passport, the tediousness of going through customs

Passports have never been that expensive when you apply on time. If you think about it, it's just $11 a year and they last 10 years. Also, since when was going through customs such a hard thing to do? Fill out a paper on the plane that's like 5 questions, get off plane, wait in line, go to desk, maybe get a few questions thrown at you, go on with your life. I've never had an issues leaving or entering the country. If you think about it, all the players around the world are held up to the standards of trying to get into the US, but the US never has to bother with it. Seems a bit unfair imo.

tl;dr getting in and out of the US is by far the easiest thing to do if a citizen, unless you're going to somewhere like North Korea.

 

[Pokeplayer101]

I think Chicago makes a good spot for both Nationals & Worlds. Being centralized makes it a good spot for Nationals. Now I spent almost my entire life around Chicago so it's not necessarily exciting to me, but it certainly is a beautiful city with more to do in the Summer than just about anywhere. There are so many famous landmarks worth visiting: Cellular Field, Wrigley Field, The Willis Tower (Sears Tower), Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, Navy Pier, Michigan Ave...

However from my experience of being there like 5 times, there is no building that is big enough to fit that many people.

---------- Post added 11/11/2011 at 04:23 PM ----------

I think Niagara Fall, Ontario would be another great city to hold worlds in. I mean if a huge waterfall doesn't wow you, I don't know what will. In all seriousness though, Niagara has lots of stuff to do, a great night life (for the older folks as well as families), lots of parks, shops, and restaurants to eat at that don't cost an arm and a leg like Hawaii. It's just an overall awesome tourist destination. They even have a hilton which is right on the waterfall! I remember going there when I was about 7 and it was one of my favorite vacations. Sure, there's the issue of getting passports, but that can easily be solved. You can expedite your passports if need. As of right now the government's expedited service takes 2-3 weeks, which is plenty of time after Nationals. They even offer services if you are leaving within 14 days travel.

As for Worlds in Japan, I would love it. There'd be a bit of a language barrier for some, but it's not too bad imo. It'd cost probably the same amount as Hawaii, if not more, but it's a foreign place with plenty of things to explore and would be a great over all cultural experience.

The only big building that can fit that many people in Niagara Falls is a casino and that is not good for children.

 

[Martinek]

I love when pple complain that worlds is just not on their side Of the cost T_T i mean why the event is named worlds? Why it is not named US NATS 2?? I would love to see worlds in Japan or australia or europe xD

I know a lot of ppl would say they wont be able to afford it but it is WORLDS there is no must for every us player to go there
Posted with Mobile style...

 

[sdrawkcab]

Lets go to the Mountains!
Denver? Jasper? Banff?