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I knew this year’s ADA National Championship was going to be exciting and different from any of the previous ADA Nationals. I thought this because of the fact that the 2008 ADA Pro Darters Championship matches were to be included in the events of the National Championships at the Wyndham Orlando Resort. As it turned out, I was right, the excitement was non-stop. And there was a constant undercurrent of innovation and RENEWAL OF VALUED traditions in the events of this National Championship. I can only describe the experience as different as and more exciting than any I have had in my years as a member of the ADA. BUT THERE WERE MANY REASONS FOR THE FEELING OF EXCITING RENEWAL THAT SEEMED TO SPRING FROM THE EVENT LIKE OBJECTS IN A 3D MOVIE.
Now some of the sense of difference THAT I FELT may have arisen from my solo status this year. Last year I took advantage of the ADA darter’s discount at the Wyndham and brought the wife, kids and the wife’s parents along for a vacation. This year, for several reasons, I came alone. I arrived on Monday to make some business calls in the area and then had the rest of the week off. I schedule this with my employer every year and it works great.
For the first time, I was at the event venue in time to get a behind the scenes look at the set-up work on Tuesday. Talk about an eye-opener. As ADA members we see only the end result the planning, logistics and scheduling that goes into ADA events. They always appear to be effortless and smooth, never a seam showing. So I wandered down to the ballroom around noon to check out how these Championships were set up. I bumped into Championship Director Karl Remick and asked if I could stick around to witness a portion of the set up. I was pleased he agreed to my request with only one condition….that I stay out of the way of the work, which was to be accomplished by a crew of ADA members from Virginia and Florida.
I wish I could show you one of those time-lapse photography sequences to illustrate what I saw. It was truly remarkable to see an empty resort ballroom being transformed into a world-class sports venue in the space of about 6 hours. Where there HAD BEEN nothing, 86 dart courts and attendant furnishings, appeared SET UP AND FULLY FUNCTIONAL, before the day had passed. It was very well orchestrated!
Later that evening, I made my way to Gatorville, the poolside bar area in the resort that was a favorite with ADA members last year. This year was no different; I was surprised at the number of members who were there the night before the Championships were scheduled to begin. I soon fell in with a group of darters who were headed out on the town to visit some of Orlando’s darts pubs and hot spots. The interesting thing about this outing is that I knew only a couple of my companions, the others were all new to me, but we were all ADA. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating, the ADA is like one big extended family and no member is ever a stranger. Needless to say we had a great night out. So great in fact their names will remain forever anonymous!
As I was not qualified to play in the Team or Express events I slept in on Wednesday morning. So I registered for the Cricket warm-up Draw Doubles that were scheduled to play simultaneously with the Pro Championship Singles that day. Meeting announcements were made for Captain’s and Pro’s at noon yet another reason ADA events are so well organized and productive.
Of course, I couldn’t attend the Captain’s meeting, but I did get a great look again at the one of the ways that the ADA makes sure that everything is clear and seamless. Glenn Remick, the ADA President, held an open meeting in the Championship Room to review the rules for the Pro contests. I mean to say - any ADA member could attend the meeting, even though it was for the benefit of the Pro’s.
Once competition started I moved back and forth between my draw doubles duties and as a spectator of the Pro Championships Singles matches. It was exciting to see the Pro’s play. Last year the Pro Championship was a separate event held in May in New Orleans. I hope they will consider continuing to combine the Championships; it really ratchets up the excitement level.
An early exit in the Cricket draw provided a break to get a bite to eat. I heard several members talking about the great food and atmosphere at Friday’s just across the street from the resort. So I decided to check it out. To my surprise their giant electronic marquee flashed the ADA logo with a message welcoming ADA members! Once inside I found that the ADA had made arrangements with Friday’s management to convert their second floor “party room” into a darts room for the entire Championship!
Back at the Championship Wednesday the Pro-AM doubles was played simultaneously with the Warm-up Cricket singles. What a time we had! Of course there was controversy (where there is darts does not controversy follow?). Some Certified Pro’s who had not entered the Pro Singles signed up for the Pro-Am event. However there were some Pros that felt they should have to qualify for the Pro-Am by playing in the Singles. My opinion is no, they should not. Once certified, they should have no restrictions on entry to any Pro contest.
Thursday found me looking forward to the Opening Ceremonies, so much had already happened I had to stop and remind myself that the actual National Championship was only just beginning.
So I did. I stopped and took a breather. I wandered through the “Championship Mall”; the retail area in the Championship room where Laramie Screen-Printing, the official apparel company of the ADA had set up shop. Beside them were Jim Boan and his crew from Atlanta Darts.
What really caught my attention though, was the new Card Parlour Darts game. The brain child of Charlie and Barbara Hanes this game is fun. It brings together the game of poker with the skill of darts.
The Opening Ceremonies took place at 9:30 and like the Olympics is an important part of the Championship. Glenn was the emcee and started with giving thanks to the Wyndham and the participating Championship sponsors. He brought our attention to the Military Cup Challenge participants and thanked them for their service to our country.
At the conclusion Glenn introduced the top seeds – the ADA is the only darts organization in America which seeds players. It got really exciting when Glenn passed the program to Karl, who read out the 8 number one seeds for the Championship and each came forward to receive a medallion and $100. for achieving the top status.
Then, in what is becoming tradition, Ariel Ratliffe from “America’s Kids” performed the National Anthem. Introducing her, Glenn said that someday when we hear her voice on our radio, we could take pride in the small part the ADA had in supporting her in her early singing career.
As soon as the Opening Ceremonies were over, an air of electric excitement ran through the crowd. Spectators moved quickly to the Competition Room for practice before the matches officially began. Team Captain’s gathered around the Leader Board where a projector displayed the brackets. They picked up their match sheets and the Championship was underway!
There was so much excitement and a feeling of constant drama that I felt envious of the contestants. That I couldn’t be playing in their ranks, hearing the cheers and the expectant silences that drew me like powerful competing magnets from one dart match to another throughout the day.
Talk about things that can’t get any better right outside the Competition Room the Wyndham had set up a service bar. Budweiser is the official beer of the Championship nothing unusual about that, but what was unusual was the giant screen TV that the resort set up behind the bar. A great way to be updated on Major League Baseball with other ADA members but not be far from the action, great idea.
And speaking of great ideas. Karl Remick, always an innovator, has outdone himself with the introduction of the draw doubles “Budweiser Mini-Tournaments”. Only members who have been eliminated from the Championship are eligible for these “mini’s”. The format is 501/cricket/501 single elimination. Participation is limited to the first 16 members (8 teams). Once started the mini’s continue throughout the day. The Budweiser Mini Tournament concept was so well received that, I am told it will be an “unofficial event” at future National Championships.
Friday’s competition is strictly doubles; Men’s Women’s (Open & Neutralizer) wrapping up with the Draw Doubles. I enrolled in the draw and had a great time, didn’t wrap up until almost 2 a.m. and I stayed with it to the end.
On Saturday I slept in and after breakfast at Augustine’s I witnessed many good Mixed Doubles matches. Mixed Triples followed. The day wrapped up with the draw doubles. Unfortunately I was bumped out in both first rounds. I opted for a bit of relaxation at Gatorville. once again, the ADA had taken over the poolside bar. There were all kinds of games; an outdoor pool table, foosball, table tennis and, of course darts. I even took time out for a swim in the pool. travel tip: try the margaritas at Gatorville, none better. Another late night. The bar closed but the pool didn’t….that’s open 24 hours!
Finally Sunday. It’s been only four days since the competition started but with all of the activity it seems much longer. The final day of the Championship is reserved for singles only.
Here is where being a Top Seed pays dividends. Singles competition starts at 10 a.m. for the unseeded members. They play down to the top 8 in the women and top 16 in the men’s brackets. Then at 3 p.m. they are matched against the Top Seeds. Most rounds are in the money at that point so become a Top Seed and you are in the money before you throw one dart!
So where are the Top Seeds while the unseeds are competing? In the Top Seed Lounge. The lounge is open only to Top
seeds and Certified Pro’s. Only the ADA management, Franchise Owners, the media, and special guests are admitted. A “Lounge Pass” is provided at the Championship check in to monitor those who attend.
So, not to state the obvious, I have no first hand knowledge of what goes on in there. But I have heard of the complimentary buffet and the free flowing Budweiser beer and soft drinks. All I can tell you is that shortly after 4 p.m. on Sunday, the doors of the Lounge opened, there was a huge commotion and a sudden tsunami of Top Seeds and Pro’s swept into the playing area all at once. The level of excitement could not have been higher.
The ADA seeding system is one of the things that make the Championship so exciting and assures that everyone is playing at the top of their game.
For example the Top Seed plays against the lowest points per dart average (ppda) unseeded member. Second seed, second lowest ppda member and so on. So as an unseed it is to your advantage to play your best throughout the days competition.
All finals were played back at the Championship Room. With theater styled seating there wasn’t a bad seat in the house. Upon conclusion the eight Most Valuable Members selected from the Open & Neutralizer events. A customized software program extracts these members based how they placed throughout the Championship events. Like the Top Seeds they are rewarded with medallions and a crisp $100. bill. ADA President Glenn Remick makes the presentation citing first the point value then the events the recipient placed in concluding with who the member is. It is an exciting way to conclude the Championship with cheers from the gallery when the members name is announced.
Once awarded Glenn wrapped up with a short Closing Ceremony thanking members for attending and acknowledging the sponsors and special guests.
The 17th National Championship was over. Winners, members and guests all headed for the bar for a final round and to say their farewells.
Our sport is an old sport, some say it dates back to Roman times. But one of the valuable accomplishments of our sporting family, the ADA, is that we make it new every time we come together to play, as we just did in Orlando. It is this sense of innovation and spirit of family that continues to attract new members to our ADA and that fills us veteran members with pride. Thanks for making it special. I’m already looking forward to next year’s National Championship.
See you again soon.
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