Pool Cue News and Review

Armageddon arrives in just 6 days. That’s right folks, that bastion of billiards decadence, The Super Billiards Expo in scenic King of Prussia, PA. If the BCA League Nationals are the Ringling Bros. of billiards events, The Super Billiards Expo is more like the filthy traveling circus that you find in backwater towns.

“Come see the Parade of Sweatsuits! Get in Fist Fights with the Local Townies! Stay Up All Night Drinking and Whoring! Only at The Super Billiards Expo!”

Look, I know everyone loves the Super Billiards Expo, but personally I think this event represents everything that is wrong with pool. I haven’t decided if I’m going down there or not, simply because I have such a love/hate feeling for this event. For anyone who hasn’t been, I recommend that you check it out once just for the sheer amusement factor. Between the full sweatsuits, the mountains of gold chains and the toothless grins, there’s enough people watching fodder to last a lifetime. It also happens to be a place where you’ll see most of the major pro and amateur names in pool, as there are a couple of decent money events for both categories. Last time I was there, I saw Jennifer Barretta, Johnny Archer, Karen Corr, Julie Kelly, even Grady Mathews. On the amateur side, Pam Treadway and Morgan Steinman were battling it out for the amateur title, although I think they’re both pros now. I should also mention that Dawn and most of the staff at the event are really nice folks.

Now for the nightmarish downside of the Expo. Walking down the stairs to the lower level where all the tables are is a unique circle of hell. The smoke you see isn’t from special effects machines… its from the cancer convention that runs all day and all night in there. I don’t mind a little smoke, but when I come out of a place and my shirt is yellowed from all the smoke, that’s a bit much. Also, don’t be shocked if some drunk fucktard wants to throw down with you for no apparent reason. And get used to the regular announcements over the loudspeaker of some poor slob who got robbed, because you’ll hear them on a regular basis.

One other thing worth mentioning… if you’re in the market for new gear and live in the area, it is worth checking out. There are tons of vendors there selling just about everything you can think of and you’re likely to get some unbelievable deals. Just stay away from that stupid Ice Nightclub in the Scanticon. Its way overpriced and the DJ licks balls. Go to Kildare’s instead. It isn’t far from the hotel, good food, nice people, free flowing Guinness and its St. Patrick’s Day Weekend for fuck’s sake!