Let's Talk Squash - SUSPENDED

squashclub · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 3:53 am Post subject: Images of Chicago

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Squash Mad · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 6:17 am Post subject:

Where's the picture of Oprah? Laughing

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Calsquasher · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:36 am Post subject:

Nice photos and weather but heard it gets pretty cold up there during winter - something we don't get here in San Diego. You a Cubs or a White Sox fan?
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Viper · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:48 am Post subject:

Does snow settle and stay on the ground in the city through a typical winter ?
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Haasquet · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 2:00 pm Post subject:

I think I can see Ferris Bueller in one of those photos...

Calsquasher · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:57 pm Post subject:

How the heck did you do that second photo? Its like a 180 degree panoramic view right?
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"Drive for show, drop for dough."

asdf · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 2:22 am Post subject: Windy City Open

I hope to see you all at the Windy City Open.

squashclub · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 2:35 am Post subject:

Run-away-from-danger Boy · Prolific Contributor Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 140

The Windy City Open is an excellent event - for the pros. If your main interest is going to watch the professionals, then this tournament is one of the best. Great venue, great city, well run.

If your main interest is playing in the amatuer draw that runs with the PSA event, then do yourself a favor and save your money. I have played the last 2 years, and it is getting progressively worse. The organizers are so completely focussed on the pros that the amatuer draws suffer. Last year, the entry fee was US$125, there was NO consolation (or plate event if you're Australian) which meant if you lost 1st round, then thanks for coming, your weekend is done. You were not permitted to enter 2 events. Matches were spread out in 4 venues across the city, none of which (at least the 3 centres I played in) were international sized courts. Given - you can't play all the matches at the University Club since they only have 4 courts, and the amatuer draws have over 150 entrants (or maybe even more). The entry fee got you 1 t-shirt, 1 meal, and if you wanted to watch the pros play on the glass court, you had to pay extra - for every session. Not even the players party was included on the Saturday night. It was terrible value for money as an amatuer player. It felt that at every turn I was reaching into my wallet for things that at other events are included in the price of entry.

On the other side - if you are prepared to spend the money to watch the pros (Chicago is not cheap) then it's an A1 event. I do, since it is the main reason I go - and I'll be sure to go to watch it again. But this time around, I'll be leaving my racquet and shoes at home.

asdf · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 2:36 am Post subject: Kit

I leave my squash kit at home as well, but Chicago has a lot to do, and it is an inexpensive time to go. Nice rooms can be had in the $50-100 range. Watch the top guys in a really cool place, and then have dinner in geat restaurants. Works very well.

Calsquasher · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 7:07 am Post subject:

Run-away-from-danger Boy · Prolific Contributor Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 140

It varies. It's more expensive if you pay per session. For example, the first round, which goes over 2 days, and each day is split into 2 sessions (4 matches per) it was $25 per session last year.

If you want to be in it for the long haul, you can of course get various passes for each round / week. It also depends on where you want to sit. The $25 as I mentioned above is only to watch it from the front wall. It is actually more worth it to become a partron and watch it from the back wall (I much prefer it from the back wall). As I said, if you are prepared to spend the money, then it's fantastic. Weekly passes from the back wall will put you back a few hundred dollars.

Qualification is free. Last year, the quality of the (qualification) matches were mixed since there were quite a few mis-matches. But it gives you an opportunity to see some good young players coming up.

asdf · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 7:55 pm Post subject: 2006

For 2006, silver patron (one ticket, back wall, all matches) was $600. Gold patron (two tickets) was $1000.

Calsquasher · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 10:49 am Post subject:

Whew, those are pretty steep prices. Thanks for the info guys, think I'll fly over and watch the qualies and the early rounds. I'd any day rather watch early round matches with my nose to the glass than the finals from up in the stands or behind the front wall. Or maybe I'll try the TOC in New York, heard that's a good tourney too.
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"Drive for show, drop for dough."

Marenki · Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 6:03 am Post subject:

Really nice photos from Chicago. I'd really like to visit the city but it's a bit far from here....

Canuck · Prolific Contributor Joined: 28 Aug 2007 Posts: 123

Marenki · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 5:29 am Post subject: