Alright, so my dad just left the building...
I have good and bad news. The upstairs is actually much cheaper than we had previously been informed about. However, it is still a VERY expensive venue and I am not going to host an event here unless enough people will confirm so that I can be sure this is a safe investment. I may consider preregistration for this matter, but I doubt it'll be necessary.
The only way I can ABSOLUTELY break even here is to impose a $10 venue fee. I'm very sorry, guys. I'll see what I can do regarding discounts for bringing setups (there will definitely 100% be a discount for doing so, but I'm not sure about full reimbursing). Since the venue fee is very expensive for NJ, I know lots of people are going to be trying to get their setups in here. What I think I'm going to do is offer the discount on a first-come, first-serve basis. I know this may upset some people, but if you don't want to pay the full price, you need to come early or it can end up coming out of MY pocket. I'm not trying to do this to be selfish, guys, but I really NEED to make sure I break even.
Potentially the worst news we'll be hearing today is that there is in fact an attendance cap. The downstairs of the venue is only allowed to hold 64 people by state law for a party-themed event. However, the upstairs (which is looking almost guaranteed to be our place for tournament-holding) holds 128.
Obviously the venue owners aren't going to be keeping track of everyone and having a head count, but I REALLY do not want to risk losing this venue. I doubt 128 people will show up to the first event, but in the case that we do decide to go the cheaper route and use the downstairs, 64 is not a lot of people. We could squeeze 70, maybe 75 or 80 if we're lucky...but I REALLY do not want to risk this. Getting this venue is a huge step for New Jersey and losing it would be a massive kick in the sack. If we do opt for downstairs, I am probably going to make a preregistration list and cap it at 64.
If you're not prereg'd and you show up, be prepared to pay venue fee anyway and risk getting kicked out with no chance of a refund. Hell, you'll be lucky if I don't charge you extra. Sorry kids, just how things work in the real world. This isn't magic Inui hotel land anymore.
I haven't heard any news regarding the policy on the venue's availability. If it is not 100% guaranteed that we will have this venue for hours like 11 to 11 (probably 10 to 11), then I refuse to host here. I don't want a KTAR/Kosha Boy fiasco happening and having the entire community look down upon my hosting because there was some kind of miscommunication or mistake that wasn't my fault.
And now, for the amazing, super fantastic news:
The entire months of June and July are unbooked. They have no restrictions on how frequently I can host here, so long as I book the venue.
That's right, NJ/NY. We might be seeing BI-WEEKLIES. If attendance isn't looking in tip top shape every time I host, though, that can turn into tri-weeklies or monthlies. Again, I NEED a specific minimum turnout in order to make this possible.
So now, since I know everyone wants to see events happening right here in Bergen County, I need to ask something of you guys, the community. I STRONGLY urge that you try to spread the word on these tournaments as much as possible. I know JG is planning to make a hype video for this. That's an amazing idea, JG, and I'd appreciate it greatly for you to do that. But really, making sure the word gets out on this is CRUCIAL if tournaments are going to happen here! I'll be in charge of posting this thread in the NJ finder and crew threads in the area, potentially contacting Crismas about some kind of artistic help (signatures), and doing whatever I can via word of mouth at tournaments to make sure this gets spread as far as it can.
What can you guys do to help? Talk to people about it. When the topic of upcoming tournaments arises, bring this up if you're interested. Post blogs about it on AllisBrawl. Do your thing. Help me advertise. I'm going to thank each and every one of you that helps me out in advance. These tournaments are going to be ****ing sick. Bet your lunch money on it.
