Venue Questions/Concerns

[DtJ XeroXen]

Hey guys, I'm attempting to host my own tournament soon but so far have only found a group of venues I could use through my local parks department. They're alright, however I'm unsure as to whether or not the price is worth it.

The lowest listing (and the venue I would probably choose), is $125 from Noon to Midnight. It is $175 for a full 24 hours. Unfortunately, because it is not JUST a smash tournament it may run over in time. And the 24-hour option isn't really great, because most of that time won't be being used and would be wasted, and doesn't help the issue of running over.

I sent out a bunch of requests to other venues as well and I'm hoping somebody will offer me a lower fee. However, in the case that I need to take the venue that I described above, how should I best go about paying for it? I have the cash up-front, but I'd rather not pay out of pocket for a tournament. It's unlikely I'll get enough entrants to pay for the venue fee at $5, but I'm also opposed to raising the fee to $10 (unless I made tournament entry cost less, but then the pot is lower and I'm less likely to get as many entrants).

And there's also the issue of the time allotted for my event. What would you guys suggest/reccomend?

 

[Kal]

How many people do you expect to attend? At $5 per player, you need 35 players to cover a $175 venue fee. If you know your local players, you should consult them personally and ask what they think, and if they are willing to help. I know I wouldn't mind splitting the cost of $175, minus venue fees, among four or five players if it meant a worthwhile event.

As for immediate steps to take, find out if they are willing to enter at a $10 venue fee. If 18 players say yes, you can expect to cover your costs. If not, then it might be prudent to find another venue.

How you should go about paying for it depends on what the venue accepts. Personally, I prefer to pay up front, so that I can better manage my own budget (to avoid any misconceptions by thinking I have more money on me than I actually do). It's more important that you be sure not to spend money you need on the hopes that enough players pay the venue fee, though.

Sorry if this post is not particularly helpful. Let me know if there is more I can do to help.

 

[*Cam*]

I don't think $175 is unreasonable for a venue. If you don't think you can pull off 35 people, then you are still offering your players a full day multi-game event, in which case I think you would be justified in a $10 venue fee. You can also offer to cut their venue fee in half if they bring a setup.

 

[joe.]

Have you looked into Universities and Community Colleges for venue space? Most of them allow you to utilize their facilities for free, especially if you have a student book the venue that will be at the event.

 

[DtJ XeroXen]

I will look into the number of entrants I'm likely to get. Unfortunately my area is pretty stagnant in terms of number of players across all events. :/

There's a decent FGC sometimes, but I'm not exactly sure how many of them I could draw in. I know a decent amount of Smash players, but Indiana isn't exactly big in terms of having those either.

I'll see what other people have to say, I suppose.

Have you looked into Universities and Community Colleges for venue space? Most of them allow you to utilize their facilities for free, especially if you have a student book the venue that will be at the event.

I have not, I will look into that now. Thanks!

 

[KishPrime]

Huh, you're not that far from us! What are you hosting? Send me a PM if you still have some questions.