OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Just wanted to check, has anybody here been to the US Nationals in Vegas? I'm thinking of maybe going this July if I can afford it, and wanted to get feedback on the experience. I know you run into a LOT of underrated players at an event like this. Just thought it might be fun to experience it. A lot will depend on what the airfare prices are that I can get, I have a travel certificate on Delta that will help with that, but just need to get a total of the flight, event and hotel costs before I know for sure. Anyway, wanted to find out if it's a good time. I've heard good things, especially about the two stage round robin event they have done on the first day in the past.

_________________
"The greatest teacher, failure is."
USATT Rating: 1827
Blade: Donic Defplay Senso, FH: Xiom Omega V Asia Max Red BH: Spinlord Dornenglanz 2 OX Black

I went to the US Open (more or less the same thing) this past December, my impressions are in the blog here (from 12/13/2016 forward):

viewtopic.php?f=58&t=27372&start=405

In short - it was great and I would do it again. Crowds of underrated juniors did not really materialize (and they also split many events by Junior/Adult now), no one defaulted to me, I have not run into obnoxious characters etc.

July in Vegas is probably somewhat different from December, and cost can be a concern, but I thought it was fun.

_________________
USATT: 1761| League: 1911

I did it for two years. It was well worth the time. Schedule visits to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dame and shows if you're can or want to as well.

_________________
Cobra Kai TT Exponent (Mercy effs up your Game)
One-Loop Man: One Loop... Again????
Lumberjack TT Exponent

Thanks for the feedback! I think that if I can afford it, I'm going to do it. Hoping that the hotel prices are pretty good (they were last year) and that the airfare comes down a bit. Even with the credit I have, it's still higher than I was hoping for.

_________________
"The greatest teacher, failure is."
USATT Rating: 1827
Blade: Donic Defplay Senso, FH: Xiom Omega V Asia Max Red BH: Spinlord Dornenglanz 2 OX Black

When you are looking at hotel prices, don't forget to include 'resort fee' - it's frequently omitted or mentioned in fine print, but it's around 29$ and it adds up quickly for a nasty surprise, especially if hotel rooms is priced nominally at 35$ .

_________________
USATT: 1761| League: 1911

Yes, the hotels are still cheap with it, but it can be about the same as the hotel room fee, depending on the hotel and the price that was given to you. And NO HOTEL eliminates the resort fee AFAIK, so don't try to debate it and think you are likely to win.

_________________
Cobra Kai TT Exponent (Mercy effs up your Game)
One-Loop Man: One Loop... Again????
Lumberjack TT Exponent

Ha ha yes, I am very well acquainted with that lousy fee. I've been to Vegas many times. It still annoys me, just include it in the total. It's ridiculous, but what are you gonna do?

I actually found an amazing rate at the Monte Carlo (a much nicer place than last year's hotels, Linq and Flamingo) that I put a tentative hold on. I know I won't get the monorail pass or free event, but the rate I saw was less than the preferred hotel rates they had last year.

Keeping my fingers crossed I can make this work, I'm starting to get excited. Probably shouldn't get too excited before I know about the finance portion, LOL.

_________________
"The greatest teacher, failure is."
USATT Rating: 1827
Blade: Donic Defplay Senso, FH: Xiom Omega V Asia Max Red BH: Spinlord Dornenglanz 2 OX Black

Air prices dropped a bit so it looks like I'm going to be able to go! Looking forward to the final event list coming out. Thanks everybody for your input, I am really looking forward to the experience!

_________________
"The greatest teacher, failure is."
USATT Rating: 1827
Blade: Donic Defplay Senso, FH: Xiom Omega V Asia Max Red BH: Spinlord Dornenglanz 2 OX Black

Got my entry in, going to play in the U-2200 Super Tier Round Robin on Monday, then U-2200 and U-1900 on Tuesday. Anybody else going? I plan on giving those west coasters a taste of my Midwest pip attack.

_________________
"The greatest teacher, failure is."
USATT Rating: 1827
Blade: Donic Defplay Senso, FH: Xiom Omega V Asia Max Red BH: Spinlord Dornenglanz 2 OX Black

I'll be there from Tuesday to Thursday - this West Coaster would be happy to snack on your pips...

Maybe we can have a hit on Tuesday! What events are you playing that day?

_________________
"The greatest teacher, failure is."
USATT Rating: 1827
Blade: Donic Defplay Senso, FH: Xiom Omega V Asia Max Red BH: Spinlord Dornenglanz 2 OX Black

sure, will be fun! same events as you - the U2200 and U1900..

Cool! When it gets closer maybe we can talk about getting together for a warm-up before U-2200 in the morning.

_________________
"The greatest teacher, failure is."
USATT Rating: 1827
Blade: Donic Defplay Senso, FH: Xiom Omega V Asia Max Red BH: Spinlord Dornenglanz 2 OX Black

sounds good! I am staying close by, so should be able to get there ok - event starts 9.45am. Will contact you nearer the time.

Sounds like a plan! Will look forward to it.

_________________
"The greatest teacher, failure is."
USATT Rating: 1827
Blade: Donic Defplay Senso, FH: Xiom Omega V Asia Max Red BH: Spinlord Dornenglanz 2 OX Black