Guys, let's not get carried away here - Blackpool was a success for a couple of reasons not least of which is the stark contrast it drew between itself and what's been traditionally on offer.
This is exactly what Huntington Beach did Stateside back in 2003; everybody, inc me, were jumping up and down spouting 'this was the way to go' but what we weren't appreciating was, how much money it takes to put an event like this on.
It's all well and good having the players getting all excited, and of course all those who have subsequently heard about the event but the harsh reality of that event is cornered in someone's cheque book.
This event did not make money, let's call it an 'investment' that was made by Mark and Rich.
I think we need to forget about nudging paintball toward mainstream acceptance, that ain't gonna happen I'm afraid and anybody who says any different doesn't really know what they are talking about.
Therefore, the marketing of the game at Blackpool wasn't important in terms of mainstream acceptance but it was important in terms of getting more people interested in our sport with a view to translating that interest into new customers.
Mark and Rich did a fantastic job in giving players VFM, and the public a spectacle to provoke interest and hopefully participation.
Events such as these only work with commitment from both promoters like these two but more importantly the teams, and we need a lot more teams going to events such as these if you guys wish them to continue.
That condition was what finally rang the death knell for Pure Promotions who originated Huntington Beach and also the people who bought them out, they couldn't square that financial circle either.
As I said, let's not get carried away but at the same time, let's make sure we appreciate and acknowledge what these guys achieved, but know this, events such as these don't survive alone.....they need you lot out there to enter them.......
