PSP off season shenanigans!

[Spikerz]

Which seems odd as the economy in the States is doing much better, gas prices down, unemployment down, stock markets at all time highs.

It's harder for me to play now that I live in Dublin, than it was in the states with Pev's nearby. I'm trying to budget flying into Luton to make it down to Bricket Wood once a month.

Unless the demand of paychecks, or perks, or freebies from the pro's is causing some of these teams to not have the available funds or backing, I think we'll see a core of pro teams and maybe 1-2 new ones stepping up but there may be a larger amount of movement between the ranks as teams go up and down.

 

[onasilverbike]

The issue seems to be that, despite the general economic recovery, the revenue at grass roots paintball fields is still shrinking. Some are even closing their doors, thus the income of the retailers, distbutors and manufacturers is also declining. The less money in the pot, the less there is for the pro terms supported by these companies.

It would seem that the enduring appeal of paintball as a result recreational activity for hoi poloi is not as enduring as hoped by an industry that has spent little of its revenues on advertising and marketing outside of their existing market.

Furthermore, with some independently funded teams owners seemingly loosing interest or ability to fund their teams and little sign of more plutocrats, self made men etc. in the wings to take on the challenge, many of the independent teams are likely to suffer too.

This may also go someway to explaing why the talent pool remains relevantly constant.

 

[onasilverbike]

Hardly shocking news as they have had a dismal season despite being great ambassadors for their sponsors, very few teams work as hard as XSV have behind the scenes setting up, tearing down and generally helping out on their sponsors trade stands.

http://xsvpaintball.com/tipoftheweek/2016-season/

 

[Spikerz]

Shame about XSV, I helped Rich setup his field initially after he bought the land. Our team were friends with him and some of the other ex Ironmen guys and went out a few times from the Bay Area to clean up the land, move rocks etc.

He's a hell of a nice guy and one of the best back players that's played. I know how much he puts into the team and it's a damn shame to see them not compete.

 

[Spikerz]

Also random rumor that CEP may not be playing pro this year.

 

[onasilverbike]

Not so random!

 

[Spikerz]

TMG Outlaws steps up and will play pro in 2015.

Expected as I think they came in 2nd, but good to see.

 

[onasilverbike]

I can't see how, with the likely amount of "pro" Champions and challengers teams folding or withdrawing from the PSP they can viably run a Pro Champs/Challengers system like they have done. They run the high risk of over diluting the talent pool and over stretching those teams that they encourage to step up to the plate whilst the D1 field has tumble-weed rolling round the bunkers. Better to have a 15 team Pro Division and end of season promotion/relegation!

 

[Spikerz]

Looks like PSP is moving the West Coast open...to Music city!

Nashville, TN.

That's all of the events in the middle to east coast of the country. Pretty surprising. Middle is nice to cut down on travel costs though, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, all pretty easy to get to.

 

[Tony Harrison]

Looks like PSP is moving the West Coast open...to Music city!

Nashville, TN.

That's all of the events in the middle to east coast of the country. Pretty surprising. Middle is nice to cut down on travel costs though, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, all pretty easy to get to.

This harks back to the 90's when the Nashville Masters was a big event. Was there once and got a Scotsman to lend me some money, which is no mean feat.