PA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – 8-BALL
City Banks on Expanded 30th Anniversary Event

Erie, PA: The Erie Sports Commission (ESC) is pleased to announce that the 30th anniversary edition of the Pennsylvania State 8-Ball Pool Tournament, sponsored by the Valley National 8-Ball Associations and local company Warner Coin Machine, will take place at the Bayfront Convention Center on March 23 - 25, 2012.

This VNEA-PA State Tournament is the 5th largest of its kind in the nation, and it is expected to attract over 1,300 individual “singles” players and as many as 1,500 players in the team event category. Over 60% of the participants will travel to Erie from out of town, while the remaining 40% are from the Erie Region. The tournament is expected to generate an economic impact of well over $325,000.00 for the region.

The 2012 tournament will mark the first time that the event will be held at the Bayfront Convention Center.  This change will allow the event to expand the number of pool tables in the tournament by more than 50%, up from 100 to 155.

Rod Didion, the Tournament Event Coordinator from Warner Coin Machine, the host business of this VNEA state event, stated that “We are very excited to bring the event to the Bayfront Convention Center as the additional venue space will allow us to have spectators, room for growth, and it opens us up to advertising and branding. We’re happy to be working with the Sports Commission to make our 30th Anniversary State Tournament more appealing to our out-of-town player guests and to assist us in the promotion of the event to help increase the size and scope of the tournament.”

Ron Sertz, Executive Director of the ESC noted: “Erie is a great host city for this premier pool tournament, and the Bayfront Convention Center is the perfect site.  We are happy to play a small part in this 30th anniversary event and hope to help to make it grow into the best 8-ball tournament in the country.”

For more information on participation and sponsorship opportunities, interested parties may contact Rod Didion at warnercoin@aol.com

The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation.  The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues.  The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.