There has been some improvements announced for the 9 Ball championship event for 2008. The billiard Congress of America has announced the name of the event will be changed to be GenerationPool.com 9 Ball Championships. The name change coincides with the new BCA consumer website that is supposed to launch in early 2008.

Also, the 2008 GenerationPool.com 9 Ball Championships will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, in conjunction with the international billiard and home recreation Expo June 12-14. The semifinals and final event will take place in the grand ballroom at the Charlotte Convention Center.

According to BCA President Ivan Lee, "We wanted to produce a standout event and we knew that we would need to change the look and feel of our tournament to achieve this goal. We will be changing the arena, the format, the production techniques, and the environment of the tournament in order to highlight the professional level of play that will be taking place. The players will be treated to a first-class event in an upscale playing environment.”

Also with the new changes ESPN will be committing more on air time in 2008. They will add two additional hours of programming for the event, meaning it will air now for minimum of six hours.

“ESPN is pleased to cover three hours from both the men’s and women’s GenerationPool.com 9-Ball Championship events in 2008,” said Nick Dawson, associate program manager for ESPN. “The event is one of the marquee billiard events in the world each year and the added hours will allow viewers the opportunity to enjoy both semifinals and the championship from each division, along with additional tournament competition.”

The new championships will survive a backdrop for television that will show the sport and a first-class appealing format. Be a Reno would include upscale leather chairs, cocktail tables and stadium seating, and the VIPreserved seating section. The VIP hospitality area will also include food and beverage services, early entry into the arena and a high-end hospitality area.

Ivan Lee added, “Hosting the 2008 BCA Expo, the new GenerationPool.com 9-Ball Championships, and the BCA Hall of Fame induction ceremony all in close proximity will allow many facets of the industry the opportunity to reconnect with each other.” said Lee. “The week will truly be a celebration of billiards.”

- 2008-02-01