The 2004 Michelob Amberbock World Summit of Pool Comes to New York's Grand Central Terminal Sept. 30-Oct. 3 

ESPN in Agreement to Televise World Summit of Pool 

New York, July 14, 2004 – The 2nd annual Michelob AmberBock World Summit of Pool will be held at New York City’s landmark Grand Central Terminal September 30-October 3, 2004. Players from the United States and around the world will be competing for $50,000 in prize money, as well as the most prestigious championship o­n the UPA Tour.

This year, for the first time, the event will be televised o­n ESPN.  The landmark Vanderbilt Hall will be specially designed to accommodate the grandeur of the tournament.  There will be eight sessions over the four days, culminating with the  championship round o­n Sunday, October 3. 

“We’re excited about our partnership with the United Poolplayers Association,” said Doug White, ESPN programming manager.  “We look forward to televising the World Summit of Pool Games to a national audience and in adding it to our growing billiards programming lineup.”

The double-elimination, 9-ball billiards tournament will feature defending champion and current number o­ne ranked Johnny Archer, former world champions Nick Varner and Mika Immonen, number two ranked Charlie Williams and New York City’s own Tony Robles fresh off his victory at the BCA open earlier this month.  In all, 64 of the top professionals from around the world will be competing.

“Without question Vanderbilt Hall will be the most spectacular setting ever for a billiards tournament,” noted Robert Lipson President of the UPA.  “We have the top players.  We have the top sports network.  And we have an unbelievable facility to showcase it all in front of New York fans.  Given New York’s historic ties to the sport, plus the 600,000 commuters who pass through Grand Central each day, we expect a fantastic weekend of high drama and great enthusiasm.”

In addition, expo-style displays throughout Vanderbilt Hall will feature twelve of the top custom cue manufacturers represented by the American Cuemakers Association as well as other top billiard industry manufacturers.

“We are delighted that ESPN has decided to televise the 2004 World Summit of Pool,” said New York City Sports Commissioner Ken Podziba.  “Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall is sure to provide a spectacular backdrop to what will certainly be a thrilling event.  ESPN’s involvement will broaden this event’s audience and allow them to see the World Summit in o­ne of our most beautiful and historic landmarks.”

Research has shown that there are nine million Americans who play pool 25 or more times a year, which by that definition, makes it the most frequent participation sport in the nation.  The sport has been immortalized by the romance of the game, and in movies like “The Color of Money,” and “The Hustler.” 

Ticket information may be obtained by calling 1-800 595-4TIX (595-4849) or by visiting www.tix.com.  Tickets will also be available o­n site o­n the days of the event.

The World Summit of Pool is produced by the United Poolplayers Association in conjunction with Dragon Promotions.  For sponsorship opportunities and public relations questions contact Doug Drotman at 631-462-1198 or Marty Appel Public Relations (212 245-1772).

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