[Pump #54]

Location, location, location! Historically, NPPL has it most of the time; PSP dabbles with it some of the time. As stated in the title, we’ve got our mitts on a one-off rumor from the inside that the NPPL will be returning to the Gulf Coast in the 2013 season. Sources indicate that discussion between the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and the NPPL will land an event at Raymond James Stadium, home of the [hurting] Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as either the 2nd or 3rd stop. This relationship is not new; NPPL held events in ‘06 and ‘07 in the grass tailgating lots surrounding the NFL stadium. This idea is not new; high profile venues thrived in the mid-2000’s and still dot the yearly tours of both NPPL and PSP series. What might be new is a growing skepticism amongst the players; the clearly inferior league will net three big’uns in ’13 (HB, RayJay, Bellagio) while the premier league deals with cow pastures and comp’d local Sunday spots (credit due to Phoenix in the Cards’ lots).



See the contrasts? Where is the major disconnect here? PSP has the superior product, uncontested advantage in player support, obvious no-contest in industry backing, and a media presence far outweighing the other league. Yet, their championship venue would make a fitting set for a B-rate remake of Deliverance. My finger pointing is best illustrated metaphorically: the PSP has a chiseled chest, buff arms and legs, the sharpest haircut, but it’s jumbled between the ears. Its flaws lie upstairs. Post-economy tank, the PSP organization has consistently underachieved and under-delivered relative to the external “inputs” fed into its “business machine”. Things just don’t match up, and not enough is being done to hold those at the top accountable. Okay, enough of that.. Instead of rubbing salt in obvious wounds (cough.. the 2012 NJO/MAO logistical debacle), I’ll lay down some constructive journalism as food for thought and a wrap on the Tampa “rumor”. Small business is an art of seeking out viable opportunities and creating lucrative mini-relationships, better than the next guy. Here is a little spiel from the aforementioned TBSC’s mission statement:

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is a private, non-profit, 501c3, charitable corporation
that serves the entire Tampa Bay area as the lead organization for bidding on and
hosting major amateur sporting events. Our mission is to attract, promote and/or
organize major amateur sporting events, and grassroots youth sports programs, that
foster the ongoing development and quality of life for the entire Tampa Bay area.

This non-profit exists to FACILITATE “alternative” sporting events in the Tampa Bay area (Red Bull’s Wakeboarding Open was killer last spring). They actually WANT the event to come to town for the economic and social benefits that come with hosting, and are willing to pay for it. They sweeten the pot to make sure the tournament lands in Tampa and not elsewhere. See? It’s as simple as right place and right time. Or as frustrating as wrong place wrong time (Cup beat out of Wide World of Sports by an equestrian event).

So, what’s your take on this whole thing? Let out a rant on anything. Celebrate if you’re a Florida kid. Damn the NPPL, damn the PSP. Whatever. Just lay it out in the comments.


From Pro Paintball

[stjimmy13]

wat

[Team.Infected]

Wow way to babble... I don't see how 90% of your post is useful and relevant. Thanks for wasting my time on your opinions by making me think it would be beneficial to read.

That could have been simply put in a few words, nppl may be coming to Tampa. What are your thoughts?

[ToLiveInInfamy]

i didn't read OP's post
LIKE if you didn't either

[eternalmergy]

tampa? hell yeah. thats what im talking about!

[RyanFitForBattle]

You could have just said "There is going to be a Tampa NPPL event."

[Kelen]

Read the title. Didn't read the essay. Tampa.

[bienmendoza]

he got a little excited there..

[Pump Scout]

Without a statement from either the venue or the league that this is a done deal, 100%, this is a rumor, not news.

[Pump #54]

It's an article from Pro Paintball.

[ThizZ]

I heard something about Denver as well?

[DBrim]

personally i could care less where the events are, as long as they have nice fields and nearby hotels. im there to play paintball, not gamble or look at the outside of a stadium...

[Nikilwig]

Tampa and Boston?

[Hobbes The Tiger]

Until I see hard proof and not some random writing on Pro Paintball, I'm going to assume that the NPPL will have their regular 4 events.

[Porkfat]

Pensacola Beach Open.


Just sayin'.

[Chex5]

Denver is a lot of us were told and when I talked to Chuck in Vegas it seemed like it was happening

[FreakinJB]

Originally Posted by Team.Infected

Wow way to babble... I don't see how 90% of your post is useful and relevant. Thanks for wasting my time on your opinions by making me think it would be beneficial to read.

That could have been simply put in a few words, nppl may be coming to Tampa. What are your thoughts?

Chill out dude, it's a blog post. Another parallel drawn to why merging leagues makes more sense than not and a little more visibility into the leagues and their logistical issues (Wide world of sports, PSP doing a great job focusing on the experience but not as much on logistics). I'd love to play in Tampa.

[Dhops187]

After talking to Chuck at the DC event he def said that the NPPL was going to try and make moves to Tampa for the upcoming season. I hope that it goes through

[Cory688]

Tampa was always a great event. I thought it was always everyone's favorite with the different entertainment nearby. And I hope people know what I'm talking about.

[Chex5]

Originally Posted by Cory688

Tampa was always a great event. I thought it was always everyone's favorite with the different entertainment nearby. And I hope people know what I'm talking about.

Cory You already know I love strippers!!! But that's because they fall in love with me and some how end up in my hotel room. That and other random women. I really shouldn't drink.

[Cory688]

I knew you would know what I was referring to.