Finals Day 2013

[BIGBrian]

Haven't seen anything about this here so I thought I'd add it.

One of the bits of info that came out of our Regional AGM at the weekend is that next year's Finals Day won't be at Ponds Forge.

Apparently somehow it never got booked (not apparently anything to do with the renewal of the Arena League sponsorship deal and the existence of a Speedo franchise in the foyer)

So its all off to Leeds next year.

[Bold Dave]

And what's the betting that a trip to London Aquatic Centre for 2014 may be their ambition when it re opens?? So will we ever see the Arena back at Ponds??

[city4nil]

Good pool Leeds

[BIGBrian]

[Devil's Advocate cloak]

If it really is a National League, then maybe there's actually a case for rotating the venue, but the problem is a shortage of 10 lane pools. It's easy to say that picking a central venue is best, but how many of the finalists would choose not to go just because the venue was too far?

Where are the 10 lane pools? Sheffield, Leeds, Stratford, Plymouth, Cardiff, Sunderland (and Bristol now?) Any others? (apart from Glasgow who are out of the league).

Plymouth seem to manage to get to Sheffield every year, so why shouldn't Sheffield (and I appreciate yes, everyone else) have to get to Plymouth every once in a while? Western region traditionally has a reasonably strong presence at finals day, and 3 of the relevant 7 ten lane pools in the UK are in their region.

[/Devil's Advocate cloak]

[Pink Paraffin]

Originally Posted by BIGBrian

[Devil's Advocate cloak]

Plymouth seem to manage to get to Sheffield every year, so why shouldn't Sheffield (and I appreciate yes, everyone else) have to get to Plymouth every once in a while?

[Apostle]

Originally Posted by BIGBrian

[Devil's Advocate cloak]

If it really is a National League, then maybe there's actually a case for rotating the venue, but the problem is a shortage of 10 lane pools. It's easy to say that picking a central venue is best, but how many of the finalists would choose not to go just because the venue was too far?

Where are the 10 lane pools? Sheffield, Leeds, Stratford, Plymouth, Cardiff, Sunderland (and Bristol now?) Any others? (apart from Glasgow who are out of the league).

Plymouth seem to manage to get to Sheffield every year, so why shouldn't Sheffield (and I appreciate yes, everyone else) have to get to Plymouth every once in a while? Western region traditionally has a reasonably strong presence at finals day, and 3 of the relevant 7 ten lane pools in the UK are in their region.

[/Devil's Advocate cloak]

What about this idea.

Change the format to an eight lane Gala again. We have seven regions back in to fill the lanes PLUS last years winners to defend their title. If the previous years winners have qualified again then go for the second place team.

The B final could either be the 2nd place teams from each league plus the third place team on a rotation basis. (the third place team would need to be invited if 2nd place has been promoted to the A gala on account of the previous years overall winners winning thier region again.

Or

Host a virtual gala without those teams who have qualified for the A gala.

Then we have a lot more pools to choose from.

[BIGBrian]

Originally Posted by Apostle

What about this idea.

Change the format to an eight lane Gala again. We have seven regions back in to fill the lanes PLUS last years winners to defend their title. If the previous years winners have qualified again then go for the second place team.

The B final could either be the 2nd place teams from each league plus the third place team on a rotation basis. (the third place team would need to be invited if 2nd place has been promoted to the A gala on account of the previous years overall winners winning thier region again.

Or

Host a virtual gala without those teams who have qualified for the A gala.

Then we have a lot more pools to choose from.

What about squeezing 3 x 8 team galas into the day? Then you could increase the number of teams to 24.

[city4nil]

More than a hint of trying to fix something that's not broke guys

Leave well alone it's already spot on

[Apostle]

Originally Posted by city4nil

More than a hint of trying to fix something that's not broke guys

Leave well alone it's already spot on

I'll remember that quote next year when everybody starts moaning about everything again.

[BIGBrian]

Having originally changed the venue from Sheffield to Leeds, the venue has been changed again, and the date has had to be moved too to accommodate pool time at the new venue.

Latest version is that the B Final will be on Saturday April 20th and the Cup Final on Sunday April 21st, both at Cardiff International Pool

[awaldram]

Originally Posted by BIGBrian

Having originally changed the venue from Sheffield to Leeds, the venue has been changed again, and the date has had to be moved too to accommodate pool time at the new venue.

Latest version is that the B Final will be on Saturday April 20th and the Cup Final on Sunday April 21st, both at Cardiff International Pool

Nice Pool

[Happi Blue]

Originally Posted by awaldram

Nice Pool

Seating capacity 1000. SW used it for regional final one year & teams had to use the seating. Should be nice & snug

[BIGBrian]

Originally Posted by Happi Blue

Seating capacity 1000. SW used it for regional final one year & teams had to use the seating. Should be nice & snug

May be a factor in splitting the two galas over two days, I spect

[comeondarlo]

Never been, change is as good as a rest; looking forward to going (if we qualify).

[BIGBrian]

Originally Posted by comeondarlo

Never been, change is as good as a rest; looking forward to going (if we qualify).

It is a nice pool. No warm down, though, but that's not really an issue with an event like this, and speccy seating on one side of the pool only.

Morrison's nearby if you get peckish