Lolla-Poolooza pool event to bring junior nationals, trick shot championships to Oakley-Lindsay Center
QUINCY — The Greater Midwest PoolPlayers Association will bring hundreds of amateur pool players to Quincy as part of Lolla-Poolooza on July 24-30 at the Oakley-Lindsay Civic Center, 300 Civic Center Plaza.
Players from North American League Systems will participate in various singles and team tournaments within the seven-day event. All pool leagues are invited, regardless of which league system players qualified during the last 18 months. This is a unification event with room for all.
Lolla-Poolooza kicks off July 24 with the Billiard Education Foundation 35th annual Junior Nationals Championship banquet at 5 p.m. Play begins at 9 a.m. July 25. The junior championship is the most significant event for junior competitors on the continent. Players vie to represent North America on the world stage at the November championships in Austria. Junior competitors may enter online at billiardeducation.org or by calling Carol Laratta at 269-519-6383.
The Midwest Amateur Pocket Billiard Championships begin at 9 a.m. July 26 with a full five-day schedule:
- Wednesday: Scotch doubles, 9-Ball and seniors 8-Ball
- Thursday-Friday: 8-Ball Singles (all divisions)
- Friday night: Three-player women and open mixed team divisions
Qualifying players must have participated in any league system from January 2022 to present. Entries may be obtained from league operators. All participants will pre-enter by mail sent to the address on their forms.
The Artistic “Trick Shot” Classic Championships begin at 7 p.m. July 27. The finest in the sport will be in attendance, including professionals frequently seen on ESPN and other networks. Spectators will enjoy play-by-play commentary during the competition and post-championship photo opps and autographs. This should be an intense competition with the “Trick Shot Magic” format as seen on ESPN. It is open to all. Contact Brian Pauley for information and entry at 937-527-9924.
The first American Cuesports Alliance/Professional Billiard Instructor Association Instructor Summit will convene on July 27-28. More than 40 instructors will be in attendance. Many will be on hand in the evening for an impromptu public meet and greet, offering free instructional tips.
The Greater Midwest PoolPlayers Association and the City of Quincy will welcome the Billiard Congress of America board members to their annual meeting. Shane Tyree, CEO of the Billiard Congress of America, is anticipated to attend.
Billiard vendors for cues and accessories, commemorative shirts for sale and massage therapists will be onsite. Specials and giveaways will be offered throughout the event, along with a custom cue stick raffle and billiard accessory package auction. Spectators can attend for free.
The week-long billiard gala is supported by the City of Quincy BET on Q, SeeQuincy and the Oakley-Lindsay Center.
For more information, visit gmpabilliards.com or indianapoolnews.com.
Sponsorships and providers:
- Midwest Pocket Billiard Championship: 45 Valley pool tables by MPA Table Service of Minnesota
- Junior Championships: 20 professional full-size tables by Diamond Billiard Products, Inc.
- Midwest and Artistic Championship awards: sponsored by SeeQuincy
- Juniors’ medals: BCA-BEF
- Tournament direction: Greater Midwest PoolPlayers Association
- Professional officiating: American CueSports Alliance referee staff
- The Midwest event: streamed live by Rackem Joe TV
- Junior Trick Shot Classic: streamed by Mike Collins Productions
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