All-Star's renovation

[drg]

Maybe to kick up a little discussion ... All Star is planning a major renovation as detailed here: http://www.hawaiiallstarpb.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=661

Major news is that rather than adding a bunch of new airball fields (though one is added), four new scenario type fields are added. As an "old school" player who played a lot in the years before air bunkers, I really look forward to this. Gives my slow ass a fighting chance!

I do find it interesting though ... For a while it seemed like trends were moving toward strictly the construction and operation of airball or tournament-style fields (short fields), at least on the lee side of the island. Does scenario/rec ball hold that much public local appeal? Judging by the turnouts at Bellows it seems to be a viable market.

In the end I suspect many come to the conclusion that as much fun as tourney-style ball is, it is difficult to manage forming and practicing as a team, and thus walk-on style play on tournament fields will always be a bit of a clusterfuck. For casual walk-on styles, scenario/woodsy type fields seem all the more attractive, ones where bunkers are shaped differently and can hold more than one player.

What do you all think about the changes, and the local tournament vs rec style?

[Zero]

I think its great that they create a scenario type field. I been playing off and on now for the past... well a long time. I think it would be a good thing there. People have a choice on what style they want to play.  As tournaments go, it shouldnt be limited to just speedball. It would be fun to hold a tournament on a scenario type field where you cannot always see your opponent.  I for one will just have to swallow my pride and go play on those fields when its built.

IMO people who came into the sport with speedball and have never step foot on a scenario type field would kinda have to relearn the game to play on a scenario field.  Tactics varies now, what works on a speedball field may not work on a scenario field and vice versa.

[drg]

It's pretty incredibly nostalgic to look back on some "back in the day" tournaments held on woods fields ...

[Zeph]

It's about time.  Most of us rec players have been waiting for more scenario type fields.  From the photos on All Star's website, it looks just like Hollywood Sports Park in Bellflower, which I used to play at often.  Good times.  Can't wait.

[drg]

Yes the new renovations seem to have a "mainland" feel to them, sort of SC Village or Hollywood Sports Park-ish. At least from what I've seen of either facility.

[Zero]

I heard a rumor somewhere that they were partnering up with SC Village in creating the scenario fields. Is this correct?

[drg]

Anyone know where they are at with the renovations? Their forum seems to be down, and that's where the current info was.

[joo]

Observations/thoughts from a girl's point of view.  I didn't play, was just there for support.
(Since I reviewed Bellows it's only fair that I review All-Star too)

-  Hot!!!  Even under the tent it was meltingly hot.  I couldn't stay for even an hour.
-  It's in town, very convenient.
-  Dusty.  Nothing is paved.  Dirt/rock parking lot and drive way.
-  Very easy to take pictures of the field on the left (as you drive in), didn't take of the other fields (too hot, had to leave).
-  Are there bathrooms?
-  Non-potable water hose.
-  Lunch wagon comes at lunch.  Typical lunch wagon food.
-  Lots of ants to eat said food when you put it down.
-  There were some complaints about the rental guns.  Some were junker than others.  A few malfunctioned and needed to be fixed which caused loss of playing time.
-  There were 6 girls in our party, 5 playing for the first time.  They had a lot of fun and look forward to playing again.