Magic City National Tournament setting a 4th date?
The highly anticipated Magic City tournament is still trying to pull off their national event which would feature 60 players – both amateurs and professionals – with a walloping $20,000 in prize money up for grabs.
With COVID-19 causing problems more than Donald Trump could imagine, the event, originally scheduled for April 25-26 was been postponed three times already. The event was then rescheduled to June 27-28, then pushed back to July 25-26 when it was postponed again. Now organizers are trying to hold it during the weekend of December 5-6th. This new date is also during the time when Dania will be in the last couple weeks of their season, and during the first week of the Miami Jai-alai season (see related story on Pelotapress.com). A few of their players were registered to play in this event, but promoters will try to work around the conflict of this event and their regular jobs as players.
Who could have registered?
The USNJAC was open to any amateur and professional jai-alai that is a US Citizen, 18 years of age or older. The players have until Wednesday, October 7, 2020 to inform MC if they are still interested in participating. If they get enough positive responses, the event will go on – with some restrictions.
The original scoring format
This is a double elimination, head-to-head format.
First to 6 points in First Round
First to 5 points in Double Elimination Round
First to 7 points in Second Round through Semi-Finals
First to 9 points in Finals
Singles Play
Limited to 60 entries in Singles. The 30 players eliminated in the First Round will have a second chance Double Elimination Round with 2 players advancing back into the competition.
Doubles Play
Limited to 28 teams in Doubles. 14 teams eliminated in the First Round will have a second chance Double Elimination Round with 2 players advancing back into the competition.
Prize Money
$20,000 in prize money will be awarded throughout the Championship.
Singles 1st Place $7,500
Singles 2nd Place $2,500
Doubles 1st Place $7,500
Doubles 2nd Place $2,500
Rules and Requirements
You must be a USA citizen and a photocopy of passport or birth certificate is required with Entry Form.
Players must be at least 18 years old.
Video required of you playing if not known to the Selection Committee.
Selection Committee has final determination of entrants should the entry field exceed the available playing slots.
You must wear an approved helmet.
The Venue
Magic City Casino in Miami, Florida. Glass walls at the front and back walls.
The court is 120 foot long by 40 foot width. The ceiling is low and makes this a difficult court to play on compared to others.
Other original worthy notes
There will be a 1-minute warm-up before each match.
Practice time will be available on the Friday before the event which is held on a Saturday and Sunday.
The latest restrictions
At this time, it is unknown if spectators will be allowed in the fronton. If they aren’t, they will have to watch the event on a large screen TV in the Sports Club at Magic City. If there is a limited number of spectators allowed, guests of the players will have priority over the general public. A large capacity crowd was likely to have happened when it was first scheduled. No news on the Friday night party which would have featured the players and their guests.
