Upcoming Tournament: Columbus Regionals

JVBC will be playing in its last tournament, the regional tournament in Columbus, this Saturday!  Here is the information for the tournament:

Greater Columbus Convention Center
400 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Convention Center doors open at 7:00 AM, and Match 1 begins at 8:30 AM.  Ref or warm-up at 8:10.  We may be sitting first match, but it is not certain.

It is extremely crowded there, and can take some time to park, get into the facility, and find our team's camp spot in the Convention Center hallway.  Allow plenty of extra time at arrival.

Text Mrs. Dannug when you get there!  It will be very difficult to find the coaches and teammates due to the large crowds. If you find other teammates, stay together.  We will be near the north end of the Convention Center, in one of the aisles across from Exhibit Halls D, E, or F.

Wear purple jerseys unless you are the libero, then wear yellow.  Bring both jerseys!  Bring money for food and souvenirs (shirts, etc.). Plenty of food and merchandise are available for purchase, but you should still bring snacks and water (just no coolers).

Parents absolutely need a chair, and probably a book or other activity for idle time.  Also, parents may want to bring a sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket, as it often seems to be cold in the Exhibit Hall.

Aspirin may also be in order, as the constant whistles can bring on headaches (not to mention our team's play).

There will be postings at the Convention Center indicating our court and schedule.  Parents should position their chairs at the courts we are playing on as early as possible.  Try to put your chairs in a group so it is easier for the girls and coaches to find you after the match.

During lunch break, there are food stands near the Exhibit Hall, and there is a food court to the south of the Exhibit Hall that has a larger variety, but is a bit of a walk.  Lines for food can be long so expect that it will take some time to get your food.

I recommend parents buy food before our break time if possible, particularly if we are refing before the break.  This will give the girls the most time possible to eat during the break, instead of spending much of the break period waiting in a food line.

Buy your souvenirs early in the day as some items and sizes will sell out.

Remember good sportsmanship!

It is a long day, and the refs can easily lose focus and make mistakes.  Be courteous and treat the refs pleasantly.  Be a positive influence on our team!  The parents should be cheering or quiet.  Have fun and keep a positive attitude to try and enjoy the day, no matter how it goes!

Friday Night Embassy Suites
The coaches will be staying Friday night at the Embassy Suites Airport, 2886 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH 43219.  We hope to see you there.  We plan to get there by 6:30 PM. If you don't see us, give us a text, we'd like to meet up with you.  We can look for you in the social area on the first floor of the hotel.

Columbus Convention Center Rules
The Columbus Convention Center site that the OVR, Inc., is renting is not a gym.  It's a public facility and our space is Exhibit Halls (TBA).  In this area, the Region will put down 40 Sport Court surfaces.  The size and location of this event dictates the use of security personnel as well as Convention Center and OVR staff.  The Region wants this to e a positive and enjoyable volleyball event, and we want to return in the future.  The individuals and teams participating at this venue must adhere to these rules.  Failure to do so will result in expulsion from the tournament.

A. No coolers may be brought into the Convention Center by parents, coaches, or players.  Concession stands are available, and there is also a food court.
B. No volleyballs are allowed in the hallway or lobby.
C. You may not block any emergency exit doors with chairs, blankets, pillows, or bags.
D. Come dressed to participate.  There are no locker facilities.  Only restrooms are available.  
E. Vandalism: The Convention Center and the OVR Inc., have agreed to prosecute and individual caught destroying public property.
F. When your pool play matches are completed, please vacate your court area as soon as possible, as the next wave of teams will need your space.
G. No smoking in gym areas or hallways. 
H. Junior Championships: All teams are to camp in the concourse alcoves (and not to block any doors!).  Do not camp in Exhibit Halls A, B, C, and D where the tournament is running.
I. Keep all hairs far away from any court or playable areas.  (Parents should bring their own chairs.)
J. Only certified vendors may sell clothing, shirts, shoes, etc. with approval from the Commissioner.
K. Put all trash in containers provided by the Convention Center staff.

We usually park in the Goodale parking lot but see the maps on the handout for other parking options.