price to shoot the LA Gator match

[Jps231]

Hey guys and gals,
Is it just me but in two years the cost of shooting the Gator match has gone up from $135.00 in 2011 to $175.00 in 2013. In 2012 they did a favor and help area 4 with the Gator match. We were told that the match fees were not going to change,but it did. Now, instead of going back to the origianal price of $135.00, it has gone up to $175.00 to shoot this match. Mabye it is just me,but can anybody give us a legitament reason for such a price increase over the last two years.

 

[spanky]

At the risk of stirring more contempt than has already been done on other sites, I agree. I'm interested to know what value is being added by the price increase. The only other pistol match that I'm aware of that costs this much is the upcoming Double Tap in Wichita Falls, TX which raised their prices in order to be able to allow ROs to shoot free, provide free lodging to ROs, etc and they consistently build new props, equipment, etc at every match which obviously costs money. To my knowledge this will not occur at the Gator classic. Props are provided by the 3 Louisiana Section clubs so there is no additional cost there. I guess my concern (and I believe the concern of others) is that, if there is no value add, where is the extra money going?

 

[Ijaw]

Sorry, but I'm curious. BS member for 5 years with only 3 post?

 

[JR1572]

Gun golf sounds like it's expensive...

JR1572

 

[spanky]

Sorry, but I'm curious. BS member for 5 years with only 3 post?

Based on my research (before I made my post) he's a legit member and a local shooter.

 

[Jps231]

Spanky, thanks for the the vote of confidence after your research. You do know me. My name is Joel Senia and I have been shooting USPSA for the last 25 years in this area. I have shot all but one Gator match and that was only because we were misled by last years cost to shoot. The big question is why cannot the entrance fee be retuened to what is was before they did a favor for the area 4 match which was $135.00??

 

[toddrod]

Could the range be wanting a bigger piece of the pie again? That $175 buys about 3yrs worth of gas for my 50hp Honda. I prefer to fish now.

 

[scooterj]

You need to ask the match organizers where the $ goes. As far as I know, the info is attainable, just gotta know who to ask. And, no, I ain't that person.

 

[Jps231]

Sent Kevin Doss an email last night asking him why the cost of the match went up. the response i recieved was that it was the Gator Classic Committe. So now my question is, who is on this committe so we can get some direct answers.

 

[bsdubois00]

On Enos Jeff Blackmon said it was all his idea (although he's not on the committee) so maybe give him a call?

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=167275&page=3#entry1929098

 

[70116]

I agree that it's a legitimate question and jps231 is, as Spanky stated, very legit.

Sponsor fees went up a greater percentage. It remains to be seen how that will affect the number and type of sponsorships. I do know of one new Match Sponsor.

 

[Vsotok10]

I may shoot the Gator for my first time this year but given the high cost of entry and that the prizes will be given out in order of finish discourages me as a C shooter.

 

[Hammar]

I may shoot the Gator for my first time this year but given the high cost of entry and that the prizes will be given out in order of finish discourages me as a C shooter.

I was DQ'd at my first Gator, so essentially finished last. Still went to the prize table and prize value still equalled my entry fee.

Don't know what the prize table will look like this year, but that has been my experience in the past.

 

[jwglock]

I was DQ'd at my first Gator, so essentially finished last. Still went to the prize table and prize value still equalled my entry fee.

Don't know what the prize table will look like this year, but that has been my experience in the past.

I finished 8th in production last year and got no where near the value of my entry fee. Maybe I'm in the wrong division.

 

[#1bambam]

My 2 cents is that its a great match that I dont have to help break down or set up.Every thing I do today cost more.I hope it wont go up anymore but its not a issue to me today.Also I have always won prizes that valued more than my entry fee and as many of you can attest to I am a bad shooter.

 

[chbrow10]

you actually do need to help break down the last stage you shoot on Sunday.

 

[#1bambam]

you actually do need to help break down the last stage you shoot on Sunday.

I do help tear down but its not mandatory.

 

[Laid Back]

They don't give the results until all the stages are broken down. Also, the price went down this year for me Only $70

 

[mikepizz]

I amazed at this. I'd love to buy a barrett 50 cal semi auto rifle with a nightforce scope but I don't have the money to. I'm sure not going to rag Barrett and Nightforce because their prices are too high.

1. Don't want to pay the entry fee, don't shoot. Believe me, you won't be missed.
2. Nobody is making money off this event.
3. Any excess monies are spent buying from the sponsor tables and placed on the prize table.
4. Start your own match and charge what you want. Hey maybe have free entries for everyone so we can just all get along

Mike Pizzolatto
Past President EAPS

 

[dmh]

As someone who ran clubs and matches years ago before most of the current shooters were around I can say that these things change all the time. Personally I don't care for prize tables, I had some pretty high finishes in the past all over the country when I was shooting a lot and I could have always bought what I wanted with the money I spent to attend a match and improve my ability and equipment. However, unless you're willing to run it please understand that this is volunteer and they are trying to give the people what they ask for, which today seems to be prizes for just showing up. That costs money. Nowdays it seems that people judge a match by door prizes and I may disagree with that inside, but not enough to lose sleep over a few bucks. To me as long as the stages are prop heavy and visually interesting, require thought, a blend of speed AND accuracy, and I don't walk away hungry Sunday I'm happy. I'm sure I won't be disappointed, just hope I'm up to shooting by then.