As many of you have heard, our site for the Gopher Regional for many years shall soon be no more. Which means that the Ramada by Mall of America is history for our 2016 site.
But - good news! We have just learned that the lovely Sheraton Minneapolis West, situated in Minnetonka, just east of Ridgedale, shall be the site for the Gopher this year. When you're not competing, plenty of restaurants and shopping are available, a great place to stay - and convenient to major roads and highways.
Our schedule with our new site is below. See you at the Gopher in Minnetonka!
The Gopher Tournament Committee met at the new site on Saturday 4/9. The playing conditions will be FAR better at the new venue. There is lots of parking and, if you arrive early, just as close as the old site.
Onsite dining options, though convenient, will be more expensive. There will not be a snack line just outside the playing area. Plans for a relatively affordable 'prix fixe' lunch option in the pool area are underway. An area dining guide is in the works and there are many options for food just minutes away.
There is a ramp to the playing area just inside the entrance for those who are step-challenged and no elevator is necessary.
Players who enjoy the Morning 2-session Swiss Teams should be aware that there are no afternoon-evening Choice pair options on Wednesday & Friday. On Tuesday & Thursday you'll need to find Swiss teammates if you want to play a Gold point event. I personally think it stinks to not have a Stratified Pair option but sometimes you get outvoted.
KO players be aware that the Jim Hall KO's are no longer "L shaped (Monday eve. Tues am Tues aft Tues eve)" but start MONDAY AFTERNOON not Monday evening.
Posted by: Mike Cassel | April 13, 2016 at 02:40 PM