Windy City Open Sept15th - 17th 2006

After our escape from the bowels of the elevator shaft its time to go see about the Blind Draw. Luckily enough in all the confusion my partner phoned his wife and she reported to the tournament organizers our situation. So we weren't disqualified but we were certainly a little worst for wear.

As we talk with our opponents prior to the match I let them know we were indeed stuck in the elevator. One of the guys jokinglysays "No I don't believe that" and asks me to look in the mirror. As I take a quick glance I quickly find out why everyone is laughing. My face and arms are smeared with a mixture of grease and dirts from the elevator cables and such. And after a quick clean up we finally begin our second round.

As you may expect my partner was 1000 percent better in this match. Apparently the cocktails and elevator escape was enough to sooth him. But unfortunatly my double trouble continued and we were out of the event. Still it was a great story and a good tip if you ever want to settle down your partner. Just get them drunk and stuck in an elevator!

Of course shortly after I head to the front desk to complain. To make and extremely long story short after a 3 hour run around, calling the fire and police departments, and Stacy Bromberg acting as my "atttorney" I finally got that night's stay comped. I go into all the details on this but you wouldn't believe it unless you witnessed it. Needless to say I don't look forward to ever staying at that hotel again. Oh and as a side note we couldnt even get fresh towels for the morning after 5 calls. This wasn't unique as nearly everyone I talked to the following day were also refused fresh towels. They did send up a couple washcloths though. Thanks Purple Hotel.

Oh and in case you were wondering both Jim Askham and Peter Citera who run the Windy City Darters were there through most of it. Peter stayed by to help in the situation much longer then he needed to. And despite my dealings with the hotel the Windy City Darters showed as much class as you would expect from them. I really appreciate their support trying to work with the hotel. None of this was their fault and the Windy City Open is still the best run dart tournament in America in my book!