Every year, thousands travel to Southern Indiana to play in the Derby City Classic. This annual event hosts a number of disciplines, including One-Pocket (9-Ball Banks), 9-Ball Banks, and the BIGFOOT 10-ball challenge (10-ball).
The first event of the Derby City Classic was held in 1998. The tournament's creator, Greg Sullivan, was a lifelong fan of the Johnston City Hustler's Jamboree of the 1960s. Sullivan contracted the Pantone Company for research on the ideal color for pool cloth. After testing, Tournament Blue became the dominant color in professional tournaments.
The second event was in 2003. The World Pool Alliance sponsored the tournament and it featured some of the best players. The tournament started off with nine-ball bank, then it moved on to the one-pocket and finally the BIGFOOT 10ball challenge. The tournament was held at Caesars Southern Indiana Casino in Elizabeth. The event had a number vendors and ring games. There was also cash game. The tournament took place at 53 9-foot Diamond tables.
The tournament saw a lot of new players making their Derby City Classic debut. Apart from the tournament itself, there were a few special events. One of these was the Diamond Ten Foot Challenge. This challenge is for a small group of pros. The challenge is played on five-foot-by-ten-foot tables. The winner takes home $16,000. The winners of the nine ball bank and one pocket contests each take home $8,000. The BIGFOOT 10-ball challenge was also the first event of the Derby City Classic, and it is a small field of professionals who are competing for the title of BIGFOOT champion.
The third event was held in 2006. A number of players from the first Derby City Classic event were present at this tournament. Corey Deuel Dennis Grabe, Lee Vann, and Lee Vann all performed well at the 9-ball Bank and One-pocket events. Other players were not as successful. Darren Appleton finished third in the One-Pocket. He also utilized his algorithm well for the Derby Cup, earning him a third position finish.
2015 was the last year of the event. Many players were in the tournament for their first Derby City Classic event. Corey Deuel was a good player, as were Darren Appleton and Lee Vann. Joshua Filler and Darren Appleton were able to place third in the one-pocket. They were joined by the likes of Efren Reyes, Mika, and Shane VanBoening.
The annual pool tournament, the Derby City Classic, is held at Caesars Southern Indiana Casino Elizabeth, IN. The tournament features nine-ball banks, one pocket, and the BIGFOOT 10 ball challenge. The event will be held in January. Tickets will be available starting January 20th. Tickets can be purchased through the Derby City Classic office located at the Caesars Southern Indiana Casino and Hotel. You must be able to provide a valid photo ID to purchase a ticket.