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Just when you thought you had heard it all, somebody decides to build a Pokerdome.
According to an article in today’s Las Vegas Review-Journal, three movie theaters at the Neonopolis complex in downtown Las Vegas are being converted into something called a Pokerdome. As I understand it, this Pokerdome will be a complex where about 200 people can watch live weekly poker tournaments.
The novelty of the Pokerdome is that the spectators will get to see the players’ concealed cards in real-time, displayed on television monitors inside the Pokerdome. To protect players from catching word of an opponent’s hand, the tournament players will sit behind soundproof, one-way glass. This way the players won’t be able to see or hear any reactions by the spectators,
Each poker tournament will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net. Players can qualify online at Mansionpoker.net, which is co-sponsoring the television series.
The only information I have about this project is what I read in the Review-Journal article. Nevertheless, I have some early thoughts on the subject.
First, I admit this Pokerdome idea seems a little whacky, but almost any new development in downtown Las Vegas is good for the city. I would love for downtown Las Vegas to re-build itself as a hip spot, and if the Pokerdome brings more visitors downtown, then I support it.
Second, I’m not sure how entertaining these poker tournaments will be to watch; whether live or on television. The reason is because viewers will not be able to build any relationship with the characters (the players). As I understand it, the players will qualify for the events online. That means that these players will be “nobodies”, and they will change each week. For me, I am most entertained by watching contests involving players I know. Not players that I necessarily know personally, but that I feel like I have a relationship with because I see them over and over again. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about NFL games or poker tournaments.
I have to wonder whether viewers will really get behind this program if the cast changes each week. I’m aware that there are tons of successful game shows where the cast changes every show, but I think of a poker tournament as more sporting contest than game show. What do you think?
If you have any additional information about the Pokerdome, or news about any other poker room in Las Vegas, please send an e-mail to info@allvegaspoker.com. All sources are confidential.
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