Thousands of pool players travel to Southern Indiana every year for 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 partnered up with the Pantone Company to discover the optimal color for pool cloth. Pantone Company's testing eventually led to Tournament Blue becoming the dominant color in professional tourneys.
2003 was the second year of the event. The World Pool Alliance sponsored the tournament, which featured many top players. The tournament started with nine balls banks. Then came the one-pocket, and finally the BIGFOOT ten-ball challenge. The tournament took place in Elizabeth, Indiana at Caesars Southern Indiana Casino. The event featured many vendors, ring games, cash games, and more. The tournament took place on 53 9-foot Diamond tables.
The tournament featured a number of players who were in the field for their first Derby City Classic appearance. Apart from the tournament there were special events including the Diamond Ten Foot challenge. This was a competition for pros. The challenge is played on five-foot-by-ten-foot tables. Its winner receives $16,000, while the winner of the nine-ball bank and one-pocket contests each receives $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.
2006 was the third year of the event. A number of players from the first Derby City Classic event were present at this tournament. Corey Deuel and Dennis Grabe performed well in the one-pocket and 9-ball bank events. However, the other players were less successful. In the One-Pocket, Darren Appleton played well enough to earn a third place finish. He also used his algorithm well in the Derby Cup, earning a third place finish.
2015 was the last year of the event. There were many players who had never played in a Derby City Classic event before. 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. Efren Ryes, Mika, Shane VanBoening, and Shane Filler were also present.
The annual pool tournament, the Derby City Classic, is held at Caesars Southern Indiana Casino Elizabeth, IN. There are many competitions, including one-pocket, nine-ball banks and the BIGFOOT 10-ball challenge. The event will take place in January. Tickets will go on sale January 20th. Tickets can be purchased at the Derby City Classic Office located at Caesars Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino. You must be able to provide a valid photo ID to purchase a ticket.