Gipson Pushing For a New Date or Any Date

From the Illinois News Network

Gipson said he needs to recruit sponsors and reassure them that not only will there be a 2016 Grand American, but tell them where, and he has to get started in January.

Curious that Gipson or anyone thinks they can wait until January. It appears SCTP has already found a better home. Camping reservations and vacations are already being planned.

As per INN..
While the Sparta complex is valued in Southern Illinois, it’s not everyone’s sweetheart.
Critics say that by the state’s own numbers the complex costs about $3 million annually to run, including about $400,000 in debt service, but brings in only about $1.1 million.

As per the latest date December 15 Gipson said

If there’s a solid indication of progress from the state, the ATA could extend that date, Gipson added.

Is it just me or are these guys willing to ride this horse over the cliff?
http://www.rebootillinois.com/2015/...e-casualty-of-illinois-budget-standoff/47849/

 

I think that is the reason Gipson has been visiting so many large gun clubs Lately, to find a location big enough to handle the GAH
Dr.longshot

 

The State of Illinois is truly the state where anything can and usually does happen, so anything is possible even if not probable ... The ATA made a move out of desperation, they are trying to hang on to it for all they are worth and are ignoring any and all facts that may surface that do not enforce the claims that have been made by them ... The State of Illinois being in dire straights, upside down, and delinquent, and unable to pay the bills are only minor factors if you act like they do not exist ... The State of Illinois had never been confronted with a situation like they are facing now with a budget deficit in excess of 10 billion dollars and growing , even they say it could reach 12/14 billion by Dec 1, 2015 so they are looking to make major cuts and anticipate tax increases across the board in the future ... If the WSRC does survive it will only be a temporary delay of the inevitable being as the generated income does not cover the cost of operation but adds another $1.9 million to the deficit of the already financially burdened state ... To attempt to open the WSRC on a limited basis would be very costly and probably not break even after all of the unknown cost surface and become reality ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

I call Bullshit!

A. He (Gipson) cant go to AZ. Not without body bags in August.
B. He cant go to TX. You think the desert in AZ is hot then go a little closer to the equator.

Either of those choices would end the ATA or what is left.

The OH and PA gang are sitting on an opportunity to break away. Eliminate A and B.

Illinois cant afford their own bills.

It is easy to bluff when you have chips in your corner. This guy doesn't have chips.

 

Got to start at 6:00 AM/ stop 10:00 AM , then quit until the sun goes down and it ain't all that bad ... Get some "Ove gloves and dash mat to keep the heat building up inside the vehicle and so you can grab the steering wheel, not all that bad ... Drink plenty of water ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

Gipson needs another game.

 

I smell a last minute "deal" with Illinois for the 2016 Grand.

Money talks and Bull Shit walks...And I will venture a guess the ATA puts up some money to reopen Sparta for 2 weeks next year.

Just a gut feeling I have.

 

Your gut feeling is right on. That's exactly where things are. Pretty good scuttlebutt from what I consider decent sources say the IDNR has already assured thecATA they have the funds available to open for the Grand and the ATA has assured them they will contribute whatever if necessary. It's very hard to negotiate with another location when you start the conversation with, " we are looking for an alternative if Sparta falls through, so what's your best deal as a backup location?." People don't pull out the red carpet to be the first alternate. You can't start moving scheduled events and commit to additional costs based on a maybe.

 

"the ATA puts up some money to reopen Sparta for 2 weeks next year"

One could guess it would take 4-6 weeks of operation to host a 2 week World Class shoot.

Getting everything out of non-climate controlled storage, setting it up, and doing needed repairs and so on. Taking delivery of the needed 'fresh' targets and getting them in place. Who knows what kind of 'condition' the 'grounds' will be in after being 'shut-down'. Then doing all the 'clean-up' and storage after everyone goes home.

The 'cost' should put the shoot well into 'red-ink'. Vandalia had the Ohio State Shoot before the Grand, and it provided a 'buffer' for most of this.

Buying the place would be like buying Michigan Stadium to play Pee-Wee football.

 

This decision is based on power only. It has nothing to do with viability of the WSRC. The further east the shoot would be moved the more diluted the power base of the EC. The larger population base of the trap shooters there are viewed as a threat. No home court advantage. jmho

 

I have said all along that in the State of Illinois anything is possible, even if not probable ... The cost factors could be out of sight to the point probably not recoverable if its done on a limited basis ... The IDNR claims to maintain and operate the facility for a year costs $3 million dollars, the entire years scheduled event's generated income was $1.1 million dollars adding $1.9 million to the States deficit annually ... The facility is at the age where its going to be costing considerably more to maintain and for up keep and repairs ... I do not know for sure but not sure the ATA can off set the difference based on the tax code (501(c)-3) and be in compliance to retain same ... The $12 million dollars the ATA claims to have on hand is technically member money and the members should have a say so on an expenditure of that nature and for that reason when a limited amount of members attend the grand ... The Life Members should at least be given a vote in that matter so it might be a good time for someone to set up a "POLL" to get an idea of where the majority of shooters (members) would stand on this issue ... Personally, I would be totally against it for a multitude of reasons, but mainly what it will cost to entertain those who do attend unless they contribute a bunch to absorb and defray the cost factors ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

Perhaps someone can tell me how the Pat Trap machines have been cared for over the last ten years. Do they remove the machines or do they stay in the houses all year? Have they ever been reconditioned or do they just fire them up and hope for the best each year. I've had the personal felling they are in less than good shape as I've moved from field to field. Anyone know for sure how the machines are or are not maintained?