Each year thousands of pool-players travel to Southern Indiana each 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).
In 1998, the Derby City Classic's first event was held. Greg Sullivan, the tournament's creator was a longtime fan of Johnston City Hustlers Jamboree from the 1960s. Sullivan partnered with the Pantone Company in order to find the perfect color for poolcloth. The Pantone Company's testing led to Tournament Blue becoming the predominant color in professional tournaments.
2003 was the second year of the event. The World Pool Alliance sponsored the tournament, which featured many top players. The tournament began with nine ball banks. After that, the one pocket and then the BIGFOOT-10-ball challenge followed. The tournament was held at Caesars Southern Indiana Casino Elizabeth, Indiana. There were many vendors at the event, as well as ring games and cash games. The tournament was held on 53 9-foot Diamond tables.
A few players were making their Derby City Classic debuts in the tournament. In addition to the tournament, the event featured special events like the Diamond Ten Foot challenge, which was a limited field of pros. The challenge is played on five-foot-by-ten-foot tables. The winner gets $16,000. The winner of the one-pocket and nine-ball bank contests receive $8,000. BIGFOOT 10ball Challenge was also the first Derby City Classic event. The winner of that contest receives $16,000, while the winner of the nine-ball bank and one-pocket contests each receive $8,000.
2006 was the third year of the event. The tournament featured many players who had played in their first Derby City Classic event. Corey Deuel, Dennis Grabe, and Lee Vann all played well in the 9-ball bank and one-pocket events. The other players were not as successful. Darren Appleton performed well enough in the One-Pocket to take third place. He also used his algorithm well in the Derby Cup, earning a third place finish.
The 2015 edition of this event was held. The tournament featured a number of players who have been in the field for their first Derby City event. Corey Deuel, Darren Appleton, Lee Vann, and Joshua Filler all did well in the Derby City Classic. Joshua Filler was able to secure a third-place finish in the onepocket. Efren Reyes and Mika joined them, as well as Shane VanBoening.
The Derby City Classic is an annual pool competition that takes place at Caesars Southern Indiana Casino in Elizabeth. The tournament features nine-ball banks, one pocket, and the BIGFOOT 10 ball challenge. The event takes place in January. Tickets will be available starting January 20th. Tickets can also be purchased at Derby City Classic, located at Caesars Southern Indiana Casino & Hotel. To purchase tickets, you must have a valid photo identification.