With 18 leveling points, the best quality German rubber and a blue surface that`s easy on the eyes, the Diamond pool tables at a new all-ages pool hall in Kennewick are every pool player`s dream. "Their reputation is like the Cadillac of pool tables. They`ve got the best of everything on them," said Steve Sawdey, owner of the new Billiard’Aires Club and the next-door Sure Shot Billiards & Darts store.
Sawdey and his wife Yo Sawdey decided to open the pool hall for various reasons, partly because their friend and employee John Duclos was interested in getting his game back. Duclos is a former Alaska state champion and has played in the U.S. Open twice. He will offer lessons at the pool hall for players of all abilities and plans to arrange tournaments. The West Richland couple, who have owned Sure Shot for eight years, also saw a need for a place where local players could practice on professional quality tables. They said there are few locations in the Tri-Cities with 9-foot tables, and no one else has Diamonds. The seven tables at the club were made in Kentucky and have been used at a national pool tournament. "You`re going to be playing on the tables that the best players in the world have played on," said Duclos of Kennewick. The lights hanging above the tables were custom built by Steve Sawdey. Parabolic diffusers spread out the light, keeping it from getting into players` eyes. The lights are also color-corrected, meaning they are full spectrum -- the best kind of light to play under, aside from sunlight, he said.
Open in the evenings for anyone to play for $4 an hour per person. Kids younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Since the hall is open to all ages, no alcohol will be served.
The Sawdeys are still working to install raised seating -- to help watch the games -- and decor. Eventually they`d like to open a cafe and possibly install dart boards. "It`s for people who want to play billiards," Yo Sawdey said. "There really isn`t anything to do here if you don`t play pool." One advantage of opening the hall to teens is that they`ll learn proper pool etiquette. "I`m hoping to find a few kids who come in here and take interest in the game," said Duclos, who started playing when he was 17. He got hooked on the math of the game and the concentration it takes to play. At times, he spent 10 to 12 hours a day practicing.
Duclos said he had a teacher who taught him much of his pool wisdom, and he`d like to pass it on to others. "I think that`s my forte in pool," he said. "I`d like to break in some really good pool players out of this town."
Parts Originally published in the TriCity Herald
BILLIARD RATE SPECIAL
Want to practice for that big tournament? Need some real R&R time? The Billiard ‘Aires Club offers two Weekday Rate Specials that makes it really affordable. With in and out privileges.
WEEKDAY BILLIARD RATE SPECIAL #1!
Any four Hours for $10.00
o SAVE $$ with $10 flat fee per person
On our "extended play" billiard table rental!
Rent a billiard table for 4 hours between noon to 6:00 PM Monday thru Friday, and the total table rental fee is just $10 per person.
OR
WEEKDAY BILLIARD RATE SPECIAL #2!
NOON to Midnight
o SAVE $$ with $15 flat fee per person
On our “extended extended play" billiard table rental!
Rent a billiard table all day Noon to Midnight everyday and the total table rental fee is just $15 per person.
