Wednesday, May 31, 2017

VA PENINSULA KICKBALL: Lots of stuff


Baby Got Bunts braved the rain to claim the belt this week. 
Happy #WAKAWednesday! Got some updates and reminders for you all this morning, so buckle up...

ALTERNATE LOCATION FOR GAMES: Due to the Peninsula Pilots using the stadium, games for the next two weeks will be played at Briarfield Park (1560 Briarfield Rd, Hampton). A couple of notes:

  • Briarfield is a public park. It is illegal to consume alcohol by law. So, that means we shouldn't see it in your hands and we certainly shouldn't see it left in the trash cans. Be smart, please. 
  • Time limits: We have four games going on at once and are scheduled to finish by 9 PM. Please do everything you can to keep your games moving and on schedule. We do not have the lights all night, so it's important to avoid delays. Here is a link to tonight's schedule
  • As you come into the entrance off E Street, you will head back to the far two ball fields. That is where our games will be located. See the field map below for your convenience. 


TAPPS UPDATE: As you know, last week the Facebook group was popping off. We had a thread that featured hundreds of comments and a 37-minute long live monolog by some asshole with too much time on his hands. The topics of discussion were all over the spectrum, but many of the discussions centered around our postgame sponsor, Tapps. Among the feedback given:

  • The current specials aren't attractive 
  • There have been issues with slow service and poor food quality in the past
  • There isn't much entertainment/energy
I want to let you know that we take these concerns very seriously, as does Tapps. On Thursday, I forwarded the link to the comments to them and without hesitation, they reached out myself, Fagel, and Curtis and set up a meeting. Together, we hashed out a plan going forward that will help make sure we're all set up for success. 
  • NEW SPECIALS: Based on feedback, the GM is implementing some new specials. We're going to have a cheap draft deal for Rolling Rock for those ballers on a budget, rotating craft beer specials for those with more discerning tastes, and possibly a cider discount. This is all in addition to the 50% off appetizers. We will have full details later today and I will update the league as soon as I get the details. 
  • SERVICE ISSUES: Many of you may have had issues in the past with slow service, specifically from the kitchen. Tapps did go through a management change in early 2017 and a lot of those issues have been tightened up. I'm confident that your experience in 2016 would not be the same this season if you give it another chance. And if you do have issues, the manager is encouraging everyone to let him know ASAP. Customer service is extremely important to Joe, Heather, and the rest of the Tapps crew, so if they aren't meeting the standard, they want to know about it so they can make it right. ALSO NOTE: When ordering food, it's going to come out to the bar, so don't stray too far. 
  • FOOD QUALITY: Along with the leadership changes, Tapps also implemented a new menu. Admittedly, I haven't tried much, but the wings are great. And I know I've heard some good things about some of the other apps too. 
  • ENTERTAINMENT: Last year on the survey, it was mentioned that there really wasn't much entertainment. In response to that feedback, Tapps brought in a DJ for Wednesday nights this year so we can get our cupid shuffles on. This has helped tremendously. Dancing isn't your thing? That's ok. The management did give the ok for bar games (as long as we use water and drink our brews on the side). In other words, GREEN LIGHT! Let's flip some cups! Shout out to Jamie LaCrosse for taking the lead and encouraging some postgame challenges
As you can see, Tapps is stepping their game up. We need to do the same. I know you all are tired of hearing me say it, but what you get from this league is what you put into it. Just showing up and playing a kickball game is going to be a decent time, but if you come out and have a drink, mingle with the rest of the league, and safely get home... you're going to take the experience to the next level. And you don't have to stay all night. You don't have to rage if you don't want to. Just show your face and have a good time. You won't regret it! 


BAR BUZZ: Congrats to BABY GOT BUNTS! They braved the rain and had a good showing at the bar last week. For their efforts, they have wrested control of the big gold belt away from CORN DOGS & SOFT TACOS. CDST's 3-week reign atop the mountain has come to an end. 

One thing is for sure. It's only going to get harder to earn that belt, so everyone bring your A game tonight. 

THEME WEEK: Don't' forget! Dress up in your best Patriotic accessories tonight! USA! USA! USA! 

SUMMER DRAFT LEAGUE: Finally, as always, a reminder to sign up for the VA PATRIOT DRAFT LEAGUE! Games are Wednesday night at War Memorial and Briarfield starting July 5th. The draft league is the best league because it totally mixes up the teams. Everyone signs up as individuals and the captains take turns building their rosters while we enjoy a great party at Tapps. 
  • COST: $65 (goes up to $70 on June 16)
  • INCLUDES: 6-week season, shirt, weekly specials at Tapps (I think I covered this mostly above), and an end of season party! 
  • DEADLINE: June 23rd *No exceptions!!*
  • DRAFT PARTY: Sunday, June 25th (Facebook Event)
  • SIGN UP: kickball.com/vapatriotexpress 


Phew! Lots of info. Thank you to everyone for being part of this great community. Looking forward to an awesome night tonight! 

Brent

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