We’re expecting more than 500 of you this afternoon and evening at the Showbox SODO for the first GeekWire Summer Bash — featuring two ping-pong tournaments, a foosball competition, games, prizes, great food and drink, and (most importantly) a chance to connect with the Seattle region’s tech community.
Highlights include the return of our GeekBall court, an oversized game of pool in which players kick soccer balls into the pockets.
We’ll also be giving away great prizes for people who find one of 10 golden ping-pong balls scattered throughout the venue.
And you’ll want to show up in your company colors, and then some, to compete for the coveted Geek Pride Award, with a special prize of its own.
In short, it’s going to be a blast. Last-minute tickets are still available. Here’s a recap with details for all of you attending.
Location: Showbox SODO’s address is 1700 1st Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98134.
Time: The event runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Doors open early at 3 p.m. for ping-pong and foosball players only.)
Parking: Though there is no validated parking for this venue, there are various parking lots and street parking (if you are lucky) surrounding the Showbox SODO. We recommend the Safeco parking lot as it has 2,000 spaces. It is just south of the ballbark and the entrance is off of Edgar Martinez Drive. Come prepared with your cash/credit card for this prepaid lot.
Prizes: We’ve never had such an awesome array of prizes, from home/office makeovers to Kobo electronic reading devices to Sounders tickets. Your chances of walking out the door with something cool is pretty gosh-darned good.
Ping-pong and foosball: We’ve got more than 100 competitors vying for prizes and bragging rights in three tournaments. Check out the updated brackets here to find out who’s in the tournaments, and come ready to cheer on your favorites.
Sponsors: A huge thanks to sponsors Kobo, Filter, Barokas PR, Gist, Korrio, Tableau Software, Turnstone, Waggener Edstrom, Exsilio Solutions, ThePlatform, Zipwhip, SEOmoz, PayScale, and Christensen O’Connor Johnson & Kindness for making the event possible. Be sure to check out sponsor booths at the event for great activities and more prizes.
FAQ for ping-pong and foosball players
What should I wear? Comfortable clothes, tennis shoes, and a towel to dry off. And don’t forget to fly your corporate colors in an effort to win the coveted “Geek Pride” award.
Are personal paddles permitted? Absolutely. But if you don’t have your own bat, we’ll be providing some at the door upon check in.
How will matches be scored? For ping pong, each match will consist of a best of three-game series. Games will be played to 11 points, with players alternating serves after every two points. Games must be won by two points. For those who need a refresher, here are some basic rules of ping pong.
For foosball, it will also be a best of three-game series, single elimination tournament. We’ll play games to 5, with a time limit of 25 minutes on each match. Here are some basic rules. (and NO spinning allowed). Players will get a three-minute warm-up prior to each match.
What happens if I lose my first match? You will be eliminated from the tournament, but as tables open up throughout the evening you’ll be able to challenge your friends and co-workers to “friendly” matches in open play.
Why are you doing this? We love ping pong, foosball and geek culture, and thought it was time to combine them into one massive Summer Bash.
See everyone later today!
