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Housing For the Birmingham NABC By Chuck Wilkinson Certainly, THE major bridge happening in District 10 during the year 2000 will the Fall North American Bridge Championships (NABC) in Birmingham, AL, November 16-26. This will be the first ever NABC in Birmingham. Clay Hall and Ann West, Co-Chairpersons, along with their tournament committee are working very hard to make this tournament one that will be enjoyed by all. As with any NABC, there will be a scramble for accommodations in Birmingham. All of the reservations for the NABC at the bridge rates must be made though Omega World Travel, the official ACBL Housing Bureau at 1-800-773-5069. They will begin taking reservations for Birmingham on April 10, 2000. So, if you plan to attend, you had better make your reservations then or else you will have to find accommodations either more expensive or less convenient. All of the events will be played at the Birmingham-Jefferson County Convention Center. The Sheraton Birmingham Hotel (700-room bloc) is connected to the Convention Center by an enclosed walkway. It is the Headquarters Hotel. The bridge rate is $83 single/double, and parking in their garage will be $4/day ($8/day for valet parking). The Best Western Civic Center Motel (125-room bloc) is next door to the Convention Center, but not connected, so you will have to walk outside. I mention this only because it will be November (could be cold or rainy or both), and, like many downtown areas, there are some security concerns about walking around at night. The folks in Birmingham have assured us that there will be extra patrolmen in the area during the tournament. The good news is that room rates are the most economical, $55 single/double and free parking. I guarantee you that these rooms will be snapped up and will be no longer available shortly after April tenth. The next closest hotel is the Tutwiler (90-room bloc). It is an old historic elegant hotel and my personal favorite of the three. The room rates are $80 standard/$90 deluxe king and parking is $6/day. The bad news is that it is a four or five block walk from Convention Center. If you have a large group of players from your area driving to Birmingham and want to stay together at more economical accommodations away from the downtown area, call Nancy Foy (901-332-5586, Ext. 355) at ACBL Headquarters or by e-mail (nancy.foy@acbl.org ). She will find what you want and bloc the rooms for you. Minimum of 10 rooms for these special requests, please. The Tournament Committee in Birmingham is planning plenty of food and fun for the players. This may be your last opportunity for a long time to play in an NABC for so little expense and so close to home. Chuck Wilkinson Chuck Wilkinson |