Thread: PONY Nationals Experience

Hello,

My DD is 14 and we are attending PONY Nationals in NC next week. Was wondering if anyone can tell me about the entire experience? What to expect, etc?

We went last year. The fields, for the most part, are very good. The competition is up and down. There are some very good teams there and some that are not so good. Most of the umpires did a great job. The opening ceremony is at a lake, bring a tent and some chairs. It is out in a field. You can't hear the speaker and most of the kids are running around trading pins anyway. They have clowns, entertainment, etc. There is a parade of teams, but it takes forever to organize. The older kids go first and then the younger ones. It's usually so hot that we skip the whole thing. The kids are already on the fields for a very long time and we think they need to get in the cool air. There are vendors there so you can get some pretty cool stuff.

Cary is a nice area but you can expect some traffic as you travel so leave extra time. If you have days off, you can visit some of the nearby colleges and there is plenty to do.

I think it is a good tournament, well organized and worth it. This will be our last year there as we are going up an age division next year.

We'll be there too, so maybe we will see each other on the field.

Make sure you bring lots of water and cool towels for your kids. North Carolina tends to be hot and muggy during that time of year.

We attended last year and are attending again this year. The facilities last years team playaed at were very nice and the event well run and organized.

As for competition, maybe it was our draw and bracket, but every game was a good one (some wins, some losses).

This will be our last year as well as DD will be moving up to 16/18. we also will be looking at Duke, UNC & Wake Forest while in Cary.

What teams do your DDs play for? I will keep a lookout for you? This is our first time going. Our girls will also be moving up to 16u after nationals.

DD plays for the NJ Insanity Black

My DD plays for NY Lady Bombers. Hope to see you all out there!!

Jjaly: If I'm right about teams (looking at an advance copy of the schedule) I believe your DD will play Atlantabell's team (Maryland Magic/Wagners's) Saturday @ 1.

I think you are correct! Now, let's see which one of my teams shows up, if you know what I mean! LOL.

The real team or the aliens in the uniforms pretending to be softball players!