Talking Stick Resort launches new poker tournament

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY – The ARENA Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort continues to cement its position as the best poker room in the Southwest with the addition of a new tournament to its roster. The inaugural ARENA Poker Room Seniors Poker Open will kick off on Saturday, Sept. 16 and will continue through to the final table on Monday, Sept. 18.

“While The ARENA Poker Room is wildly popular among players of all ages, one of the largest groups we see are seniors,” said Tom Young, director of poker at Talking Stick Resort. “This tournament is truly an expression of appreciation for their continued dedication to the game.”

Geared toward players 50 years of age and older, each will vie for a share of the more than $65,000 prize pool. For the $570 buy-in, players receive $12,000 in tournament chips to compete in the three-day Texas No-Limit Hold’ em tournament. An additional $5,000 in bonus tournament chips can also be purchased for $20.

Play begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16 and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17. As players are eliminated during these initial days, they have the opportunity to reenter for an additional $570 buy-in. Poker play will continue through Saturday until approximately 6:30 p.m. or the end of round 15. The remaining 10 players will then return on Sunday at 10 a.m. to compete in the final table until an inaugural champion is crowned.

The winner of the ARENA Poker Room Seniors Poker Open will receive nearly $15,000, while second and third place will earn $11,610 and $7,901 respectively. Prize amounts are based on 150 entries to the tournament, and the top 20 players will win a payout. The payout structure for the tournament is as follows:

1st – $14,996

2nd – $11,610

3rd – $7,901

4th – $4,999

5th – $3,967

6th – $3,419

7th – $2,903

8th – $2,419

9th – $1,967

10th – $1,613

11th – 20th – $871

For more information about the ARENA Poker Room and upcoming tournaments at Talking Stick Resort, visit www.talkingstickresort.com or call (480) 850-8693.