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Popularity of Billiards

6/14/2008 10:16:56 AM

Popularity of Billiards

Someone's post about there not being any or many pool halls around got me thinking. It seems like maybe 30-50 years ago, there were pool halls everywhere. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't around then, it just seems that way to me based on what I read. It got me thinking about the slow decline the sport of billiards has been on in the United States and Canada.

I think what the sport lacks is basically the star power that the old greats brought to the game. Steve Mizerak, Wille Hoppe, and many others. We just don't have that today. Well, either we don't have it, or it isn't being promoted.

Here is a graph that shows a slow but steady decline in search traffic for the term "billiards" over the past 5 years.

As this site grows, I try to think about what we can do to help the sport grow in popularity. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Popularity of Billiards

Replies & Comments
  1. billiardsforumnjlarry on 6/19/2008 3:27:38 PM

    Very interesting graph and observation.

    It seems everything I enjoy is on the decline! Billiards, pinball, model trains, snow and water skiing, small sailboat racing all seem to be disappearing. It must be my age.

    As a novice, I don't know about billiards but lack of time, disposable income (taxes) are frequently cited by experts in my other hobbies. One wag wrote snow skiing was on the decline because the clothing isn't sexy enough! I think also there are so many other options people have to pick from. Personally I prefer real to virtual experiences. I also shoot pool and ski because I like doing it, watching the pros would not add interest to me. Tiger has kept golf in the spotlight, but few other personal sports can raise that kind of money to get the media's attention.

    As a novice, I wish there where more billiard centers and certified instructors. My town had one billiard parlor which closed leaving, within a one hours' drive, only beat up crowed dirty bowling center tables to play on. Most folks rent a table once, get frustrated and then leave. I am lucky to have found Atlantic City Billiards 45 minutes from home but only 10 minute from work (love two hour lunch breaks).

    Wish I knew the answer, hope someone else does.

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Popularity of Billiards

  • Title: Popularity of Billiards
  • Author: (Billiards Forum)
  • Published: 6/14/2008 10:16:56 AM