This year’s tennis at Flushing Meadows reminds me that you win big by winning small.  The last year has devastated professional tennis and, as a business, it has been struggling while tennis popularity is at an all-time high.  Wimbledon 2021 was a minor success, but it failed to make even half of what it did before the pandemic.  This year’s French Open had fans but they were in limited numbers and didn’t come close to tournaments of the past.

NY Tough has been the motto, and so it was the standard operating procedure.  Players adjusted to the new rules but had their families and coaches with them.  Fans had to show that they got the vaccine and strict health protocols were in effect everywhere.  The first day of the tournament had an electricity not felt in two years.  They did it, the US Open was here for business and it didn’t let fans down.  The women’s tournament was full of drama and three-set matches.  In the end, the most unlikely qualifier stood there with the 2021 winner’s trophy.  Emma Raducanu, a British 18-year-old, had done the unthinkable, she won the biggest tournament and made herself a millionaire in a single day.

On the men’s side, Novack Djokovic, was chasing “The Grand Slam,” winning all four grand slam tournaments in a single calendar year.  He lost in the finals to Danil Medvedev, in a blowout.  In a strange twist of fate, Novack finally won the hearts of the crowd, something he had desired for a decade. 

The attendance for the finals was staggering, it was packed.  Fans had the choice to wear masks, most kept them on when watching from their seats.  Money was flowing, and people were spending! Fans thought nothing of a $20 cocktail, or a $15 hotdog, they had money to spend!  Each day of the tournament the crowds got bigger, and the fans and athletes adjusted.  New York was back baby and ready for business.  The week after the Open, Broadway started reopening plays and musicals. Oh yes! New York was back.

The idea of controlled growth in the time of the virus is essential to make a business work.  I recently reconnected with my favorite concert organizer and promoter, Rich Rivkin.  He has organized some of the best and most profitable events I have ever attended as a business.  The idea of concert festivals has been out of reach for a while, so Rich rethought what he was doing.  He couldn’t go big, so he went small.  The few events he organized were wildly successful and made him set his sight on going a bit bigger.  He partnered with a local retailer who has glass blowing and allows folks to enjoy cannabis without problems.

Another hit!  Each time, there are more individuals willing to follow the protocols and willing to do anything to hang out, listen to live music, and get high (LEGALLY!!!).  I was incredibly excited to add my company to the mix.  I’ve got games, lots of games.  I too, want to hang out, listen to music and share my games with a group of like-minded individuals.  The Long Island Hash Club, the name of the group, is now part of the Ganja Gaming Guild. I see this as our first-round match and winning means getting bigger and better.

My dream of game nights around the country starts here and now.  I’m joining forces with the Long Island Hash Club and Long Island Glass to make my dream a reality but I’m starting small and showing up for every match ready to win!  I will be there on Friday to show my games, give away some stickers and t-shirts, and maybe find you a perfect game for your next session!