The GLS was started in 2008 between two fields TC (Ohio) and Colors (Mi.) with the players in mind as it was a BYOP series.
The GLS was designed for the tournament player as we all love to go to other fields and play, but the cost to enter other
events was not worth going to. This is why the GLS has gone and made it worth traveling to, yet having a great time is also
considered into the day.
The GLS is a series that will test everyone's skill level no matter who you are, as this series draws some pretty good teams
and players alike. The GLS started out as a BYOP series, but since other fields haven't followed the path it only seems fair
to not let them make money by selling paint to teams to bring to a GLS event. This may sound harsh but why let other stores/fields
make all the money when a series and the hosting fields are trying to help the players by allowing them to BYOP, but in return the
other fields won't do the same.
This year the GLS will again set the standards for tournament paintball in regards to giving the players a great return for there time.
The GLS has expanded to 5 fields in 4 states so that everyone that want's to give a GLS event a try can do so without having to travel
too far and the cost won't be much more than an open play for a lot of players.
Great Lakes Series (GLS) - Ranking System
The GLS is also the first series to have it's own ranking system setup to keep players on a level playing field for the most
part. This system will not happen overnight, but it won't take but 3 or 4 events to show everyone how well it is going to work
as 95% of the players only play locals and there is no way of really keeping track of them without a system like this.
I have had many players say why not use the APPA as it is already used by many places and my reply will always be the same and
that is that the APPA won't work correctly and then the extra per event player cost is a little more added on each event.
The GLS will have 2 divisions this year with a 3rd in 2011 providing the teams like what we have to offer and attend the events
in order for a 3rd division to be needed. This year as in the past, every player is eligible to play no matter what your
APPA ranking is or how good/bad you or your teams are as we have a place for you. This series will hopefully bring the old, retired
or players that aren't allowed to play locals anymore into the locals eyes once again and to have the teams/players that can't
afford the high cost of a national event the chance to knock off a team that they have only read about. (it COULD and DOES happen)
GLS Field / Layout Information
The GLS has some pretty decent fields hosting events this year and all will be using PSP or NPPL layouts of their choice.
All the fields will have 2010 PSP fields but they may choose to go back in the archives to pick a field of there choice that may
not use the 2010 bunkers. The layouts picked will have the same bunkers and field dimensions and will be released at least 3 weeks
before the event. The GLS paintballs will be made by
KEE Action and will be very thick and bright so that
players won't complain about crappy paint~ as this ball has won
17 out of the 18 GLS events the last 2 years when it was BYOP.
I would really like to thank these fields for there support in helping to make the GLS grow !