Pool players left without A/C at Hotel Topeka

Editor’s Note: The original article incorrectly said a city spokesperson did not respond. Daniel Garret informed 27 News the county is in charge of making repairs and upkeeping machines in the Conference Center. Staff notifies the county when repairs are needed, and they maintain access to the boiler and chiller room.

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Hundreds of pool enthusiasts from across the state filled Hotel Topeka for a multi-day tournament. But it’s not just the competition that’s heating up, the building is too.

Visitors tell 27 News the air condition hasn’t worked for days. Many say it’s a frustrating repeat of past years.

“Anybody and everybody walking up to you being like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m sweating. Oh, my gosh.’ You know, tables aren’t doing what we want because it’s so hot,” Player, Ella Weishaar said. “You know, our hands are sticky, like everybody’s buying chalks, gloves, just to kind of help counteract everything. But it’s a constant.”

Big industrial fans were set up throughout the hallways, but many guests including players sweat it out in their rooms.

“It’s extremely disappointing. You know, we put a lot of work into this, like I said, that my players play all year long,” American Pool Player Association, Kent Henderson said. “They earn their way to this tournament, and they deserve a better experience.”

And with temperatures nearing triple digits outside, players said it was affecting their game inside.

“With it being hot and humid, tables don’t roll as well,” Weishaar said. “And then our hands get all sticky, and it just doesn’t work out to the best.”

Although hotel management has provided fans, organizers say it’s just not enough to keep cool, as the tournament runs through the weekend.

Daniel Garret told 27 News the county is in charge of making repairs and upkeeping machines in the Conference Center. Staff notifies the county when repairs are needed, and they maintain access to the boiler and chiller room.

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