World-Class Billiard Center to Be Built at Carolina Crossroads

Roanoke Rapids, NC (March 16, 2007) - MDII, L.L.C. has announced its plans to partner with pro billiards star, “The Black Widow” Jeanette Lee, to build the first Black Widow Billiards at Carolina Crossroads this year off Interstate 95 (Exit 171) in Roanoke Rapids. “The site is perfect, the location is perfect, and Carolina Crossroads and I have the same vision,” Lee said. “We’re looking for a place where people can have fun, connect with one another in a fun environment, and walk away having learned more about pool.” The Carolina Crossroads location is the first of numerous Black Widow Billiards planned.

Lee started playing pool at age 18, turned pro at 21, and was number one in the world by age 23. She is considered one of the more animated players in the WPBA (Women’s Professional Billiard Association) and is a fan favorite. “Black Widow Billiards will only help Carolina Crossroads attract the level of visitors to make this area a major travel destination. The boost that this facility will bring to Northeastern North Carolina’s economy will be huge,” said Michael Dunlow, Carolina Crossroads Developer.

The two-story, 31,000 square ft. facility will have 20 pool tables, a full-service pro-shop, restaurant, VIP rooms, and a conference center. “My aim is to also have women of the WPBA at Black Widow Billiards weekly to give lessons and to allow the opportunity for patrons to interact and sharpen their own game,” said Tony Davis, General Manager.

In addition to pool, the center will also include a 500-seat entertainment center that will provide a venue for the Comedy Club circuit and other events. “We also envision the conference center as a place for sports fans to watch major televised sporting events on one of the East Coast’s largest screens,” Davis added.

The $5 million facility, which is scheduled to open in 2008, will also be equipped for televised tournaments, similar to the Carolina Women’s Billiard Classic held recently in Rocky Mount, NC, and charity and corporate events.
“This $5 million development will be a great addition to Carolina Crossroads. Jeanette Lee has been called the most marketable woman in sports, and I fully expect her vision and others involved to produce extraordinary results,” Dunlow added.

About Carolina Crossroads: Carolina Crossroads is located off Interstate 95 in Roanoke Rapids, NC (Exit 171). The entertainment, tourism, and retail destination located between Richmond, VA, and Raleigh, NC, will offer live performance theatres, shops, hotels, convention and conference facilities, recreation and amusements, and numerous dining options. The Randy Parton Theatre, which opens in 2007, will anchor the Carolina Crossroads Music Theatre and Entertainment District and will feature country, pop, beach, and gospel music acts. For more information, visit www.carolinacrossroads.com.