Lights out: PG&E power outages affect Fairfield Challenger

It was every Generation Z’s worst nightmare. On Wednesday morning, at 12 A.M. on the dot, utilities company PG&E shut off power to nearly 800,000 customers in the Bay Area, the largest preventative blackout in California history. Fairfield, Calif., home of the Northbay Healthcare Men's Pro Championship was among the areas affected by the blackout.

Because of California’s recent catastrophic fire seasons, PG&E cut the power as a precautionary measure,  something they plan to do more in the future, since a spark from one of their transmission lines ignited last year’s Camp Fire, destroying the town of Paradise and killing 86 people.

The Fairfield Challenger is no stranger to wildfire issues, two years ago smoke from nearby fires nearly forced the tournaments cancellation.

Players were housed at three Fairfield hotels, the Homewood Suites, Fairfield Inn and Suites, and the La Quinta. Power was shut off at all three locations, sending competitors scrambling for food, hot water, and most importantly Wi-Fi. Nearby restaurants were closed, and players who did not pack their own food were forced to figure out a way to eat before their match.

The tournament was prepared, however, in addition to providing the players with Legos and puzzles to stay occupied, a backup generator provided enough power to keep things operational. We spoke to rising star Zachary Svajda, 2014 NCAA Doubles Champion Hunter Reese, and USTA Player Development coach Diego Moyano on the trials and tribulations of the massive power outage.