I am really looking forward to it, and so are my poker buddies. A couple have never played a tournament with more than one player, and many have hardly ever played with antes. They certainly have never played in an 8+ hour event before.
When I mentioned 45 minute rounds to one person, he seemed suprised. And did give me a "you're crazy" look. He's still playing though. Tough to have a two day event with only 16 people with 15-30 minute blinds!
None of these guys are crazy enough to event think about having such an event, but at least they're willing to play in it.
We usually play 2-3 $20 T2000 tourneys every other week. So this event's buy in is 2-3 times one night's entry fees.
Regarding the levels, I was also toying with the idea of adding in a 500-1000 level and a 1200-2400 level. But with my time constrains on day 1, that would mean two rounds with black chips on day two, plus the greater potential for more than the top 5 coming back the next day.
Of course, this will seem like the dumbest idea in the world if I bust out before the dinner break on day 1, but that's poker!