Pokemon Nats tourny

Ok, so I totally forgot to check in & get our event tickets for this.  Last year was my 1st time going, my husband & kids' 3rd.  If we plan on arriving on Thursday, oh 4pmish, does anyone know if we will still be able to participate in this event on Sat?  Ive been reading stuff on the Pokemon forums, but its all just a guessing game at this point so I thought I would ask here & see if any one from Reg itself might see my question.  My inlaws bought our badges for us for X-Mas, so I totally didnt even think about the event tickets until today.  Now, Im panicing I guess you could say because here it is 4 days before Origins opens & we arent guarenteed to play.  Thats a little nerve racking.  Making a trip from St. Louis-Columbus isnt one where you can just turn around & go home without wasting $100's. 

So if any one has a sure answer, can you please let me know, I would greatly appreciate it!

 Thanks!

~Melissa~