Best Bowlers in Illinois Rolling into Aurora in 2020

The Illinois chapter of the US Bowling Congress (USBC) has announced it will hold its 123^rd Annual Open Tournament at Parkside Lanes in Aurora. 

“We’re thrilled to bring this tournament to one of the premier bowling centers in Illinois,” said Betty McCann, President of the Illinois USBC. “The Illinois USBC is proud to provide our bowlers such an outstanding venue for this competition.”

The tournament is expected to attract hundreds of 5-person bowling teams to compete over five weekends in spring of 2020, from March 28-May 2, except for March 11-12 which is Easter weekend:

• March 28-29
• April 4-5
• April 18-19
• April 25-26
• May 2-3

The Illinois USBC partnered with the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) to place the event in Aurora.

“Parkside Lanes is an ideal location for this competition given its proximity to lodging, dining, and attractions,” said Cort Carlson, Executive Director of the Aurora Area CVB. “The state’s best bowlers will enjoy competing in and visiting the Aurora Area of Illinois.”

Parkside Lanes took bowling’s center stage in 2019 as the setting for a series of Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tournaments, including the PBA Illinois Open. Sean Rash, one of the best bowlers on the PBA circuit, resides in nearby Montgomery and lists Parkside Lanes his home bowling center.

In addition to PBA events, the Aurora Area has hosted many major national tournaments and sporting events at public and private venues throughout the region. Highlights include soccer, lacrosse, and ultimate Frisbee events held at Stuart Sports Complex, such as the 2019 Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Midwest Cup, which garnered the Aurora Area CVB an award for economic impact from the national trade publication Sports Destinations Management. Sports event sales and housing are operated under the Aurora Area Sports Alliance brand, a public-private partnership represented by Pete Garlock, Director of Sales at the Aurora Area CVB.

“We’re very excited to be hosting the Illinois USBC,” said Garlock. “This distinguished event is the perfect complement for Parkside Lanes, where the best bowlers in the world have competed for several PBA events over the years.”

Noting the longevity of the Illinois Open, Garlock added “It’s especially amazing to think this tournament has taken place since William McKinley was president.” 

About the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Certified by the State of Illinois in 1987, the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (AACVB) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and marketing the Aurora Area as a premier overnight destination. The goal of the AACVB is to enhance the economic and environmental well-being of our region comprised of ten communities: Aurora, Batavia, Big Rock, Hinckley, Montgomery, North Aurora, Oswego, Plano, Sugar Grove and Yorkville.

About the Aurora Area Sports Alliance - The Aurora Area Sports Alliance (AASA) meets regularly to serve as a resource for sports planners, and their initiatives have established the Aurora Area of Illinois as a thriving sports destination. Created as a subsidiary of the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Aurora Area Sports Alliance is led by a volunteer board of directors composed of many of the Aurora Area's top community leaders in amateur sports. Participants in the Aurora Area Sports Alliance include representatives from Aurora University, Batavia Park District, the City of Aurora Parks Department, East Aurora High School, Fox Valley Park District, Oswegoland Park District, Waubonsee Community College, West Aurora High School, and the City of Yorkville Parks & Recreation. These supporters work together to make our region a premier destination for professional, collegiate and amateur sporting events on a regional, national and international level.

About Parkside Lanes - Founded in 1956, Parkside Lanes is a 54 lane bowling center in Aurora, Illinois. Parkside is a member of the Suburban Windy City Bowling Association. Parkside is family owned & independently operated, utilizing the latest innovations in automatic scoring and synthetic lane surfaces. Parkside is proud to be called home by professional bowler Sean Rash, 2012 PBA Player of the Year. As one of the largest centers in Illinois, Parkside Lanes is able to offer a variety of bowling formats, including open bowling, junior & adult league bowling, Sport sanctioned bowling, IHSA high school bowling, corporate events, fundraisers & more. Parkside often hosts events for organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, FVSRA, Special Olympics, and many of our local schools & charities.

About the United States Bowling Congress - The United States Bowling Congress officially launched in 2005 as the organization to serve adult and youth bowlers in the United States. Today, USBC serves approximately 1.4 million members. USBC is the national governing body of bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). USBC is a membership organization that provides standardized rules, regulations and benefits to make bowling fair and fun for everyone. USBC stands for values that include commitment, innovation, integrity, inclusiveness and fun.