Each year, thousands of bowlers compete at the USBC Women's Championships, the world's largest participatory sporting event for women. On April 20, the 100th anniversary of the championship began in Wichita.
The championship will run through June 29 at Northrock Lanes and will bring more than 16,000 bowlers to the city. “We are honored to host more than 16,000 bowlers in Wichita for the 100th anniversary of this prestigious event, and can’t wait for them to enjoy all that Wichita has to offer – expansive dining, shopping and entertainment options,” said Brian Hargrove, executive director of sports development.
As a part of the championship, four-person teams of bowlers ranging in age from 16 to senior citizens will travel to Wichita. Each team typically stays in town at least five days and bowls for three of those days. The influx of all these bowlers plus family and friends provides a large economic boost to the host city during the course of the event – estimated at approximately $7 million.
“The tournament is the highlight of the bowling season for USBC female members. Not only is it an opportunity to compete in one of the sport's most prestigious tournaments, it's often treated as a vacation as well,” Hargrove said. “Some will create a girls trip out of the experience, while others will travel with their families.”
Hargrove says the bowlers and their friends and family will be staying in hotels across the city and will plan things to do, from attractions and shopping to dining and nightlife.
Wichita last hosted the championship in 2004. Since then, Northrock Laneshas renovated the inside of its facility – the largest bowling center in the state – to prepare for the return of the event to the city.
“To bring an event with such a rich history to Wichita is a tremendous opportunity, and Northrock Lanes will be a great venue,” said Hargrove. “Wichita has so much to offer bowlers during their time in our city, and we’re looking forward to them creating exciting and memorable experiences in Wichita.”
The public can watch the competitions throughout the championship. Team squads are held daily at 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and doubles/singles squads will be at 7 a.m., 10 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.visitwichita.com/usbc.
About Visit Wichita: Visit Wichita markets the greater Wichita area as a major convention and tourism destination, thereby enhancing the economic development of the city, county, region and state. Visit Wichita is led by president and CEO Susie Santo, and in 2018 travel and tourism contributed nearly $1.1 billion in economic impact to the greater Wichita area.
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