Each year, thousands of bowlers compete at the USBC Women's Championships, the world's largest participatory sporting event for women. This year marks the 100th anniversary, which will run from April 20 – June 29 at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kansas.
Wichita last hosted the event in 2004. Since then, Northrock Lanes has 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 Brian Hargrove, executive director of sports development. “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.”
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. Visit Wichita has created a welcome page for bowlers with information to register for the event, and to help guide them during their visit.
He added, “More than 14,000 bowlers will be in Wichita for the 100th anniversary of this prestigious event. Whether they are here to bowl or to watch the excitement at Northrock Lanes, we are thrilled to host them in Wichita, and can’t wait for them to enjoy all that Wichita has to offer – expansive dining, shopping and entertainment options.”
The entry fee is $44 per event, per bowler. An all-events pass is optional and is $8. The total cost is $140 per bowler, which allows them to compete in team, doubles, singles and all-events. Team squads are held 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.
To register or for information on what to expect during the championships in Wichita, 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 2017 travel and tourism contributed nearly $1.1 billion in economic impact to the greater Wichita area.
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