Bowling's First-Ever U.S. Open "Battle of the Sexes" Event To Make Sports History

ARLINGTON, Texas, May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In an unprecedented moment for the U.S. Open brand, a first-ever "Battle of the Sexes" U.S. Open exhibition contest will take place during the finals at this year's competition.  Announced today by the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA), following the completion of the men's and women's tournaments at the 2013 Bowling's U.S. Open, the male and female champions will compete in a historic contest to crown the ultimate Open winner. 

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The match will be broadcast live on ESPN immediately following the finals of Bowling's U.S. Open, which will air at 12:00pm EDT on Saturday, July 27 in Columbus, OH.  This groundbreaking match also represents the first time that a U.S. Open brand will put on a "Battle of the Sexes" event, presented by Brunswick Bowling & Billiards. 

"This event marks a milestone moment for bowling and professional sports.  Taking a page from the legendary tennis contest between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, bowling is now having its own 'Battle of the Sexes' on the greatest stage possible – a live national TV broadcast on ESPN from bowling's pre-eminent event, the U.S. Open," said Steve Johnson, executive director of the BPAA.  "With the best male and female bowlers from across the world participating in this year's Open, this competition will pit the absolute best of the best against each other in an electrifying and unprecedented finals match."

The Bowling's U.S. Open will kick off on July 20 at three host centers – Wayne Webb's Columbus Bowl, Columbus Western Bowl and Holiday Lanes – and will combine both the men's and women's tournaments.  This year's Bowling's U.S. Open has the support of title sponsor 100% Natural Lipton Iced Tea, and presenting sponsors The Brands of Ebonite & Columbia 300, Brunswick Bowling & Billiards, Jani-King, Storm Bowling Products and Roto Grip.    

Added Johnson, "Every year, Bowling's U.S. Open breaks new ground.  After hosting the finals competition from the 50 yard line at Cowboys Stadium followed by last year's outdoor contest under the iconic Reno Arch, we're taking things a step further in 2013 with this groundbreaking 'Battle of the Sexes' contest."

For additional information about Bowling's U.S. Open event in 2013, fans can log on to www.BowlingsUSOpen.com

About Bowling Proprietors' Association of America
Founded in 1932, the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA) is headquartered in Arlington, Texas at the International Bowling Campus.  The BPAA provides it's more than 4,000 member centers with group purchasing programs, business and educational seminars, legislative representation and proactively promotes the association and bowling industry.  The mission of the BPAA is to enhance the profitability of all of its members and raise the profile of bowling, America's top-ranked participatory sport.  For additional information please visit www.bpaa.com or call 1-800-343-1329.

SOURCE Bowling Proprietors' Association of America