Bowling's U.S. Open And "Battle Of The Sexes" Final Rolls Into Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sports history will be made in Columbus as the U.S. Open and professional bowling strikes new ground with the 2013 Bowling's U.S. Open.  In an unprecedented moment for the U.S. Open brand, a first-ever "Battle of the Sexes" U.S. Open special final match will take place during the finals at this year's competition.

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. 

Following the completion of the men's and women's tournaments, the male and female champions will compete in a historic contest to crown the ultimate Open winner.  Local Columbus residents and fans nationwide can tune in and watch the match live on ESPN.  The "Battle of the Sexes" special final match will broadcast from Columbus immediately following the finals of Bowling's U.S. Open at 12:00pm ET on Saturday, July 27.  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 coming to Columbus to participate 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."

"Columbus is excited to host Bowling's U.S. Open and help the sport make history with the first-ever 'Battle of the Sexes,'" said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. "With the best bowlers in the world here in Columbus, we look forward to ESPN's broadcast showcasing how great of a bowling city we are."

The 2013 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, Roto Grip and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.  

Limited tickets remain for the live ESPN finals of Bowling's U.S. Open on July 27 at Columbus Western Bowl.  Prices range from $20-$75 and can be purchased in advance on pba.com under the "tickets" tab.  Daily admission tickets for pro-am, practice sessions, qualifying and match play rounds (June 21 - 24 at Holiday Lanes; June 21 – 24 at Columbus Western Bowl and June 21 – 26 at Wayne Webb's Columbus Bowl) are available at the door. 

Bowling's U.S. Open Ticket Information
Advanced ticket purchases and information, along with pro-am entries for Bowling's U.S. Open, can be found on www.pba.com.

Additional Event Information
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 (BPAA)