Bowling's U.S. Women's Open to Set History For a Second Time: First-ever Outdoor Finals to Be Played on Historic Virginia Street Under the Reno Arch

ARLINGTON, Texas, Nov. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second consecutive year, bowling is breaking new ground at Bowling's U.S. Women's Open, the industry's pre-eminent professional women's tournament.  Following a landmark television finals event in 2011 that was played at the 50 yard-line in Cowboys Stadium, the Open finals will now – for the first-time ever – be played outdoors on legendary Virginia Street in Reno, Nevada.  History will be broken twice, as the event will also feature the introduction of the first-ever Bowling's Senior U.S. Women's Open, for participants over fifty years-old.

"Bowling's U.S. Women's Open captured international attention in 2011 and we are raising the bar even higher in 2012.  Setting one new record wasn't enough, so as the Open comes to Reno, we are fittingly doubling down – hosting our first-ever outdoor tournament and introducing a brand new senior women's championship," said Steve Johnson, executive director of the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America.  "In addition to setting new ground for our industry, this year's event will be a salute to the men and women in uniform who protect and safeguard our nation. Our opening ceremony will be a star-spangled celebration including a military flyover, a surprise hero to roll out the ceremonial first ball and a fireworks celebration to crown this year's champion – as well as more surprises to come."

Bowling's U.S. Women's Open is once again being presented by the Brands of Ebonite International, the premier manufacturer of bowling balls and bowling equipment.  The 2012 Bowling's U.S. Women's Open and Senior Open will take place simultaneously, beginning June 21 at the National Bowling Stadium, and will culminate with the top five bowlers earning a spot in the finals on June 27. For a second consecutive year, the Open finals, in addition to the newly-added Senior Open finals, will be broadcast on ESPN's family of networks. 

"The bowling industry has done it again, putting together an absolutely spectacular U.S. Women's Open for 2012 – and the Brands of Ebonite International are so proud to align our brands with this exceptional event," said Randy Schickert, CEO of Ebonite International.  "This event is unique in that it brings together the great sport of bowling and the powerful U.S. Open brand to attract the top female players in the world.  We are also particularly proud to support the introduction of the Senior U.S. Women's Open and to provide this stage for women athletes who are legends and vanguards for bowling, the greatest game there is."

Joining the Brands of Ebonite International as sponsors of the 2012 Bowling's U.S. Women's Open for the second year in a row include: Jani King, the official cleaning company of bowling, and Lipton Naturals, the official tea of the 2012 Bowling's U.S. Women's Open. Additional sponsors include Eldorado Resorts, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus Resort Casinos, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Bureau, Kegel, Dexter and Turbo Grips.

The 2012 Bowling's U.S. Women's Open and Senior Women's Open are open to all female youth, adult and senior bowlers in the United States and around the world. The entry fee for both the Women's Open and Senior U.S. Women's Open is $350.  For additional information and registration details, please visit: www.bowlingsuswomensopen.com.

About Bowling Proprietors' Association of America

The Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA), founded in 1932, serves as the voice of the bowling industry.  Headquartered in Arlington, TX 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 BPAA's mission is to enhance the profitability of its member centers 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.

About Ebonite International 

Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets domestically and internationally. The company's consumer product brands include Ebonite, Hammer, Robby's, Columbia 300, Track and Powerhouse; its commercial product brand is Ebonite Bowling Center Direct.

SOURCE Bowling Proprietors' Association of America