ESPN’s telecast of PBA “World Series of Bowling” is living up to expectation

The “Worldwide Leader in Sports”, ESPN, and the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) are raising the bar for what is expected in professional bowling. This year’s telecast of the PBA “World Series of Bowling” kicked off with a significant increase in viewership. The Bayer Advanced Aspirin World Bowling Tour Finals posted a 14% increase from last year’s inaugural telecast. So far, the increased viewership has been just the tip of the iceberg.

After the 2012 PBA Chameleon Championship in Las Vegas, champion Scott Norton kissed and embraced husband, Craig Norton, during ESPN’s live telecast in a first of its kind. This event sent the internet and blogosphere into a frenzy, ultimately elevating the visibility and brand into a different demographic.

Beyond the lanes, the PBA and ESPN have set forth a modern, stylish promotional campaign titled “Love The Lanes” which featured the song, “I Know What You Want” by Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey. The league will continue its relationship with NBA star Chris Paul, who will host his fifth annual Chris Paul PBA All-Stars event. The event will incorporate some of today’s biggest stars from the NBA and entertainment industry. This is another effort – among many – the PBA has implemented, in hopes of ushering in a new era of spectators to the sport.

So far, so good for the PBA and ESPN.

“Love The Lanes” Promotional Commercial

Check out video of the recent Bowlers Journal PBA Scorpion Championship Game 1 Quarterfinals,

Here is the remaining schedule of the PBA “World Series of Bowling”

ROUND 1 JAPAN CUP – Sunday, January 20, 2013 3:00 PM ET ESPN

PBA LEAGUE ROUND 1 – Sunday, January 27, 2013 12:00 PM ET ESPN

CHRIS PAUL PBA LEAGUE ALL STARS – Sunday, February 03, 2013 4:00 PM ET ESPN

PBA LEAGUE ROUND 2 W/ CARMEN SALVINO CLASSIC FINALS – Sunday, February 10, 2013 3:00 PM ET ESPN

PBA LEAGUE ROUND 3 W/ MARK ROTH CLASSIC FINALS – Sunday, February 17, 2013 3:00 PM ET ESPN

USBC MASTERS – Sunday, February 24, 2013 3:00 PM ET ESPN

PBA LEAGUE ROUND 4 W/ DON CARTER CLASSIC FINALS – Sunday, March 03, 2013 3:00 PM ET ESPN

PBA LEAGUE ROUND 5 W/ EARL ANTHONY PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS – Sunday, March 24, 2013 1:00 PM ET ESPN

PBA TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS – Sunday, March 31, 2013 2:30 PM ET ESPN

PBA LEAGUE ELIAS CUP FINALS – Sunday, April 07, 2013 1:00 PM ET ESPN