E-dition No. 1,005 • Thursday, May 31, 2018
Editor: Bob Johnson (bjibob@aol.com)
Complete PBA on FOX Schedule Announced for 2019
A new era for the Professional Bowlers Association is set to begin as FOX Sports and the PBA unveiled the 2019 Go Bowling! PBA Tour television schedule, featuring 30 telecasts and including a new PBA Playoffs series.
The multi-platform PBA-FOX Sports agreement, announced in March, includes 60 hours of coverage, nearly double this year’s schedule, and the most in decades. Nineteen of the telecasts will be live, the most in 11 years. Four 2019 events airing on FOX marks the most PBA action on network broadcast TV since 1999.
The announcement was made Wednesday by PBA CEO and Commissioner Tom Clark, and FOX Sports’ Executive Vice President of Programming, Live Operations and Research, Bill Wanger.
Kicking off the new PBA on FOX partnership will be a bonus event, the PBA Clash, on Sunday, Dec. 23 on FOX. The 90-minute special will feature top PBA stars in a unique competition, plus a look at the new year and upcoming events on FOX and FS1.
The new PBA Playoffs is a 10-telecast event that will seed the top 24 players after the first 13 PBA on FOX events of the 2019 season into an elimination bracket. All PBA Playoffs matches will be televised from Bayside Bowl in Portland, Maine, from the live first Round of 24 matches on Monday night, April 8, on FS1, through to the live semifinals and finals on FOX, Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2. The PBA Playoffs champion will win a $100,000 first prize.
Other highlights of the 2019 PBA on FOX Sports schedule include:
* Live coverage of four PBA major championships: the PBA Tournament of Champions on Sunday, Feb. 10, from suburban Akron, Ohio; the PBA Players Championship on Sunday, Feb. 17, from Columbus, Ohio; the PBA World Championship on Thursday, March 21, from Allen Park, Mich., and the United States Bowling Congress Masters on Monday, April 1, from Las Vegas.
* Revolutionary coverage of professional bowling’s biggest event, the PBA World Series of Bowling X. Five consecutive nights of prime-time WSOB coverage, including live finals of four PBA title events, will air from Allen Park, Mich., March 18-22.
* The PBA League team competition returns, for the first time all live on TV. Back in Portland, Maine, the PBA League will conclude the 2019 PBA-FOX Sports schedule with four live prime-time telecasts on FS1 for three consecutive nights, July 16-18.
* The CP3 PBA Celebrity Invitational returns and moves for the first time to network TV as FOX airs the event on Super Bowl Sunday at 2 p.m. Eastern.
In addition to the 60 hours of television, FOX Sports digital also will play a key role in expanding the PBA’s visibility.
Additional details concerning tournament formats, host bowling centers and more will be announced by the PBA soon.
The 2019 PBA-FOX Sports schedule: (all times Eastern):
* Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 — PBA Clash, Houston, Texas (FOX, 2:30 or 4:30 p.m. Eastern, depending on viewer’s location).
* Sunday, Jan. 6 — PBA Hall of Fame Classic, Arlington, Texas (FS1, 11 a.m., live).
* Sunday, Jan. 13 — PBA Oklahoma Open, Shawnee, Okla. (FS1, 11 a.m., live).
* Sunday, Jan. 20 — Mark Roth-Marshall Holman PBA Doubles Championship, Shawnee, Okla. (FS1, 1 p.m.).
* Sunday, Jan. 27 — PBA Lubbock Open, Lubbock, Texas (FS1, 3 p.m., live).
* Sunday, Feb. 3 — CP3 PBA Celebrity Invitational, Houston, Texas (FOX, 2 p.m.).
* Sunday, Feb. 10 — PBA Tournament of Champions, Fairlawn, Ohio (FOX, 5 p.m., live).
* Sunday, Feb. 17 — PBA Players Championship, Columbus, Ohio (FS1, 1 p.m., live).
* Sunday, Feb. 24 — PBA Indianapolis Open, Indianapolis, Ind. (FS1, 3 p.m., live).
* Sunday, March 3 — PBA Jonesboro Open, Jonesboro, Ark. (FS1, 5 p.m., live).
* Sunday, March 10 — World Bowling Tour Finals Presented by PBA, Arlington, Texas (FS1, 10 p.m.).
* Monday, March 18 — PBA World Series of Bowling X Cheetah Championship, Allen Park, Mich. (FS1, 8 p.m., live).
* Tuesday, March 19 — PBA World Series of Bowling X Chameleon Championship, Allen Park, Mich. (FS1, 8 p.m., live).
* Wednesday, March 20 — PBA World Series of Bowling X Scorpion Championship, Allen Park, Mich. (FS1, 8 p.m., live).
* Thursday, March 21 —PBA World Series of Bowling PBA World Championship, Allen Park, Mich. (FS1, 8 p.m., live).
* Friday, March 22 — PBA World Series of Bowling X USA vs. The World, Allen Park, Mich. (FS1, 8 p.m.).
* Monday, April 1 — USBC Masters, Las Vegas (FS1, 9 p.m., live).
* Monday, April 8 — PBA Playoffs Round of 24, Portland, Maine (FS1, 7 p.m., live).
* Monday, April 15 — PBA Playoffs Round of 24, Portland, Maine (FS1, 8 p.m.).
* Monday, April 22 — PBA Playoffs Round of 24, Portland, Maine (FS1, 9 p.m.).
* Monday, April 29 — PBA Playoffs Round of 24, Portland, Maine (FS1, 9 p.m.).
* Monday, May 6 — PBA Playoffs Round of 16, Portland, Maine (FS1, 9 p.m.).
* Monday, May 13 — PBA Playoffs Round of 16, Portland, Maine (FS1, 9 p.m.).
* Monday, May 20 — PBA Playoffs Quarterfinals, Portland, Maine (FS1, 9 p.m.).
* Monday, May 27 — PBA Playoffs Quarterfinals, Portland, Maine (FS1, 9 p.m.).
* Saturday, June 1 — PBA Playoffs Final Four, Portland, Maine (FOX, noon, live).
* Sunday, June 2 — PBA Playoffs Championship Round, Portland, Maine (FOX, noon, live).
* Tuesday, July 16 — PBA League Quarterfinals, Portland, Maine (FS1, 7 p.m., live).
* Tuesday, July 16 — PBA League Quarterfinals, Portland, Maine (FS1, 9 p.m., live).
* Wednesday, July 17 — PBA League Semifinals, Portland, Maine (FS1, 9 p.m., live).
* Thursday, July 18 — PBA League Elias Cup Finals, Portland, Maine (FS1, 9 p.m., live).
World Bowling to Review Global Specs
In an effort to review the current state of global bowling specifications, World Bowling will solicit input from member federations and industry stakeholders to determine if changes are necessary.
Currently, World Bowling recognizes specifications set by the United States
Bowling Congress on a global scale. However, USBC is one of 112 World
Bowling-member federations. In order to further the cause of inclusion in the Olympic Games, World Bowling is taking this step to study how specifications should be set globally.
“For many years, USBC has been a valued supporter of World Bowling and its global efforts, and we appreciate the time and resources it puts into setting bowling’s specifications in the United States,” World Bowling CEO Kevin Dornberger said. “The implementation of bowling specifications on a global level affects many stakeholders, and we take this responsibility very seriously. That is why we will be open and transparent about every aspect of this evaluation.”
Member federations and industry stakeholders are invited to submit a paper to the World Bowling Technical Committee, summarizing thoughts about the global state of bowling specifications. Submissions may not be more than two pages (any supporting test data may be included in an appendix) and must be submitted to Dornberger by email (ceo@worldbowling.org) before July 10.
Some industry stakeholders who have been past supporters or who have historically engaged with World Bowling will be invited to give face-to-face input on the subject. Those selected to provide face-to-face input will be notified. Statements will be heard during the World Bowling Youth Championships in Detroit, Mich., on the morning of July 28. A Q&A period will follow the statements.
Among those invited to participate will be all World Bowling member federations, bowling ball manufacturers, professional organizations, athletes and other industry stakeholders.
Brunswick to Equip New Cinema in Alabama
Premiere Cinema Corporation is one of North America’s largest independently owned cinema companies, operating more than 300 screens in six states. The company’s latest venture, in Pell City, Ala., represents its first foray into the bowling business, and the company has selected Brunswick to provide its bowling equipment.
Premiere officials say they are excited about their new Pell City location, which will feature 12 lanes of bowling, seven luxury recliner auditoriums, a ropes course, a 3,000-sq.-ft. gaming arcade, and more.
“This is going to be one of the most state-of-the-art family fun centers, located right here in St. Clair County, that includes not only a bowling center but a full-service restaurant and bar with 12 draft beers, including local craft beers,” said Mark Vaughan, PCC’s facilities director.
“We’ll have a Starbucks right on site to make Frappuccinos and other beverages that everyone loves. For the kids and kids at heart, we have a full-service arcade that includes a ropes course. Our party rooms will be available for birthday parties and corporate events. Premiere is in the business of bringing the fun, and that’s a lot to be excited about.”
Brunswick is supplying the new entertainment center with its Sync scoring and management system, oiled cherry Colorfull lanes, StringPin pinsetters, Lightworx LED lighting, Pinball Wizard bumper system, ball returns, masking units, and Center Stage Furniture.
Malott Holds Raffle for Texas School Shooting Victims
Former PBA Player of the Year Wes Malott is the most recent PBA player who is doing good things in the face of tragedy, holding a fund-raiser to benefit the families of victims of the recent high school shooting tragedy in Santa Fe, Texas.
Malott, who hosted his annual Malott’s All-Stars Youth Championships tournament last weekend in Austin, organized a raffle that included bowling balls from the brand he represents, Roto Grip, along with a new Roto Grip bowling bag, Dexter shoes, High 5 Gear apparel and a lot more.
Multiple winners were selected in the raffle drawing that was held Sunday, live on Malott’s tournament Facebook page, at the conclusion of his youth tournament.
“It’s a way our bowling community can get involved in a bigger way. I’m sure our bowlers would donate anyway, but I thought maybe we could do something that would encourage more people to help,” Malott said.
“It was kind of a last-minute thing, but Sean Rash is going to donate a jersey and ball. Parker Bohn is donating some things. It’s kinda taken on a life of its own, so rather than one big drawing, we’re going to draw for multiple winners. J.J. Watt announced he’s going to pay for the funerals, but there are still expenses for some of the kids who were injured, so that’s how we’re going to try to help.”
Malott noted the connection to the tragic event became personal when he took his 10-year-old son, Camden, to Santa Fe for a baseball tournament recently, and they stayed in the home of a family that has kids attending the school.
IBPSIA Master Class Is Sold Out
The next Master Class of the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association is completely sold out.
That announcement was made by IBPSIA Executive Director Bill Supper, who noted that the 10th and final available slot was filled 45 days prior to the event, which will be held June 15-18 at the South Point resort in Las Vegas ahead of International Bowl Expo.
“IBPSIA would like to thank our supporters — Brunswick Bowling, Ebonite International, MOTIV Bowling and Storm Products Inc.” Supper said.
Business Briefs…
* The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America has become the presenting sponsor of the BJI Cyber Report. With this new sponsorship, every member of BPAA will receive a subscription to the weekly business-to-business newsletter, beginning sometime in July. “We greatly appreciate BPAA’s support and are excited about the increase in distribution,” said Luby Publishing Inc. President Keith Hamilton.
* Bob Jahnke, one of the behind-the-scenes people who helped create the playing field for America’s bowlers, has passed away. Jahnke spent a good deal of his career as a resurfacer and installer for AMF. After AMF got out of the resurfacing business, he founded his own company, 300 Inc.
* Attending Bowl Expo in a few weeks? There’s an app for that. The app includes a floor plan, the ability to build a personalized schedule and bookmark exhibitors, download speaker and seminar presentations, find fellow attendees and connect with colleagues, receive real-time news and updates from BPAA, and more. The app can be downloaded in the App Store by searching “Bowl Expo.”
* Bowlero Corp. once again is offering a Summer Games Pass, offering up to three games per day, every day, from May 21 through Sept. 3 for a single price. In the Chicagoland market, the prices range from $9.95 to $43.95 for children 15 and younger, and $27.95 to $58.95 for those 16 and older.
* After months of competitive online competition, the field is set for the 2018 Golden Tee World Championship at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, June 8-10. Sixty-three of the 64 available spots have been filled by top players across North America, who will compete live on the massive Orleans Showroom stage. The final qualifying spot will be determined by the winner of a special Closest to the Pin contest scheduled on Friday, June 8. Golden Tee World qualifying took place throughout the months of February, March and April on more than 15,000 Golden Tee machines in commercial establishments across the U.S. and Canada. Incredible Technologies announced that the Nevada Gaming Control Board has granted approval for licensed Nevada sports books to offer wagers on the winner of the tournament.
Other News You Can Use…
* PBA Hall of Famer Ron Mohr overcame an open in the 1st frame and a 26-pin deficit early in the championship match to beat fellow Hall of Famer Walter Ray Williams Jr. to win the PBA50 Northern California Classic Presented by MOTIV for his 10th career PBA50 Tour title. The tournament took place at Harvest Park Bowl in Brentwood, Calif. Report: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/mohr-bags-10th-career-pba50-tour-title-in-northern-california-classic/.
* This week and next, Mohr and Williams will be on the lanes at the Sam’s Town Bowling Center in Las Vegas as the defending champions in the Super Senior Classic and United States Bowling Congress Senior Masters, respectively. Mohr had to drive into the wee hours of the morning to arrive in time for the Super Senior Classic, open to USBC members 60 and older, which runs through June 3. Williams will be joined by more than 250 of the world’s best bowlers — including Mohr — age 50 and older for the Senior Masters June 4-10. More: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/super-senior-classic-and-senior-masters-set-to-begin-in-las-vegas/.
* Thailand’s Annop Arromsaranon defeated top qualifier Anthony Simonsen, 221-208, to win the PBA International-World Bowling Tour Busan Cup Saturday on bowling lanes constructed outdoors in Pusan Gwangalli Beach Park in Busan, Korea. He became the second bowler from Thailand to win a PBA Tour title. Report: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/thailands-annop-arromsaranon-wins-pba-wbt-busan-cup/.
* The guest this week on Phantom Radio is Sam Villareale, who is busy at work illustrating Len Nicholson’s next book on the top 60 moments in PBA history. To listen to the interview, go to: https://kegel.squarespace.com/phantomblog/2018/5/30/sam-villareale-phantom-radio.
* CONTACT: Please send business news, event information, etc. to Bob Johnson at bjibob@aol.com. For breaking business news, visit bcmmag.com or bowlersjournal.com, and “Like” Bowling Center Management and Bowlers Journal International on Facebook. BJI Cyber Reports are now archived at bcmmag.com.
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