PBA’s Xtra Frame Moving to FloBowling.com
FloSports, an innovator in live digital sports and original content, has announced a multiyear rights partnership with the Professional Bowlers Association.
As part of the announcement, FloSports will launch FloBowling.com, a new site on which fans can access PBA’s Xtra Frame for live and on-demand PBA coverage and more. The site will offer fans access to professional competition, breaking news, highlights, original documentaries, and more.
The agreement enables FloSports to provide live and on-demand coverage for more than 40 professional events each year with increased production value at several competitions, such as the Go Bowling! PBA Tour, PBA50 Tour and PBA Regional Tour. Live coverage begins June 30.
As part of the new partnership, Xtra Frame subscribers will have their monthly or yearly subscriptions automatically transferred to a FloSports PRO subscription at no cost. Subscribers will continue to pay their current rates and, as a bonus, will gain access to FloSports’ extensive variety of sports channels.
FloBowling will also serve as title sponsor of the FloBowling PBA Fall Swing, Oct. 14-20, at The Lanes at Coffee Creek in suburban Tulsa, Okla. The multi-event tournament, open to an elite field of 120 PBA members, will be covered exclusively on FloBowling.com and will award three PBA Tour titles during the PBA Wolf Open, PBA Bear Open and FloBowling Tulsa Open events.
View a full list of the remaining 2018 schedule here: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/pbas-xtra-frame-moving-exclusively-to-flobowling-com-starting-june-30/.
In addition to live streaming PBA events, FloBowling will also have international rights for all Xtra Frame linear events, as well as video-on-demand streaming of Go Bowling! PBA Tour telecasts one week after they air on their respective networks, including FOX Sports, FS1 and CBS Sports Network.
“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with the PBA and we’re excited to elevate coverage of the sport,” FloSports SVP, Global Rights Acquisition, Phil Wendler said. “Our focus is to make this a win for bowling fans around the world through considerable investments, including enhanced production, original documentaries, athlete profiles, breaking news, behind-the-scenes access and more.”
“FloSports has proven it is capable of supporting and growing sports beyond those we typically see on television,” said Tom Clark, PBA CEO & Commissioner. “We’re excited to team up with FloSports and give fans an outlet where they can find high-quality coverage of our events unlike ever before.”
Clark added that FloBowling subscribers will also have PRO access to more than 20 channels across the FloSports network at no additional cost.
By the end of July, all active Xtra Frame subscriptions will be transferred to FloBowling. Subscribers will receive an email from FloBowling with instructions explaining how to claim their accounts.
Fans can watch all of the matches across every screen by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku, or Apple TV 4, as well as on desktop and mobile web via FloBowling.com. For more information, visit www.FloSports.tv.
PWBA Will Shift to BowlTV After U.S. Women’s Open
This season, preliminary and some final rounds of Professional Women’s Bowling Association tournaments have been streaming on Xtra Frame. A day following the FloSports deal was made public, it was announced that the preliminary rounds of the final five events of the 2018 PWBA Tour season would live stream on BowlTV, the YouTube channel of the United States Bowling Congress.
Fans will be able to watch all competition leading up to the live finals on CBS Sports Network, including two of the season’s major events, free of charge.
View competition dates for each event here: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/bowltv-to-air-preliminary-rounds-of-final-five-pwba-tour-stops/.
The final day of each event includes live coverage of the stepladder finals on CBS Sports Network. The stepladder finals for the first four events will take place at 5 p.m. Eastern, while the finals of the PWBA Tour Championship will air on Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. Eastern.
Xtra Frame will stream coverage of the PWBA Louisville Open (June 8-9), Greater Harrisburg Open (June 15-16), and U.S. Women’s Open (June 25-29).
The full Xtra Frame schedule through June is here: https://www.pba.com/Live.
This week, BowlTV is providing extensive coverage of the USBC Senior Masters in Las Vegas. For a list of streaming start times, go to: https://www.bowl.com/BowlTVSchedule/.
QubicaAMF Rolls Out New eShop for OEM Parts
QubicaAMF Worldwide has announced the launch of the QubicaAMF eShop, its new online store for OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts and center supplies.
The site’s all-visual user interface, along with several other exclusive features, make it extremely intuitive and easy to use and navigate. With the eShop, centers can find the parts they need quickly, ensure they are the right parts, and manage purchases efficiently.
“We are very excited to provide our customers a much better way to manage their parts and supplies orders with the eShop,” said Emanuele Govoni, Chief Executive Officer of QubicaAMF. “Our customer service team has spent thousands of hours taking orders over the phone and understanding center challenges. We’ve matched that with the largest investment ever in research and development for an industry e-commerce platform, and after three years of extensive work, we have designed the best site in bowling around centers’ specific needs.
“Our aim was to ensure the eShop would allow a purchase experience aligned with sites like Amazon, Grainger and Home Depot,” Govoni added. “I am very pleased to say that with the eShop we are bringing our customers a true world-class, simplistically sophisticated platform that matches the quality of the best e-commerce sites in the world.”
Site features such as Smart Search and assembly diagrams with hotspots for all pinspotter types help customers find the parts they need quickly, even if they have only a partial number, or know only the machine type or location of the part on the machine. With thousands of photographs at multiple angles, up-to-date cross-references and part validation, centers can be assured they are ordering the right part.
The eShop also provides multiple features to help centers better manage their parts and supply orders on their time, and with 24/7 access to account history and technical information. For example, centers can add users to their account and grant them the permissions they need, whether it’s to browse and send orders for approval or to check out on the spot. With Quick Order, the Upload Tool and Easy Order House Ball and Rental Shoe forms, the ordering process is streamlined and simplified, and any specials or discount-level savings will automatically be applied at check-out.
“Using the QubicaAMF eShop has made my life easier and allowed me to be more efficient in my job,” states Bobby Wilson, Head Mechanic, Coconut Bowl. “The site is easy to navigate. I no longer have to dig through manuals or call in for part numbers because everything I need is right in front of me. If I don’t know the exact name or part number I can click through the drill down menus and zoom in on the parts to make sure I order the right parts quickly.”
“We invested a significant amount of time and effort in designing a revolutionary interface that is very visual, including industry first features, menus and high-quality images,” says Massimo Baraldi, Chief Technology Officer of QubicaAMF “If you try our eShop you will be amazed to see how easy it is now to find the parts you need very quickly from the first time you log on.”
With the QubicaAMF eShop, it’s easy to find the parts you need, ensure they’re the right parts, and get better information to help you improve your business. For more information or to register for the eShop visit www.qubicaamf.com/eshop.
Brunswick to Equip New Movie Bowl Grille
A new entertainment center is coming to the fast-growing, Texas community of Sherman, located in the “Texoma” region of North Texas and southern Oklahoma.
Schulman’s Movie Bowl Grille (MBG), slated to open next spring, will feature 75,000 square feet of fun, including 20 lanes of Brunswick bowling, eight auditoriums, an interactive gaming arcade, a climbing wall, and Billy’s Grille and Bar, a full-service restaurant featuring 86 different craft beers.
Schulman Amusement Company once again chose Brunswick Bowling as its bowling partner.
“This is our second project with the Brunswick team, and the first one was a great experience,” said Alex Schulman, director of operations and purchasing for the company.
Brunswick is supplying the new entertainment center with 20 Anvilane lanes, Sync scoring and management system, GS-X pinsetters, Lightworx LED pin deck lighting, Pinball Wizard bumper system, and ball returns.
“We’re excited about the partnership MBG-Sherman has with the City of Sherman and its leadership, including City Manager Robby Hefton,” said Schulman. “Grayson County is one of the fastest-growing areas in North Texas, and our location is at the gateway entry into Sherman, at Highway 75 and FM 1417. We are excited about being an active member of this historic community and providing the best entertainment experience in North Texas.”
Schulman Amusement and Brunswick first partnered on Schulman’s MBG Bay City (Texas) entertainment center.
Thomas Named VP of Finance for ZOT Pinsetter Parts
After nearly three decades of service at ZOT Pinsetter Parts, Darschelle Thomas has been promoted to Vice President of Finance for the Denver-based company.
The promotion was announced by ZOT’s President and owner, P.J. Rosendahl.
“Since joining the company in 1989, Darschelle’s contribution to our success has been immeasurable,” said Rosendahl. “Her promotion is both well-deserved and long overdue.”
Darschelle’s in-depth experience in all aspects of bookkeeping, including accounts receivable and payable, monthly account balancing and cash-flow management, are all experiences that will serve her well in her new capacity as VP of Finance, Rosendahl pointed out.
Michigan Center to Again Raise Funds for Alzheimer’s Fight
For the fourth year in row, Forest View Recreation Bar & Grill in Temperance, Mich., will be hosting an all-day fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
On June 25, 100% of food, beverage and bowling sales will be donated — up to $5,000.
This year marks the fourth anniversary of the passing of the mother of Forest View’s owner, Rich Kenny, as a result of the disease. After his mother was diagnosed in 2010, Kenny knew that he wanted to do something to help change the impact of Alzheimer’s, and soon became a member of the Northwest chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Each year, one day close to the anniversary of his mother’s passing, Forest View donates all sales for that day to a local Alzheimer’s charity.
“I could not think of a better way to remember [my mother than] by giving back to the organization that will someday find a cure for this disease,” Kenny said. “My goal is to have every bowling lane, every chair and every table full of people all day and night.”
Monetary donations also are welcome for those unable to attend but would like to show their support. Over the past three years, Forest View has donated more than $15,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association.
For further information, visit forestviewlanes.com or call Kenny at 734-847-4915.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s & Brian Awareness Month, go to: https://www.alz.org/abam/.
Junior Gold Registrations Top 4,300 for New Record
The 2018 Junior Gold Championships, presented by the Brands of Ebonite International, will have its largest field in tournament history, and membership in the Junior Gold program has set a record for the eighth consecutive season.
The Junior Gold Championships features the top youth bowlers in the country seeking national titles in three divisions — 12-and-under, 15-and-under and 20-and-under — and spots on Junior Team USA. The title matches of all divisions once again will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
The city of Dallas and the Dallas Sports Commission will host the 2018 event, for which more than 4,300 spots have been sold.
“The continued growth of the Junior Gold program and the Junior Gold Championships is a testament to the work being done by the volunteers who run youth bowling leagues and tournaments throughout the country,” International Bowling Campus Youth Development Managing Director Gary Brown said. “Because of their efforts, youth bowlers will have the opportunity to take part in the national tournament in Dallas. We expect to have a great event for the bowlers and their families.”
Two other events — the USA Bowling National Championships Presented by Sixlets, and the Bowling.com Youth Open Championships — will be held in conjunction with Junior Gold, as will a trade show with more than 25 booths, including autograph stations featuring players representing the brands of Ebonite International.
Another special event is Ebonite International’s Demo Day, which will take place at AMF Garland Lanes. Bowlers can try the latest products from the Columbia 300, Ebonite, Hammer and Track lines, and registered attendees will have the chance to interact with PBA and PWBA stars. Some of the bowlers scheduled to attend are Stefanie Johnson, Tommy Jones, Shannon O’Keefe, Bill O’Neill, Ronnie Russell and Diana Zavjalova.
For a detailed look at the Junior Gold Championships scheduled and its associated events, go to: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/record-field-set-to-bowl-2018-junior-gold-championships-in-dallas/.
Disney Eliminates Some of Splitsville’s Competition
Great news for Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Anaheim: The last remaining ESPN Zone sports bar and restaurant in the country closed its doors on June 2 at Downtown Disney.
Several other businesses in the dining and entertainment district will be demolished this summer — including the popular Rainforest Café, AMC 12 Theatres and Earl of Sandwich — to make room for a new 700-room hotel that will expand lodging at the Disneyland Resort.
That means, at least while the hotel is under construction, Downtown Disney visitors will have fewer dining options. Splitsville is one of the remaining restaurants likely to fill that void.
The as-yet-unnamed hotel will feature 700 rooms on 17 acres, adding to Disney’s three existing hotels in Anaheim — the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian and Disney’s Paradise Pier. It is expected to open in 2021.
This is the largest renovation of Downtown Disney, which was created to accompany the expansion of Disneyland with a second theme park and the Grand Californian hotel. While ESPN Zone has already closed, other businesses impacted by the new hotel will shut down by the end of this month.
NHRA Stars Go Bowling With Sean Rash for FS1 Feature
Known for piloting their top fuel dragsters and funny cars at more than 300-mph in National Hot Rod Association competition, Kalitta Motorsports drivers J.R. Todd, Richie Crampton and Shawn Langdon also have been known to get their competitive juices flowing as avid league bowlers.
The three NHRA stars, who competed last weekend in the JEGS Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., spent last Thursday afternoon with 12-time PBA Tour winner Sean Rash at Parkside Lanes in Aurora, Ill., getting a few tips from the former PBA Player of the Year in hopes of improving their games.
All three drivers bowl in a “Racers” league for drivers and crew members at Brownsburg Bowl in Brownsburg, Ind., where several NHRA teams are based, during the off season.
“I grew up a block away from Durbin Lanes in Lawrenceburg, Ind., so it was only natural to hang out there,” said the 36-year-old Todd, who holds a 180 average. “At first I went there to play the video games, but then I thought I should give bowling a try. After a while, I really got into it and eventually joined a junior league and was in a junior traveling league when I was in high school. It was a lot of fun, so I’ve stayed with it ever since.
“I’m definitely into it (bowling),” he added. “I catch it on TV whenever I can.”
Todd must have been a quick learner, as he proceeded to post games of 217 and 220 during an informal match involving the three drivers and Rash.
“When I found out about us being able to bowl with Sean, I was pumped about it,” Todd added. “You don’t want to miss an opportunity to get some tips from one of the best in the sport.”
Rash also had admiration for the drivers.
“I’ve had quite a few 300 games in my career,” said Rash, who is the only player to bowl two 300 games in televised PBA Tour finals. “But I wouldn’t mind going 300-mph like these guys do one day.”
Also on hand was FOX NHRA pit reporter Amanda Busick, who was taping a bowling feature for the FOX telecast of the Route 66 Nationals over the weekend. The PBA will join NHRA as part of the sports lineup on the FOX family of sports networks in 2019.
The bowling feature was scheduled to air on FS1’s Route 66 Nationals coverage on Sunday. You can check out the bowling forms of Crampton, Langdon and Todd on Rash’s Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/SeanRashFanPage/.
Business Briefs…
* Valley Lanes has contracted Creative Works for three new immersive attractions at its Midland, Mich., family entertainment center. Originally a traditional bowling center, Valley Lanes has since added an arcade, bumper cars, mini golf, escape rooms and virtual reality, and will add laser tag by the end of this year. A new Hologate virtual reality attraction brings an interactive twist to the traditional arcade, while the escape rooms offer fun, interactive game experiences ideal for team-building or social events.
* Stern Pinball, Inc. has announced the appointment of Doug Skor as Director of Export Sales. Skor will report to Chief Revenue Officer John Buscaglia and work alongside founder and Chief Executive Officer Gary Stern to service and grow export markets. He previously was Vice President of the Skor family-owned commercial distribution company, World Wide Distributing; President of Deutsche Wurlitzer USA; Vice President of EDC Gaming, and Vice President of Chicago Gaming Company.
Other News You Can Use…
* Ten-time PBA Tour champion Wes Malott set out to raise $5,000 to benefit the families of victims of the recent high school shooting tragedy in Santa Fe, Texas, and as word got out to the bowling community, help came in from all directions in the form of product donations from bowling product manufacturers, signed merchandise from his fellow PBA competitors and, most important, cash. Malott held a raffle drawing during his annual Malott’s All-Stars Youth Championships tournament in Austin, awarding prizes to multiple winners during a Facebook Live event, and announced his fundraiser had surpassed $8,000.
* Second-year PBA member Andrew Anderson made a difficult lane condition look easy in winning the PBA Xtra Frame Greater Jonesboro Open at Hijinx Family Entertainment Center in Jonesboro, Ark. In so doing, he became the Go Bowling! PBA Tour’s first two-time title winner in 2018. Anderson, who won his first title in the USBC Masters in April, defeated Tom Daugherty, 264-224, throwing strikes on nine of his first 11 attempts on a condition on which the other finalists had a hard time carrying back-to-back strikes. Report: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/andrew-anderson-wins-pba-xtra-frame-greater-jonesboro-open/.
* For a little more than a week, Josie Barnes reflected on an opportunity she let slip away during the first major championship of the PWBA Tour season. Now, at least for a few days, Barnes will be thinking about how sweet it is to be a two-time PWBA champion. The No. 4 seed, Barnes defeated top-seed Danielle McEwan, 224-216, to claim the PWBA East Hartford (Conn.) Open title at Silver Lanes. In all, she won three matches during the stepladder finals to capture her first title since the 2016 season. Report: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/barnes-bags-second-career-pwba-tour-title-with-east-hartford-open-win/.
* Mike Dias was nearly perfect in a 278-205 championship-match victory over Mark Williams as he won the 2018 USBC Super Senior Classic at Sam’s Town Bowling Center in Las Vegas. Report: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/mike-dias-wins-2018-super-senior-classic/.
* Facebook fans can now add a PBA-themed frame to photos, thanks to a new feature added by PBA. Three Facebook photo frame options are available. To use one of the frames, go to your Facebook page, and click on your profile photo (to change or update…) You will see an option next to the “update photo” that says “add frame.” Click “add frame” and search PBA to select the frame you like.
* Kegel chemist Dennis Sheirs is the guest this week on Phantom Radio. To listen to the conversation, go to: https://www.kegel.net/phantomblog/2018/6/6/dennis-sheirs-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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