E-dition Nos. 1,049-1,050 • Friday, March 22, 2019
Editor: Bob Johnson (bjibob@aol.com)
We’re bringing you a double edition of the BJI Cyber Report today because the Report will be taking a “bye” next week. Watch your in-box on April 4 for the next edition. Meanwhile, visit bowlersjournal.com and bcmmag.com for breaking bowling business news.
Barbasol to Sponsor PBA Tour Finals on CBS Sports Network
Barbasol will be the title sponsor of the 2019 Barbasol PBA Tour Finals, Presented by Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas.
The PBA’s partnership with Barbasol, which began in 2013, will include 10 hours of live coverage on CBS Sports Network on July 20 and 21 from Red Rock Lanes, one of the nation’s premier bowling facilities and a preferred vacation destination for bowling fans.
In addition to its title sponsorship of the PBA Tour Finals, Barbasol will renew its sponsorship of a special “Close Shave of the Day” highlight in each segment of the Tour Finals.
“We are very proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the PBA,” said Tim McNamara, Vice President of Marketing at Perio, Inc. “Barbasol’s rich legacy of sports sponsorships and strong American heritage are a great fit with the PBA and its loyal fan base. We are looking forward to this year’s Tour Finals in exciting Las Vegas.”
The 2019 edition of the Barbasol PBA Tour Finals will feature the top eight players based on competition points compiled during the 2018 and 2019 Go Bowling! PBA Tour seasons, ending with the USBC Masters on April 1. Fans can follow the points race by visiting this link on pba.com after each tournament: https://www.pba.com/SeasonStats/PointsList/132?list=5.
“The PBA has been very proud of its partnership with Barbasol and we are excited to renew it in association with our PBA Tour Finals on CBS Sports Network,” said PBA CEO and Commissioner Tom Clark. “If traditions hold true, the eventual champion will end up with a Barbasol shaving cream pie to the face.”
Indonesia Selected to Host 2019 QubicaAMF World Cup
After 39 years, the QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup will return to Indonesia this fall.
A 40-lane center that is part of the Jakabaring Sport City in the city of Palembang in South Sumatra will be the host, World Cup officials announced.
The tournament will be held Nov. 16-24.
Mrs Hj. Percha Leanpuri B.Bus., MBA, the President of the Indonesian Bowling Federation, said, “We are delighted to have been selected as the hosts of this most prestigious tournament. And I can promise all bowlers, officials and visitors a very warm welcome and a most memorable 55th QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup. We are looking forward to meeting you here in Palembang in November.”
James Murray, the Director of ABS Pte Ltd., QubicaAMF’s official distributor for Indonesia, added, “Our 40-lane bowling center has the latest QubicaAMF bowling equipment, with BES X Ultimate Scoring ensuring the bowlers will have some of the best playing conditions in the world. We at ABS, together with the wonderful people of Palembang, are looking forward to welcoming the world’s leading bowlers, their supporters and visitors in November, and to show them our beautiful city.”
Noted Roger Creamer, QubicaAMF’s Regional Manager and Director of International Relations and Sports Development: “I recently visited Palembang and the bowling center, and was very impressed by everything the city and the bowl has to offer. I know all our World Cup athletes and guests will have a fabulous trip.”
Indonesia has a long and impressive history with the Bowling World Cup, having participated 34 times. Last year’s tournament in Las Vegas saw both Indonesian players make the top eight. Ryan Leonard Lalisang finished eighth in the Men’s Division, while Nadia Pramanik Nuramalina wound up third in the Women’s Division — the country’ best showing ever — after leading the qualifying. It was her first World Cup appearance and Lalisang’s eighth.
Other top Indonesian World Cup players through the years have included Indra Gondokusumo, AM Ismael, Lily Go, Putty Insavilla Armein and Sharon Limansantoso.
When the tournament was held in Jakarta in 1980, World Bowling Writers Hall of Famer Paeng Nepomuceno of the Philippines won the men’s event for the second time, while Jean Gordon of Canada carried off the women’s title.
Palembang, situated on the banks of the Musi River, is a city of more than 1.6 million people, with an interesting history dating back at least as far as the 7th century. It is known for its landmark Ampera Bridge. The city also has its own culinary delight, known as pempek, a savory fishcake delicacy. And, of course, Sumatra produces some of the most coveted coffee beans in the world.
New BowlTV to Offer Mix of Free and Subscription Content
The United States Bowling Congress has launched BowlTV, a new website and video-streaming service.
The website will feature a wide variety of video content, including live coverage of PWBA events, Team USA competition, USBC Collegiate and Junior Gold events, and much more. In addition to live video, BowlTV.com will host an extensive library of video-on-demand content, including instructional videos, historical archives and unique behind-the-scenes experiences.
BowlTV.com will feature a mix of free and premium subscriber content. Premium subscriptions to BowlTV are $9.95 monthly or $79.95 for an annual subscription. With the launch of BowlTV.com, all premium subscriptions will have a 14-day free trial and customers can cancel with no obligation.
The new BowlTV.com will have four primary channels of content:
* Live Events — Featuring PWBA, select Team USA competitions, senior and professional events operated by USBC, USBC Collegiate and the Junior Gold Championships.
* The LAB — See the latest innovations in bowling instruction and technology from the Team USA coaching staff and other expert guests.
* Backstage — A variety of experience videos including E.A.R.L.’s Journey to 900, featuring the state-of-the-art ball-throwing robot, plus special events from Team USA’s training center and new bowling celebrity video blogs.
* The Vault — BowlTV unlocks a treasure of newly digitized historical telecasts including PWBA, Team USA and World Team Challenge classics.
“The new BowlTV.com has something for everyone who loves bowling,” USBC Deputy Executive Director Jason Overstreet said. “Our goal is to provide a great experience for bowlers to enjoy USBC’s videos as a complement to the news and information on Bowl.com. The platform brings every type of content into one place with a blend of free videos and premium content.”
BowlTV.com plans approximately 800 hours of live-event coverage each season, in addition to new video blogs and series. It includes multi-channel streaming capabilities and will allow subscribers to view events and video-on-demand content on any mobile, tablet or desktop browser.
As a special promotion with the launch of BowlTV.com, the first 500 people to purchase a premium annual subscription will receive a free BowlTV t-shirt with their paid subscription.
To see a list of the live events currently scheduled for BowlTV in 2019, go to: https://bcmmag.com/2019/03/21/new-bowltv-com-to-offer-mix-of-free-subscription-content/.
Visit bowl.com/BowlTV for further information.
ZOT Names Parmer AV and ColorSplash Project Manager
ZOT ColorSplash has named Zachary (Zach) Parmer as AV and ColorSplash Project Manager. The announcement was made by ZOT President and owner PJ Rosendahl.
In his capacity as Project Manager, Parmer will be responsible for handling all technical and product aspects for ZOT customers’ needs relating to AV and ColorSplash LED Lighting Systems, including software training. His responsibility extends to coordinating LED lighting system layouts and designs with Urban Air Corporate and its franchisees, and various sub-contractors and vendors.
“Zach was already up to speed with the ZOT ColorSplash LED Lighting product line before joining the company,” said Rosendahl. “In his capacity as crew lead for his previous employer, S.W.A.G., Zach oversaw the installation of AV equipment and ColorSplash LED Lighting Systems, including software programming, for several Urban Air Trampoline Parks.”
The 24-year old Parmer, who resides in Quanah, Texas, says he learned his organizational, attention-to-detail and leadership skills during his tenure as a nuclear engineer machinist with the U.S Navy. In his spare time he enjoys repairing and restoring cars and trucks to their original condition, as well as outdoor activities and family time.
Adding Parmer to the ColorSplash team is part of ZOT’s ongoing program of expanding its customer service and support programs to further the company’s leadership role in programmable LED lighting systems for the recreation and entertainment industry.
Colombia Native Tobon Joins Kegel Connection
Carlos Tobon has joined the Kegel team as the new Pro Shop Manager of Kegel Connection Strikers in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Kegel Connection Strikers will continue to feature a full spectrum of modern coaching tools and pro shop services. The location has a Specto Ball Tracking System, Torch-X Lane Targeting Light, and an Arrow 3D Reference Tool. The shop features a full supply of inventory on hand to help customers match up to today’s challenging conditions.
Tobon brings more than 15 years of drilling and fitting experience, and has worked in and managed several pro shops in South Florida. He speaks both English and Spanish, which will enable him to better meet the needs of a more diverse group of customers.
Tobon is originally from Colombia, where he started his bowling career. In 2000, he moved to the U.S. and settled in Florida. He earned a spot on Colombia’s National Bowling Team in 2016 and also became a PBA member, signing with Storm Products and Turbo 2–N-1 Grips as a regional staff member in 2017.
Tobon has earned multiple medals in international competition. At the PBA level, he has been a consistent casher, finishing as high as second in the 2017 PBA Break Point Alley Challenge regional event in Tavares, Fla.
Illinois Center Honors 3858 Series of ‘The Buds’
Hi Top Bowl, a 16-lane bowling center in Highland, Ill., has completed a significant project to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the historic 3858 series bowled by the legendary Budweisers of St. Louis at Floriss Lanes on March 12, 1958.
The members of the team were all superstars in the formation years of the PBA: Don Carter, Ray Bluth, Pat Patterson, Tom Hennessey and Dick Weber.
In cooperation with the center’s local Budweiser distributor, Donnewald Distributing, proprietor Ray Voss created the tribute. The centerpiece is a graphic above the approaches that spans the entire 16-lane center, detailing the series record that stood for nearly 36 years.
Included are photos of the team, bios of the team members, a graphic of the historic scoresheet showing all frames bowled and even a drawing of Budweisers’ famed Clydesdale horses.
Click here to view a video clip that illustrates the display: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oz-luBZKtL0E8jY9WCl4utE94c40l-nn/view?usp=sharing.
Punch Bowl Social Recognized for Innovation
In naming Punch Bowl Social one of “The World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies” for 2019, Fast Company magazine had this to say about the company:
“When Robert Thompson opened the first Punch Bowl Social — an ‘eatertainment’ concept that combines games and food — in his hometown of Denver, in 2012, he had one thing in mind: to encourage real, human interaction among millennials, inspired by the Victorian-era tradition of gathering around a bowl of punch. ‘This generation demands experiences, which also manifests itself in food and beverage,’ he says.
“His company’s 15 U.S. outposts, from Atlanta to Portland, Ore., include plenty of diversions: VR parlors, vintage arcade games, bowling alleys, and the food itself, thanks to menu staples created by James Beard Award–winning chef Hugh Acheson and now under the aegis of in-house chef Sheamus Feeley.
“Punch Bowl Social’s revenue grew by 31% last year, driven by food and beverage sales. As the company expands — it added four locations in 2018 and will open eight more this year — Thompson is finding new ways to keep people engaged, entertained, and eating well.”
The success and growth of Punch Bowl Social is chronicled in the April issue of Bowling Entertainment Center (BEC), the bi-monthly companion to Bowling Center Management (BCM). Don’t miss Barry Sparks’s in-depth cover story.
IBMA Announces Major Award Winners for 2018
The International Bowling Media Association has announced its major award winners for 2018.
The honorees will receive their awards on June 24 during the BPAA Industry Awards Luncheon at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas during International Bowl Expo. The honorees:
* Luby Hall of Fame Award — Harry Page, long-time sportswriter and bowling reporter for the San Antonio Express-News. (Tragically, Page passed away just hours before he was to have been informed about his selection.)
* Alberta E. Crowe Meritorious Service Award — Karl Nocolai, creator of the collegebowling.com website.
* Mike Hennessy Award of Merit — Chris Beard, who served as Secretary of the National Women Bowling Writers for 10 years prior to its merger with the Bowling Writers Association of America to form the IBMA.
* Bowlers of the Year — Andrew Anderson and Shannon O’Keefe.
* Senior Bowlers of the Year — Michael Haugen Jr. and Tish Johnson.
Business Briefs…
* Bowlero plans to open a new location in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on April 27. The facility is being welcomed by the city because, according to City Council member Kip Tyner, it had been looking for a destination to provide students at the University of Alabama with some alternatives for recreation and entertainment.
* The Hotel Northland in Green Bay, Wis., includes a basement entertainment space called The Alley. It feaures a pool table, shuffleboard and — you guessed it — a two-lane bowling installation. The space is open for private events only. You can view a photo gallery of the hotel and the event space here: https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/money/2019/03/20/streetwise-hotel-northland-bowling-and-tours-tap/3201069002/.
* Quinton Kisor, 31, who was charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm and assault with a dangerous weapon in an incident at Apollo Lanes on Gratiot, Mich., last October, has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to one year in jail and two years of probation. Kisor’s weapon of choice in the incident: a 10-lb. bowling ball.
* Leonard W. Bocchicchio has been denied probation by a Pennsylvania state Superior Court panel. Bocchicchio was 17 when he killed a 75-year-old bowling center owner — Elwood Figard of Penn Classic Bowling Lanes in Altoona — with a bowling ball on Dec. 6, 1980.
Other News You Can Use…
* The iconic National Bowling Stadium in Reno turns 25 next year. To celebrate the facility’s 25th anniversary, a pretty expansive remodeling job is underway that should help usher the venue into the 2020s with expanded room, revamped bleachers, a completely new air conditioning system and more. BJI Editor Gianmarc Manzione recently spoke with Duane Hagen, USBC’s Tournament Director for the Open Championships, about the new look and feel bowlers can expect to experience when the 2020 Open Championships rolls through Reno next year. Listen to the full conversation here: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/podcast-duane-hagen-on-the-national-bowling-stadiums-25th-anniversary/
* Meanwhile, the 2019 Open Championships is underway at the South Point Bowling Plaza in Las Vegas, and the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame is again partnering with the USBC to produce a unique exhibit for the bowlers to enjoy. The exhibit features items from the museum’s permanent Asian collection. A group of posters features early bowling advertisements in Japan, as well as ads from the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Other unique objects are displayed in cabinets, much of it from the collection of Gerald Koenig, a long-time leader of the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs (now World Bowling) who was an advocate for bowling’s inclusion into the Olympics. Another unique feature new to South Point is the hanging of the “12 Great Moments” paintings, on loan from the museum through 2020, as well as a variety of PBA-related memorabilia.
* Other stories to check out on bowlersjournal.com: all the action from the World Series of Bowling X in Allen Park, Mich.; recent major scholarship recipients announced by USBC; a report from the World Bowling Junior Championships in Singapore; results of the USBC Senior Queens, and much more.
* The guest this week on Phantom Radio is John Carter, the adopted son of Hall of Famers Don and Paula Carter. To listen to the conversation, click here: https://kegel.squarespace.com/phantomblog/2019/3/20/john-carter-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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