LAS VEGAS - The start of the 2021
United States Bowling Congress Open Championships meant far more than just the continuation of some of the sport's most cherished traditions, and nearly 500 bowlers helped mark the return of the world's largest participatory sporting event.
The 98 teams that participated throughout the day Saturday at the South Point Bowling Plaza were the first of more than 7,700 scheduled to compete during the 79-day run of the storied event, which is the tournament's 117th edition.
The USBC Open Championships last was held in 2019, also at South Point, and it had been more than 660 days since a ball rolled down the championship lanes.