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.
ARLINGTON, Texas - The start date of the 2021
United States Bowling Congress Open Championships will move to May 1, and the event will feature a modified schedule to allow for social distancing with one team per pair during competition.
Flexibility in the availability of the South Point Bowling Plaza and nearby South Point Bowling Center, plus the commitment of the property s leadership to the success of the 2021 USBC Open Championships, will allow up to 50,000 bowlers to return to the biggest stage in bowling in 2021.
The tournament is slated to run for 79 days from May 1-July 18, but adjustments to the daily squad schedule will allow the entry capacity to remain at more than 9,300 five-player teams. Based on demand, the 2021 Open Championships can be extended as far as July 31, increasing the potential capacity to nearly 11,000 teams.