Albuquerque, N.M. – What do you get when you bring together more than two million pounds of bowling balls, at least 126,000 bowling shoes, more than 12,000 matching shirts and 63,000 bowlers from all over the country? Answer: The world’s largest participatory sporting event – the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Open Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico (www.itsatrip.org), February 16 – July 7, 2008.

History

- 2008 Event is the 105th running of the event and second time in Albuquerque

- 60,000 - 85,000 participants each year.

- Prize fund tops $5 million.

By The Numbers

- 60 Lanes

- Enough lumber and materials in lane construction to build five, three-bedroom homes, plus six miles of cable and wiring.

- More than one million pins are expected to drop over the 143 day tournament.

Economic Impact

- According to the USBC, 100,000 visitors are expected generating $75 - $100 million in economic impact.

Going High Tech

- A 12-lane side tournament features state-of-the-art LED scoreboards.

- Scoreboards offer a clearer picture with the latest 10mm technology.

- The enhanced graphics include 4.4 trillion colors and streaming video.

- The new scoreboards are tagged as the world's largest mobile scoreboard of their kind.

- The side tournament features ultra-modern furniture and sleek touch-screen technology.

“We are thrilled to host the USBC Open Championships again. The buzz downtown is exciting and our local economy will benefit tremendously from having the bowlers and their families in town over the next several months,” said Dale Lockett, president/CEO of the Visit Albuquerque.

The event is based on tradition in which many family members compete and travel together.

"We really try to do the Open Championships together every year and make our plans around the event,” said Kevin Quinn who bowls with his brother. “We were both here in 2000 and we really enjoy it in Albuquerque. We're having a good time so far."

Daily competitions run from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. through July 7th. Spectators are encouraged to attend. Admission is free.

The opportunity for Albuquerque to host this event was made possible by the Visit Albuquerque, City of Albuquerque, Santa Ana Star Casino, Sandia Resort & Casino, High Finance and Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. Visit www.itsatrip.org for information.