* What: Media welcoming and kick off event to officially introduce the 2008 USBC Open Championships to Albuquerque, N.M.

* When: Thursday, Dec. 20. The event will begin promptly at 2 p.m.

* Where: Albuquerque Convention Center (East Complex NE Exhibit Hall) 

* Additional information: The 2008 USBC Open Championships will occupy the Albuquerque Convention Center East Complex NE Exhibit Hall for nearly seven months. On Dec. 16, the venue began its transformation into a state of the art 60-lane bowling stadium. The Open Championships officially gets underway on Saturday, Feb. 16, beginning a 143-day run that will conclude on July 7.

Open Championships Tournament Director Brian Lewis will be available for comment as well as Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, Dale Lockett, Visit Albuquerque President/CEO and Tom Morton, GM of the Albuquerque Convention Center.

* Coming up: Construction of the temporary lanes, offices and vendor areas will continue up until the first week in February. At that time, media and guests will be invited back to see the completed venue and tour the one-of-a-kind facility.

The USBC Open Championships is open to any USBC adult member, and serves as bowling's premier showcase event. It features both Regular and Classified Divisions, giving bowlers of all skill levels an opportunity to compete on bowling's largest stage. This year's field of more than 60,000 bowlers will compete for a prize fund expected to approach $5 million.

NOTE: FOR PHOTO, VIDEO AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES PLEASE CONTACT MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER MATT CANNIZZARO AT (414) 350-1226.