2015 Open Championships in El Paso: FAQs
September 09, 2011
What was the biggest reason that El Paso was selected?
El Paso was the only bidding city that would be a new destination for Open Championships bowlers. El Paso proved to be terrific host city during a successful Women's Championships in 2010 and presented a strong proposal for 2015.
How safe is El Paso?
El Paso has the lowest crime rate in the United States among cities with a population of 500,000 or greater, according to the independent research firm CQ Press. Crime across the Mexican border is in another country and unnoticeable for El Paso visitors.
How many lanes will be able to fit in the venue?
The El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center has room for at least 48 lanes, and possibly more, which could allow for a side event of some sort or practice lanes.
Why was an east coast city not selected?
Many cities are unable to allow access to valuable convention center space for several months at a time. While USBC leadership has a preference to hold the Open Championships in an eastern city, all aspects of a proposal must be considered.
What other cities bid for the event?
USBC received formal bids from two other cities, Syracuse and Las Vegas.
What factors are considered when evaluating a city's bid?
There are many factors, including projected teams, appeal/newness of city, hotel rooms, quality and size of the venue, financial commitment and others.
Is the Orlando stadium project still on the table?
We continue to work with various entities in the Orlando area. If a stadium project does come to fruition, the next window for a major event would be in 2016.
Are there casinos in El Paso?
Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino is about 15 minutes away in Sunland Park, New Mexico, and offers horse racing and slot machines. Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino is a full casino with table games, about two hours away in Mescalero, New Mexico. Shuttle service is available to both attractions.
Will bracket winnings be distributed at the casinos?
No.
Are there hotels near the venue?
Yes. There are multiple full-service hotels within walking distance.
Are there lots of flights into El Paso?
Eight of the top 10 U.S. airline hubs have direct flights to El Paso, and Southwest Airlines has more flights to/from El Paso than any other airline.
Will USBC change the schedule to allow for fresh oil in each squad?
Beginning with the 2013 Open Championships, there will be fresh oil on every squad. Specific squad schedules have not yet been finalized.
Will fresh oil only be used in larger venues like the National Bowling Stadium?
USBC is committed to using fresh oil on all squads for all Open Championships moving forward, regardless of the size of the venue.
What lane conditions can bowlers expect to see in 2012?
All patterns for the Open Championships will continue to be sport-compliant.
Why is the lane pattern not released until right before the event?
The pattern must be tested on the lanes in the venue. Since completion of the lane installation does not occur until several days prior to the start of the event, there is a very tight window of time in which the pattern can be tested. The unveiling of the 2012 pattern will be live on Bowl TV.
Will the online registration system be expanded to include team management and other features?
Yes. Plans are underway to expand the registration system to include scheduling and team management and this is expected to be available in time for registration for the 2013 event.
How many teams are expected for the 2012 event in Baton Rouge?
USBC has already received commitments for over 10,000 teams and is expecting a near sellout, approaching 13,000 teams.
What months will the tournament be using in the coming years?
Dates for the 2013 Open Championships are still being finalized, however USBC plans to continue with dates in February through early July.
How often will future tournaments be held at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno?
The Open Championships will be held at the National Bowling Stadium in 2013, 2014 and 2016. There are no further commitments at this time.
What is the long-term future of the USBC Women's Championships?
After the 2012 Women's Championships at the National Bowling Stadium, the event moves across town to the Reno Convention Center for 2013 and 2014, before returning to the National Bowling Stadium in 2015. Events in 2013 and 2014 when the Open Championships are also in Reno provide an exciting opportunity for ladies to bowl both tournaments in one trip, and also for some new side events that will make for a more appealing trip in the future.
El Paso was the only bidding city that would be a new destination for Open Championships bowlers. El Paso proved to be terrific host city during a successful Women's Championships in 2010 and presented a strong proposal for 2015.
How safe is El Paso?
El Paso has the lowest crime rate in the United States among cities with a population of 500,000 or greater, according to the independent research firm CQ Press. Crime across the Mexican border is in another country and unnoticeable for El Paso visitors.
How many lanes will be able to fit in the venue?
The El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center has room for at least 48 lanes, and possibly more, which could allow for a side event of some sort or practice lanes.
Why was an east coast city not selected?
Many cities are unable to allow access to valuable convention center space for several months at a time. While USBC leadership has a preference to hold the Open Championships in an eastern city, all aspects of a proposal must be considered.
What other cities bid for the event?
USBC received formal bids from two other cities, Syracuse and Las Vegas.
What factors are considered when evaluating a city's bid?
There are many factors, including projected teams, appeal/newness of city, hotel rooms, quality and size of the venue, financial commitment and others.
Is the Orlando stadium project still on the table?
We continue to work with various entities in the Orlando area. If a stadium project does come to fruition, the next window for a major event would be in 2016.
Are there casinos in El Paso?
Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino is about 15 minutes away in Sunland Park, New Mexico, and offers horse racing and slot machines. Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino is a full casino with table games, about two hours away in Mescalero, New Mexico. Shuttle service is available to both attractions.
Will bracket winnings be distributed at the casinos?
No.
Are there hotels near the venue?
Yes. There are multiple full-service hotels within walking distance.
Are there lots of flights into El Paso?
Eight of the top 10 U.S. airline hubs have direct flights to El Paso, and Southwest Airlines has more flights to/from El Paso than any other airline.
Will USBC change the schedule to allow for fresh oil in each squad?
Beginning with the 2013 Open Championships, there will be fresh oil on every squad. Specific squad schedules have not yet been finalized.
Will fresh oil only be used in larger venues like the National Bowling Stadium?
USBC is committed to using fresh oil on all squads for all Open Championships moving forward, regardless of the size of the venue.
What lane conditions can bowlers expect to see in 2012?
All patterns for the Open Championships will continue to be sport-compliant.
Why is the lane pattern not released until right before the event?
The pattern must be tested on the lanes in the venue. Since completion of the lane installation does not occur until several days prior to the start of the event, there is a very tight window of time in which the pattern can be tested. The unveiling of the 2012 pattern will be live on Bowl TV.
Will the online registration system be expanded to include team management and other features?
Yes. Plans are underway to expand the registration system to include scheduling and team management and this is expected to be available in time for registration for the 2013 event.
How many teams are expected for the 2012 event in Baton Rouge?
USBC has already received commitments for over 10,000 teams and is expecting a near sellout, approaching 13,000 teams.
What months will the tournament be using in the coming years?
Dates for the 2013 Open Championships are still being finalized, however USBC plans to continue with dates in February through early July.
How often will future tournaments be held at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno?
The Open Championships will be held at the National Bowling Stadium in 2013, 2014 and 2016. There are no further commitments at this time.
What is the long-term future of the USBC Women's Championships?
After the 2012 Women's Championships at the National Bowling Stadium, the event moves across town to the Reno Convention Center for 2013 and 2014, before returning to the National Bowling Stadium in 2015. Events in 2013 and 2014 when the Open Championships are also in Reno provide an exciting opportunity for ladies to bowl both tournaments in one trip, and also for some new side events that will make for a more appealing trip in the future.