VIP and practice registration to begin for 2018 USBC Open Championships

ARLINGTON, Texas – Competitors at the 2018 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships in Syracuse, New York, again will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the tournament’s most popular features in one convenient package.

The VIP program returns for its seventh year and will help enhance the USBC Open Championships experience with program staples such as a membership credential, commemorative Logo Infusion performance jersey, VIP locker access at the Oncenter Convention Center, photo and video discount package and Bowling Ball Express discount.

Other package highlights are singles entries into the Bowlers Journal Championships presented by USBC and The Forty Frame Game and a team practice session for up to 10 people on the tournament’s team-event oil pattern.

The Bowlers Journal Championships, practice sessions and The Forty Frame Game are being held at AMF Strike and Spare Lanes, approximately four miles from the convention center.

The 2018 Open Championships marks the tournament’s fifth trip to Syracuse and first visit since 1999. It will run for 107 days from March 24-July 8, and the custom 48-lane venue inside the Oncenter Convention Center also will welcome the USBC Masters from April 8-15.

Registration for the 2018 VIP program now is open, and the program has always been very popular, so be sure to sign up early.

The $229.95 cost of the VIP package does not include entry fees for the Open Championships, but the VIP lockers feature unlimited in-and-out privileges, and each bowler's first Bowlers Journal singles entry comes with a one-year subscription to Bowlers Journal International.

Because certain portions of the program must be scheduled, bowlers are required to purchase their VIP memberships at least 30 days prior to their dates of competition in Syracuse.

To get complete details or become a VIP, visit BOWL.com/OpenVIP or call 888-910-2695.

Practice makes perfect
Bowlers and teams looking to get comfortable on this year’s team oil pattern can sign up for one-hour practice sessions featuring the same lane condition used on the championship lanes.

Practice sessions for the 2018 event once again will cost just $100 for an hour on a pair of freshly oiled lanes (up to 10 people) or $50 for an hour on one lane (up to five people).

The availability of practice times can be seen in real-time, and registration can be done online at BOWL.com/OpenChamp. Lane availability is limited, so be sure to register early.

Squad times for practice and the Bowlers Journal Championships will be 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The Bowlers Journal again will feature the same oil pattern being used for doubles and singles at the Open Championships. Fresh oil will be used for every squad.

Bowlers and captains can begin reserving practice times through the online portal at BOWL.com/OpenChamp on Nov. 20. Entries for the Bowlers Journal will be taken on-site in Syracuse or by phone once the tournament gets underway March 23.

For more information on USBC tournaments, visit BOWL.com/Tournaments.