Last fall I switched positions in the company that I work for, and now work in a totally different city than I did for the previous 3 years. However, at my old location, once in a while I'd pop over to the local bowling alley after work just to get some time in. It was an old center with 12 wood lanes, next door to a skating rink. Certainly nothing fancy, you just came in there to either bowl or visit with friends.
Fast forward to yesterday, and most of my old team came down here for training, and we got to visit during breaks. One of them asked me if I used to bowl in those lanes, and I affirmed that I did. I guess the puzzlement showed on my face, because he let me know that between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there was a failure w/the propane tanks used to heat the place, and both it and the skating rink burned completely to the ground, and nothing was saved.
I'd talked to the owners a time or two, and knew that they were just barely making ends meet with the place, and it was only open from 6pm till 10pm on Monday thru Thursday (which was the days I worked). I had asked that if they ever considered selling the place, or packing it in to let me know because I would have loved to have had some of the history out of the place. That was literally the only place to bowl within a 40 mile radius within a very rural location, so it really was a holdout from when bowling was huge. Were you going to see any of the newest equipment in the house? No. What I brought was probably the most recent equipment in the place, and everything I brought was 6-7 years old. But you got that sense of history, and the people who bowled there had been bowling together for 40+ years.
I immediately took to Google, and saw the footage that one of the local news station captured. Propane fueled fires are impressive. The owners didn't have insurance enough to cover the costs of rebuilding, so the lights that once were will remain only in the memories, and the newfound emptiness on league night for those that called it 'their place.'
History comes in so many different packages, and every bit of it that fades is a loss for the future. There is a story behind what has stood the test of time, weathering the elements and the neglect of those who were charged to maintain. This is true for nature, true for buildings, and true for people. Honor those stories, honor those people, learn from them in order to make our future better.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Thursday, May 8, 2014
A Plan to Fund and Promote the US Open for 2015
So, as of this writing, the US Open for 2014 in bowling has been cancelled, and they're already making plans to cancel the 2015 due to lack of funds/sponsorships. The projected costs are around 600K, which includes television time, venue, payroll, payouts, media coverage, and a host of other itemized costs. Since current sponsorships are falling by the wayside, and the various organizations don't seem to be able to come up with a plan to correct this -- in the interest of putting a proposal out there to save a historic major tournament, I've come up with a potential solution. In the interest of fairness, it's going to stomp on every one's toes equally who say "we can't do that", because if the need is truly there - a way can and will be found.
So, why are people so willing to back a winning team? Because it's a guarantee. Why do people love underdog stories? Because it strikes so close to home - David vs. Goliath scenarios. If we combine those philosophies on multiple levels, then it may provide a spark to restart the bowling industry, and move it toward a better, brighter future. Sponsors are much easier to find for situations where their money isn't needed, which is a bit ironic. But what that means is that sponsors are more likely to get behind an industry that already can pay for itself, than putting their monies toward a bailout/jump start.
So, keeping that in mind, and without further ado - how to Fund and Promote, and ultimately hold the US Open for 2015. Note - we need to adopt this quickly so that we don't lose any more time - going to need all of it we can have.
First: Every Bowling Center that has a USBC sanctioned league, or any competitive league will get a notice that the US Open will start with them. Three months before the US Open date, each Center that participates will have a 24 game tournament sweeper - 8 games in the morning, 8 in the evening, and 8 the next morning - on any US Open oil pattern used in the last five years, and the eventual winner of that tournament will be that Center's entry into the US Open field. For the 6 months prior to the 24 game sweeper, there will be an US Open oil pattern practice lane/pair available to anyone who wants to practice on it. The entry fee into the local sweeper is $100 to participate. However, the bowler who succeeds will have that center sponsor his/her entry fee into the Regional US Open feeder tournament, and if they survive that - their entry into the National US Open Tournament. All the bowler has to pay for is food and lodging. Any equipment that is USBC sanctioned and legal can be used, and the center and pro shop will have their names on the jersey that the bowler will wear in competition.
So - using round numbers: 500 Centers buy into this, and they get (on average) 20 brave souls willing to shoe up. Each center earns 2000 for that tournament, and if their winner goes to the National Tournament - they pay out $750 in registration fees for the Regional and National Tournaments. Approximate gain of $1250 per center, plus having promotional signage on their bowler's jersey. Additional benefit -- other bowlers will be interested to see how deep into the tourneys "their guy" goes, so more people will be paying attention to the tournament, whether for bragging or jeering rights. If the Regionals are done on Extra Frame - then there might be more subscribers for that service. Final benefit - many bowlers have never bowled consistently on a pattern that wasn't a typical house shot, so it would be a bit of an eye opener and educational opportunity for those who want to really see what the pro's do.
Second: 6 weeks before the US Open date, the Regional Competitions begin. The regional competitions will still be open to anyone, but the entry fee of $250 dollars will be paid for by the bowler if they're not a Center-Sponsored entry. If the number of non-sponsored bowlers equal or outnumber the number of sponsored bowlers, that would mean between 167 and 200 entries into the Regional Tournaments. Sweeper format again, only this time any US Open oil pattern can be used, and it would be 32 games to determine placement. The top 50 from each region would go to the National Tournament. Same rules apply - any equipment that is USBC sanctioned and legal can be used, and the Center and Pro shop logos are available on the bowler's jersey.
So - again using round numbers: 180 (averaging) bowlers come in and bowl the Regional Tournament. The US Open fund is paid $45k in entry fees per region ($270k across all 6 regions), and the bowlers are only responsible for transportation and lodging.
Third: 50 bowlers survive Regionals to head to the National Stage. They arrive at Reno fully aware that this is their final stop. Now they have to bowl 64 games in 8 game blocks to determine the top 8 bowlers for the TV show. Hearkening back to the way the television shows went, the first match would be between seeds 6, 7, and 8. The winner would then face seeds 4 and 5 in a match. Then it would be that winner facing seeds 2 and 3 in the next match, and the final match would be whomever survives meeting the number 1 seed. Again - same rules apply - any equipment that is USBC sanctioned and legal can be used up to and including the television show, and the logos for the Sponsoring Center and/or Pro shop can be worn on the jersey. Also those Sponsoring Center and/or Pro shops can be mentioned in any pre/post match interviews.
So - 300 bowlers go to the National Tournament, entry fees are $500 per person, so the US Open fund is increased by another $150k. Total number of US Open participants - 20K bowlers, which makes the field a bit more truly a National event. Total US Open fund at this point: $420K, which isn't enough to fully pay for everything, but when the Organizers go to sponsors saying "we would like a buy in from you, to pay for only prize funds. We're already fully funded for television time and production costs." That will actually go farther with sponsors than needing to find companies to cover television and production costs - because if they know that if they don't put up monies - then the event doesn't happen, which allows them to dictate terms. However, if the US Open Tournament can say "We'd like you to be a part, and we'll gladly add you to our sponsors list" that conveys a significantly different message, and a more attractive message.
It's a thought, it's a start for a discussion. There's a distinct possibility that those in the higher echelons in the BPAA / USBC / PBA won't like this proposal, but that might mean that I'm on the right track.
So, why are people so willing to back a winning team? Because it's a guarantee. Why do people love underdog stories? Because it strikes so close to home - David vs. Goliath scenarios. If we combine those philosophies on multiple levels, then it may provide a spark to restart the bowling industry, and move it toward a better, brighter future. Sponsors are much easier to find for situations where their money isn't needed, which is a bit ironic. But what that means is that sponsors are more likely to get behind an industry that already can pay for itself, than putting their monies toward a bailout/jump start.
So, keeping that in mind, and without further ado - how to Fund and Promote, and ultimately hold the US Open for 2015. Note - we need to adopt this quickly so that we don't lose any more time - going to need all of it we can have.
First: Every Bowling Center that has a USBC sanctioned league, or any competitive league will get a notice that the US Open will start with them. Three months before the US Open date, each Center that participates will have a 24 game tournament sweeper - 8 games in the morning, 8 in the evening, and 8 the next morning - on any US Open oil pattern used in the last five years, and the eventual winner of that tournament will be that Center's entry into the US Open field. For the 6 months prior to the 24 game sweeper, there will be an US Open oil pattern practice lane/pair available to anyone who wants to practice on it. The entry fee into the local sweeper is $100 to participate. However, the bowler who succeeds will have that center sponsor his/her entry fee into the Regional US Open feeder tournament, and if they survive that - their entry into the National US Open Tournament. All the bowler has to pay for is food and lodging. Any equipment that is USBC sanctioned and legal can be used, and the center and pro shop will have their names on the jersey that the bowler will wear in competition.
So - using round numbers: 500 Centers buy into this, and they get (on average) 20 brave souls willing to shoe up. Each center earns 2000 for that tournament, and if their winner goes to the National Tournament - they pay out $750 in registration fees for the Regional and National Tournaments. Approximate gain of $1250 per center, plus having promotional signage on their bowler's jersey. Additional benefit -- other bowlers will be interested to see how deep into the tourneys "their guy" goes, so more people will be paying attention to the tournament, whether for bragging or jeering rights. If the Regionals are done on Extra Frame - then there might be more subscribers for that service. Final benefit - many bowlers have never bowled consistently on a pattern that wasn't a typical house shot, so it would be a bit of an eye opener and educational opportunity for those who want to really see what the pro's do.
Second: 6 weeks before the US Open date, the Regional Competitions begin. The regional competitions will still be open to anyone, but the entry fee of $250 dollars will be paid for by the bowler if they're not a Center-Sponsored entry. If the number of non-sponsored bowlers equal or outnumber the number of sponsored bowlers, that would mean between 167 and 200 entries into the Regional Tournaments. Sweeper format again, only this time any US Open oil pattern can be used, and it would be 32 games to determine placement. The top 50 from each region would go to the National Tournament. Same rules apply - any equipment that is USBC sanctioned and legal can be used, and the Center and Pro shop logos are available on the bowler's jersey.
So - again using round numbers: 180 (averaging) bowlers come in and bowl the Regional Tournament. The US Open fund is paid $45k in entry fees per region ($270k across all 6 regions), and the bowlers are only responsible for transportation and lodging.
Third: 50 bowlers survive Regionals to head to the National Stage. They arrive at Reno fully aware that this is their final stop. Now they have to bowl 64 games in 8 game blocks to determine the top 8 bowlers for the TV show. Hearkening back to the way the television shows went, the first match would be between seeds 6, 7, and 8. The winner would then face seeds 4 and 5 in a match. Then it would be that winner facing seeds 2 and 3 in the next match, and the final match would be whomever survives meeting the number 1 seed. Again - same rules apply - any equipment that is USBC sanctioned and legal can be used up to and including the television show, and the logos for the Sponsoring Center and/or Pro shop can be worn on the jersey. Also those Sponsoring Center and/or Pro shops can be mentioned in any pre/post match interviews.
So - 300 bowlers go to the National Tournament, entry fees are $500 per person, so the US Open fund is increased by another $150k. Total number of US Open participants - 20K bowlers, which makes the field a bit more truly a National event. Total US Open fund at this point: $420K, which isn't enough to fully pay for everything, but when the Organizers go to sponsors saying "we would like a buy in from you, to pay for only prize funds. We're already fully funded for television time and production costs." That will actually go farther with sponsors than needing to find companies to cover television and production costs - because if they know that if they don't put up monies - then the event doesn't happen, which allows them to dictate terms. However, if the US Open Tournament can say "We'd like you to be a part, and we'll gladly add you to our sponsors list" that conveys a significantly different message, and a more attractive message.
It's a thought, it's a start for a discussion. There's a distinct possibility that those in the higher echelons in the BPAA / USBC / PBA won't like this proposal, but that might mean that I'm on the right track.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
So you think bowling should be "saved" . . . . ok . . . why?
This is not trying to be inflammatory, or imply that I don't care about how bowling is being perceived.
What part of bowling needs to be saved? The PBA? The BPAA? USBC? Local bowling centers? AMF/Brunswick centers? Ball makers? The flagship events - US Open, ToC, World 10-pin Championships? Or perhaps a more nebulous concept - the 'integrity of bowling' itself? If we decide to save bowling, do we save everything listed before, or are there parts that need to be chipped away or revamped to save bowling?
If every organizational body went completely under, and we were only left with local centers and ball manufacturers, and centers rose to heights or fell into flames based on how they served their clients - would that save bowling?
If there was a single body above the BPAA, USBC, and PBA, and they were responsible for national and international marketing in order to make bowling be on the same levels as the PGA, NFL, NBA, MBL, and any other Sports organization -- would that save bowling?
Furthermore -- if bowling as an institution needs to be saved - every person who feels that way needs to do a gut check and honestly ask themselves "why"? Why does bowling need to be saved, how does it need to be saved, and what is your "buy in" level in saving bowling? Is it:
1. A personal reason --
"I love bowling with my league, and it's slowly going away"
"It's the one sport I'm good at"
"Bowling is a good family activity"
"Bowling is my exercise - and it's cheaper than just about any other sport except running:"
"I'm top dog in my center, and I don't want to give that up"
2. A professional reason
"I work for the PBA/USBC, and would like to keep my job"
"I own a bowling center, and don't want to go bankrupt"
"I'm an aspiring PBA tour player, and want there to be a tour to compete on"
"I make accessories or equipment for bowling, and believe in my product"
Note - all of the above are purely selfish reasons - not a judgement, but being factual. None of them look any further past "my want/my need". Which is fine, we are all me-centric by default. The challenge is to then decide what part of "this motivates me" can translate into "this can motivate my friends, neighbors". What will it take for you, the bowling public - not the administrations, not the organizations, not the manufacturers -- to force change to happen. The only vote you have that matters, (USBC member/BPAA member/PBA member/whatever) is the one you make on a daily or weekly basis with your hard earned cash - Bowling or something else. Granted, there are other entities that influence that decision - the bowling center management, the pro shop, the league personalities, kids, bills, etc.... But for those that believe that bowling must be saved, the grassroots is where change needs to happen.
Ultimately, if you want bowling saved, it will not - and cannot be saved from the top down. Those structures are already in place, and have proven to not be the answer required. For whatever reason - whether protecting the status quo, short term gains for long term losses, a corporate philosophy instead of an entrepreneur's philosophy -- the bowling "boat" has not righted itself using the current administrations in every agency.
So, with the historical precedent of 30-40 years where bowling was the unofficial official pastime of the blue collar / white collar workers. With what was once "good enough" being no longer "good enough". With owning a bowling center no longer being a cash guaranteed business, and the effort to change with the times not being shown across the board . . . the question is still: "Why save bowling"?
Once you answer that question - the how becomes so much simpler.
What part of bowling needs to be saved? The PBA? The BPAA? USBC? Local bowling centers? AMF/Brunswick centers? Ball makers? The flagship events - US Open, ToC, World 10-pin Championships? Or perhaps a more nebulous concept - the 'integrity of bowling' itself? If we decide to save bowling, do we save everything listed before, or are there parts that need to be chipped away or revamped to save bowling?
If every organizational body went completely under, and we were only left with local centers and ball manufacturers, and centers rose to heights or fell into flames based on how they served their clients - would that save bowling?
If there was a single body above the BPAA, USBC, and PBA, and they were responsible for national and international marketing in order to make bowling be on the same levels as the PGA, NFL, NBA, MBL, and any other Sports organization -- would that save bowling?
Furthermore -- if bowling as an institution needs to be saved - every person who feels that way needs to do a gut check and honestly ask themselves "why"? Why does bowling need to be saved, how does it need to be saved, and what is your "buy in" level in saving bowling? Is it:
1. A personal reason --
"I love bowling with my league, and it's slowly going away"
"It's the one sport I'm good at"
"Bowling is a good family activity"
"Bowling is my exercise - and it's cheaper than just about any other sport except running:"
"I'm top dog in my center, and I don't want to give that up"
2. A professional reason
"I work for the PBA/USBC, and would like to keep my job"
"I own a bowling center, and don't want to go bankrupt"
"I'm an aspiring PBA tour player, and want there to be a tour to compete on"
"I make accessories or equipment for bowling, and believe in my product"
Note - all of the above are purely selfish reasons - not a judgement, but being factual. None of them look any further past "my want/my need". Which is fine, we are all me-centric by default. The challenge is to then decide what part of "this motivates me" can translate into "this can motivate my friends, neighbors". What will it take for you, the bowling public - not the administrations, not the organizations, not the manufacturers -- to force change to happen. The only vote you have that matters, (USBC member/BPAA member/PBA member/whatever) is the one you make on a daily or weekly basis with your hard earned cash - Bowling or something else. Granted, there are other entities that influence that decision - the bowling center management, the pro shop, the league personalities, kids, bills, etc.... But for those that believe that bowling must be saved, the grassroots is where change needs to happen.
Ultimately, if you want bowling saved, it will not - and cannot be saved from the top down. Those structures are already in place, and have proven to not be the answer required. For whatever reason - whether protecting the status quo, short term gains for long term losses, a corporate philosophy instead of an entrepreneur's philosophy -- the bowling "boat" has not righted itself using the current administrations in every agency.
So, with the historical precedent of 30-40 years where bowling was the unofficial official pastime of the blue collar / white collar workers. With what was once "good enough" being no longer "good enough". With owning a bowling center no longer being a cash guaranteed business, and the effort to change with the times not being shown across the board . . . the question is still: "Why save bowling"?
Once you answer that question - the how becomes so much simpler.
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