Bowlers boost Reno economy

Tuesday, July 15, 1997 | 9 a.m.

"Had we not had the WIBC here, I think economically this community would be in a world of hurt," said Mike Houghton, marketing vice president for the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority.

The tournament that began in March and ended on Monday followed a lackluster year for tourism in 1996 and floods in January that further hurt the industry.

The bowlers pumped an estimated $115 million into the local economy, officials said.

Despite the financial woes of the 2-year-old National Bowling Stadium, tourism and gaming officials said the facility has done what it was intended to do - bring people downtown during the traditionally slow winter months.

"Believe me, the thing is worth its weight in gold, but it's really hard to convince people of that," said Steve Trounday, marketing director for Fitzgerald's Casino-Hotel downtown.

The stadium came under increased scrutiny after management shakeups within the RSCVA and cost overruns were revealed last year.

The cost of the bowling stadium, originally estimated at $30 million, has ballooned to $57 million, including $7 million still owed to the city of Reno for the land.

But RSCVA officials said the stadium's economic potential will only increase as they learn how to improve operations and tournament marketing to make the facility pay for itself.

"What good is a lesson if you don't learn from it?" Houghton said. "I think we have been through the most difficult time in the learning curve."

Ruth Williams, WIBC tournament manager, said the event ran smoothly and the WIBC is looking forward to returning to Reno in 2000.

"Reno's done a good job with this event," Williams said. "I know a lot of blowers are looking forward to coming back in three years because they'll remember how nice people were to them."

The American Bowling Congress men's tournament, scheduled to begin Feb. 14, 1998, is the next major event scheduled at the stadium.

The ABC tournament was the stadium's first event in 1995. The 92,000 and bowlers and 136,000 guests who attended created an economic impact estimated at $230 million.

RSCVA officials also are trying to book smaller tournaments to keep the facility in use more often.