Bowling brings Reno economy to life

Sunday, March 12, 2000 | 9:25 a.m.

The Women's International Bowling Congress, which will draw more than 72,000 competitors through July 8, kicked off its 2000 championship tournament Saturday night.

WIBC officials estimate the tournament will pump up to $70 million into the local economy.

"It's like having an ongoing convention for four months," said Rick Murdock, vice president of sales and marketing for the Eldorado Hotel-Casino.

Wave after wave of teams will arrive from around the world to compete for a purse of more than $2 million.

The WIBC tournament returns to Reno in 2003, 2006 and 2009.

The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority built the bowling stadium in an effort to boost the area's tourism-dependent economy.

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