Professional Bowling lands at Red Rock Resort

By Christopher Drexel

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 | 1:59 p.m.

The world's greatest bowlers will soon be convening in Summerlin.

Red Rock Lanes, inside the Red Rock Resort, will host the Professional Bowlers Association's H&R Block Tournament of Champions Jan. 19 to 25.

Though it's the second time the facility has hosted the tournament, this year holds extra significance as the PBA is celebrating its 50 year anniversary. The tournament will be held in conjunction with the PBA's 2009 hall of fame induction and a ceremony celebrating the 50 greatest bowlers in PBA history on Jan. 24.

"They're bringing the 50 greatest bowlers of all time to the property, so the nostalgia of this event is incredible," said Dennis Mathews, the bowling operations manager at Red Rock. "They will announce the top bowler of all time that night."

The competition begins with practice sessions on Jan. 20 and qualifying rounds happening Jan. 21 and 22. The field is cut to the top 24 bowlers for match play for Jan. 22 and 23. The finals will be shown live on ESPN Jan. 25 at 9:30 a.m..

"Every bowler competing is a previous champion," Mathews said. "It's a major on the PBA schedule. We're excited to be selected to host the tournament."

Three pro-ams, in which fans of all ages can bowl with the 50 greatest PBA bowlers, will take place at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 3:30 p.m., on Jan. 24.

Mathews said fans are encouraged to attend.

"That's what we bring it here for, for our league bowlers and all the locals to come and see the greatest bowlers ever," Mathews said. "We're excited to help support the professional level of our sport."

Christopher Drexel can be reached at 990-8929 or [email protected].