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In this photo provided by the Las Vegas News Bureau, Las Vegas representatives Pat Christenson, president of LVE, Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of LVCVA, Ryan Growney, general manager of South Point Hotel and Casino and Stu Upson, executive director of USBC throw ceremonial bowling balls in celebration of an announcement Tuesday, April 30, 2013 that Las Vegas will host seven championship bowling events and 40 additional tournaments throughout the city and at a new $30 million bowling facility at South Point Hotel during the next 12 years. (AP Photo/Las Vegas News Bureau, Brian Jones)
LAS VEGAS >> Las Vegas is getting a mega bowling facility.
South Point Hotel and Casino announced Tuesday that it has struck a 12-year deal with the United States Bowling Congress to host several annual events in a new $30 million bowling center.
The new facility will include more than 60 lanes. The hotel-casino expects to begin construction in May.
South Point will host seven championship events, including the USBC Women’s championship in 2016 and the USBC Open Championships in 2017.
The 2009 USBC Open Championships, held in Las Vegas, ran for 154 days and generated more than $120 million for the city.
Tourism officials hope the new center puts Sin City on track to become a major bowling events host.
“Las Vegas is excited to continue a partnership with the United States Bowling Congress that began four decades ago when we hosted the USBC Women’s Championships,” Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Rossi Ralenkotter said. “We look forward to strengthening the partnership over the next decade and becoming the premier destination for USBC events.”
Las Vegas’ gain could be Reno’s loss.
The northern Nevada gambling city is home to the National Bowling Stadium, a 350,000-square-foot bowling facility recognizable by a several-story-high bowling ball that rests on its facade.
Reno is scheduled to host 10 tournaments by 2025, three more than Las Vegas.
