Post by: The Bowling Pariah on June 28, 2011, 02:22:42 PM
PBA’s 2011-12 Season Begins with World Series of Bowling, Concludes with Tournament of Champions
June 28, 2011 07:40SEATTLE – The Professional Bowlers Association World Series of Bowling returns for a third consecutive season, starting a new season of PBA competition that will culminate with the PBA Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas in April.
The new season will get underway with the multi-event PBA World Series of Bowling Nov. 4-20 at South Point Bowling Center in Las Vegas and it will end April 8-15 when the PBA Tournament of Champions returns to Red Rock Lanes. In addition to PBA Regional, Senior, Women’s Series and National Tour title winners who are eligible for the Tournament of Champions, PBA Tour event winners during the 2011-12 season will receive exemptions to advance directly into the 36-player finals field for the 2012 event.
The 2011-12 season will also produce the most extensive online coverage of PBA Tour competition in history, with more than 250 hours of live coverage on pba.com’s Xtra Frame planned, including four new “Xtra Frame Tour” events. Additional details regarding television coverage, tournament formats and more will be announced soon.
2011-12 PBA TOUR SCHEDULE
Nov. 4-20 – Third annual PBA World Series of Bowling (Mark Roth Plastic Ball Championship, World Bowling Tour Finals presented by the PBA, Viper Open, Scorpion Open, Chameleon Open, Carmen Salvino Classic, Earl Anthony Touring Players Championship, Earl Anthony Touring Players Baker Doubles Championship and PBA World Championship), South Point Bowling Center, Las Vegas (Xtra Frame and ESPN).
Jan. 20-22 – PBA Xtra Frame Cheetah Open, Fountain Bowl, Fountain Valley, Calif. (Xtra Frame).
Jan. 23-29 – United States Bowling Congress Masters, Sunset Station, Las Vegas (Xtra Frame and ESPN).
Feb. 3-5 – PBA Xtra Frame Shark Open, Thunderbowl Lanes, Allen Park, Mich. (Xtra Frame)
Feb. 17-19 – PBA Xtra Frame Don Johnson Memorial Open, Sequoia Lanes, Columbus, Ohio (Xtra Frame).
Feb. 20-26 – U.S. Open, Brunswick Zone Carolier, North Brunswick, N.J. (Xtra Frame and ESPN).
March 30-April 1 – Xtra Frame Dick Weber PBA Playoffs, Woodland Bowl, Indianapolis (Xtra Frame).
April 8-15 – PBA Tournament of Champions, Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, Nev. (Xtra Frame and ESPN).
Apparently, there will be four events that are exclusive to the Xtra frame pay service, so if you really want to see them, you will have to fork over some cash IF you don't already have it. As hard as it is to get viewers, sponsors, and publicity, why would you make it harder and more expensive for the people who might want to watch you? Its not like you're the NFL, NBA, or MLB with people standing in line to give you money for goodness sakes.
Post by: northface28 on June 28, 2011, 10:37:15 PM
*˙ǝɟıן ɹnoʎ ɟo spuoɔǝs ǝʌıɟ ʇsoן ʇsnɾ ǝʌɐɥ noʎ ʇɐɥʇ ʎɐs oʇ ʎɹɹos ɯɐ ı sıɥʇ pɐǝɹ noʎ ɟı
Post by: kidlost2000 on June 28, 2011, 11:52:54 PM
So they tour 8 locations all across the United States including 3 of those 8 stops in Vegas?
Really is that it? Can we take tour out of the tittle and call it the PBA Las Vegas Circuit instead?
Lets have over half of the "tournaments" for the season Nov 4-20th in one place, then we will have 3 stops total for the east, and mid west.
We also don't want to pay ESPN for all our shows so we will do 4 events as an online pay per view.
Someone put this horse down and get started on making glue so it will be useful to future generations of kids and macaroni art. 
Be good, or be good at it.
Edited by kidlost2000 on 6/28/2011 at 11:53 PM
Post by: dw23 on June 29, 2011, 12:15:05 AM
I would rather pay per view events than pay ESPN to show the finals. Especially if it means the tour gets back to bowling without the gimmicks. Maybe they can get more regional sponsors and build the brand from the ground up. Take ownership back and get it on smaller regional channels. The current TV deal sucks and ESPN has no intention on helping grow the sport so time for something new. I like watching the best in the world bowl and I will watch the PBA on Xtra Frames even if the entire season is on it.
If anyone has a better idea on how to keep the tour on national TV please post it or send it to the PBA and help promote the sport.
Post by: Phoneman on June 29, 2011, 04:45:13 AM
Post by: TWOHAND834 on June 29, 2011, 05:10:47 AM
Once again they come nowhere near the Southeast. Live in a town with about 5 million people and in the 28 years I have lived here, the National Tour has been here less than 5 times. I will give the Tour a few more years and then they fall to the same fate as the Ladies Tour.
Peace doesnt always have to be silent.
Post by: AlBundy33 on June 29, 2011, 07:48:17 AM
I give it two years at the very most.....looks like Robert Smith was a genius for taking the Honk Kong gig when he did.
"Pretty women make us buy beer, ugly women make us drink beer"
Post by: DON DRAPER on June 29, 2011, 08:10:50 AM
Post by: kidlost2000 on June 29, 2011, 09:03:33 AM
There almost isn't enough events to support being a full time profession. You have 12 events and that is it. They don't travel, the have become a regional event for the Vegas area and can't put all of there tournaments on television.
I'm all for innovations and trying to expand things but this has been a steady contraction the past few years with an end in sight. End of an era.
Be good, or be good at it.
Edited by kidlost2000 on 6/29/2011 at 1:01 PM
Post by: The Bowling Pariah on June 29, 2011, 12:29:18 PM
I think I actually counted 16 events. There are going to be 9 events between the 4th and 20th, then the other 7 events, of which 4 are xtra frame shows.
I used to love watching the pros go at it. They were the best, and there was nothing better than that one-on-one, last man standing playoff on Saturday's.
Now, were down to 16 events, 9 of which won't be "live", and 4 that will be "pay-per-view", leaving only the 3 "major" events to be televised during actual lane play.
If I were an outsider looking in, exacttly how am I supposed to be enticed and drawn in to the world of bowling by having, what would appear to an outsider, 3 random televised events with people I haven't had enough exposure to to even know who they are or who to root for? And how are you supposed to generate interest from perspective new sponsors if you have little, or NOTHING, to offer them? Sponsors aren't interested in advertising to a small audience and won't be enthused about events televised to such a limited "pay-per-view" audience that xtra frame is going to offer.
Yes, all of us know who they are, but we would've been watching anyway. How is this going to draw in new people or even remotely interest them? That's who needs to be reached, not all of us hardcore types who are already here.
R.I.P. PBA. I would say I would miss you, but I think I'll miss my memory of how you were more.
Post by: kidlost2000 on June 29, 2011, 01:08:49 PM
Part of the problem is they have lost many of the more hardcore fans with stupid inconsistent shows the past two years. I no longer watch. I forgot it exist on Sundays because of football. I never missed a show on Saturday mornings.
The only benefit is as a tour player the Nov 4th-20th being in one place saves you some money on travel . Then the next event isn't til close to the end of January. Season just started then you get nearly a two month break? Wow, better win early.
Be good, or be good at it.
Post by: Sunshine n Lollipops on June 29, 2011, 06:22:34 PM
Instead of whining on here all the time about this, have any of you actually written the PBA and ESPN about your concerns?
Don't believe in the Uzi, it just went off in my hand. I, I believe in love.
Post by: r534me on June 29, 2011, 09:37:19 PM
I heard an interviewer say that it was not possible because of some timing problems due to the time it took to install the lanes and when the convention center was available.
Post by: The Bowling Pariah on June 29, 2011, 10:33:37 PM
Why should we? They won't even listen to their most prominent members, and you know as well as I do that they are going to do da*n well whatever they please with no regards to anyones advice or criticism.
Oh wait, that's right, no criticism of the PBA allowed. They don't put up with that.
Post by: ImBackInTheGame on July 21, 2011, 07:01:12 AM
"SEEN" the new schedule? Man that is one of my biggest pet peevs, the use of seen here just makes my skin crawl!
Anyway, I paid to watch extra frames last season and I probably will again once the season begins. It's interesting and I found that match play is better than watching the finals in many cases! I think they just need to step up the video quality a little. It's good, but not great....
Post by: Dan Belcher on July 21, 2011, 11:41:00 AM
I just asked Tom Clark about this on Twitter. His response: "as we speak we are looking into HD cams for use on Xtra Frame .. expect improvements. Thanks"
Post by: Xx 12 X 300 xX on July 21, 2011, 11:45:20 AM
Post by: Dan Belcher on July 21, 2011, 11:51:01 AM
Lighting is huge, but I think the first concern is the low resolution they currently use on Xtra Frame. Even if they had the proper lighting to improve contrast and visibility, it'd still be hard to see anything when it's so lo-res that it's pixelated.
Post by: Xx 12 X 300 xX on July 21, 2011, 11:53:26 AM
Edited by Xx 12 X 300 xX on 7/21/2011 at 11:54 AM
Post by: ImBackInTheGame on July 21, 2011, 11:56:03 AM
Awesome!
I would assume the costs would go up thought if they go to HD cams? It's already kind of expensive for what it is. Keeping in mind, I don't even have cable or dish because it's expensive...
Post by: Dan Belcher on July 21, 2011, 11:56:52 AM
Yes. I have watched Xtra Frame on my 46" TV several times. Even with all the pixelation, it's still pretty freaking awesome. 
Post by: ImBackInTheGame on July 21, 2011, 12:11:15 PM
I watched quite a bit on my 42" and it really wasn't that bad, but an upgrade would be phenomenal!
Post by: BrianCRX90 on July 26, 2011, 04:35:10 PM
Not a stop in Fort Worth or Dallas for 4 years is not only ridiculous but insulting. This excuse for a tour if you want to call it that is a joke. I wish everyone would ban Xtra Frame just to make a point to the PBA to stop this garbage.
It's been 10 years of this "bowling season" horsecrap and it's gotten worse in the last 3 years.
Post by: JessN16 on July 31, 2011, 03:46:22 PM
I've been one of the most ardent supporters of the tour for years but I'm done after seeing this s**t. Putting four tournaments on pay-per-view was the final straw.
There are so many things wrong with this setup -- not to mention the tour's leadership -- that I don't know where to start. And it wouldn't do any good anyway. Have at it, guys. I'm sorry it's come to this but you did it to yourselves.
Jess
Post by: kidlost2000 on July 31, 2011, 05:21:23 PM
I know a lot of people that feel the same as Jess.
Bowling isn't going to appeal to most casual viewers especially against the NFL. If it doesn't appeal to bowlers, then it won't exist.
It is an EASY money grab for ESPN. They can fill air time that no one will watch because of football and get paid by the PBA to do it. The NFL is back, and the PBA has no chance at any point on Sundays. That is why most channels have paid advertising at that time when they don't have football games to show.
"Get out of bowling what you want because that is all there is."
Post by: chatnboy on July 31, 2011, 10:29:52 PM
listen all...this is "OUR SPORT"!!!!!if we dont recruit and bring more bowling fans into the fray...there will be no more bowling audiences for the PBA!!!!we cant count on them to do it....because they are on life support right now!!!so let us who really love bowling go and bring in the masses.....and let's keep "OUR SPORT"alive!!!!
Go hard or go home!!!!!Bowl your best...ALWAYS!!!
Post by: TwoFourEightNineNine on August 20, 2011, 01:11:33 AM
I sense the frustration that may come about with how the sport at the elite level has changed. It is no longer like in the old days where a day job for the touring pro was bowling. Today, with the economy, change in the sport's culture, and the way the sport has evolved (which is another discussion), it's necessary for such professional bowlers to be creative with how they gain their income. It's just the reality of the situation.
The World Series this year will allow the serious bowler to compete at a professional level while being able to live a balanced life outside of the sport - having a job, caring for their families, etc for the rest of the year. By taking only two or so weeks of the player's time away from their personal life, success in the World Series will be seen as a bonus financially and personally, and non-success will mean that the serious bowler has been given the opportunity to compete at a professional level without having to rely on bowling for income (given that person has a steady form of income the rest of the year).
Looking at the schedule for the rest of the year the schedule has been revamped and my perspective about it is that players with jobs and family commitments will be likely to be more available for their tournaments considering many tournaments are on the weekends. Players who may rely on the PBA will fortunately/unfortunately make the transition into a life where they must work a job outside of professional bowling and bowl part time.
From a "holistic" perspective, I can see this style of managing a professional sports league can work for many players - where this type of schedule will allow more athletes to be able to live a balanced, productive life, and be offered an opportunity play a game at a high level.
In essence, what I am saying is, "Times have changed. Get a job where you can earn a consistent form of income for you and your family. Live a healthy, balanced life at home... and yes, you can still bowl as a pro!"
Two Four Eight Nine Nine
Edited by BOWL24899 on 8/20/2011 at 1:12 AM
Post by: kidlost2000 on August 20, 2011, 05:28:11 AM
So, the PBA is part time? Yep that is what it looks like.
As far as recruiting goes, recruit for what? Recruit people to not watch football and watch bowling, when I as a bowler can't even stomach the shows they put out? Going to pass on that one. I'd have better luck recruiting them to bowl leagues where it actually matters more so then not watching the NFL.
"Get out of bowling what you want because that is all there is."
Post by: Polish_Hammer on August 23, 2011, 01:07:09 PM
So what does it do to the regional tour circuit? Do the elite bowlers now attend these events on a more regular basis to supplement or does it die off altogether?
Post by: Sunshine n Lollipops on August 23, 2011, 07:25:54 PM
Why do you insist on getting hung up on whether they are full time or part time. Most pros have taken the summer off. You also continue to get hung up on what the prize fund is. Pro has a choice, bowl for that money or don't. It doesn't affect you in the least.
Goddamn, you guys bitch about the money, the show, the announcers, the format, the time slot, the venue, the number of tourneys, the sponsors, the sponsors' commercials, the fans at the center.....what am I missing? Sounds to me like you won't miss it at all when it goes away. Perhaps you would feel better if you would only get it thru your thick skulls that the Tour of the 70's, 80's, and 90's and Chris Schenkel and Bo Burton are gone forever, never to return. Time marches on and things change. Own it for chrissakes.
Don't believe in the Uzi, it just went off in my hand. I, I believe in love.