RENO, Nev. – The 122nd edition of the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships got underway Saturday in The Biggest Little City in the World as the first of more than 11,000 teams took to the lanes at the National Bowling Stadium.
The 2026 event marks the tournament’s 15th trip to Reno, Nevada, and 12th visit to the famed Taj Mahal of Tenpins. Competition will be held over 128 consecutive days and conclude July 19.
The 53 teams on Saturday’s squad were treated to an opening ceremony featuring plenty of excitement, starting with the selection of Vicki Larsen of Caldwell, Idaho, as “Josephine Bowler.”
The ceremony also included speeches from Visit Reno Tahoe CEO and President Mike Larragueta, City of Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve, Caesars Entertainment Senior Vice President and General Manager Mark Huse and USBC Executive Director Chad Murphy, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and an acrobatic performance by members of Cirque Alice – the latest show at Eldorado, running from March 13-July 26.
The Mass Ball Shot also took place Saturday at the NBS as a member of each team rolled a ball down the lane at the same time…