U.S. Bowling Congress ready to roll into B.R.

The United States Bowling Congress unveiled its finished bowling lanes at the Baton Rouge River Center today, which officials hope will bring an economic gold mine to the city over the next six months. “Forget Indianapolis; the real Super Bowl is in Louisiana in 10 days,” says Paul Arrigo, president of the Baton Rouge Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. The USBC Open opens Feb. 11 and will run through July 10. Just as during the tournament’s previous stay in Baton Rouge in 2005, the Baton Rouge River Center has been outfitted with 48 lanes, with additional training lanes upstairs. Upgrades for 2012 include a mural featuring blue-tinted photographs of Baton Rouge landmarks, as well as a wall-to-wall LED screen that will display scores, videos and advertising. Banners proclaiming records and notable achievements hang above the lanes. The River Center has seating for up to 600 spectators. Admission to the bowling events is free. “This is a tremendous look,” tournament manager Duane Hagen says. “The bowlers will be truly impressed. I’ve never seen anything like this.” Brian Lewis, managing director of tournaments for USBC, expects 60,000 bowlers and a total of 90,000 visitors during the championship, and estimates a total economic impact of between $85 million and $95 million. —Ian McGibboney