NCET Biz Tips: Innovation and Technology Meet at the National Bowling Stadium

by Dave Archer, CEO of NCET

It’s been 25 years since The National Bowling Stadium’s iconic geodesic globe graced the Reno skyline, transforming the city and its role in bowling forever.

When it was first built in 1995, the Stadium was designed with the tournament bowler in mind. Since then, the facility has been a consistent economic engine for the region. For the last 25 years, the economic impact of the 88-lane championship bowling facility is estimated at more than $1.7 billion. In its 25-year tenure, the facility has generated nearly 2 million room nights for the Reno-Tahoe area.

The first purpose-built, pure bowling facility in North America, the National Bowling Stadium has brought more than 1 million bowlers to Northern Nevada since it opened in 1995. It is home to the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, which will return to the NBS for the 11th time from March 21

through July 4. More than 7.4 million games have been bowled at the NBS, and an additional 260,000 games, or more, are expected during the 2020 USBC Open Championships.

But over the past two decades and more, the facility became more versatile and advanced to meet the needs of bowlers, spectators, and visitors alike.

As part of that transformation, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, in conjunction with the City of Reno and ASM Global, recently unveiled a $4.5 million renovation of the National Bowling Stadium.

Changes to the NBS include the removal of stadium seating on the fourth floor, behind the 78 championship lanes, where most of the competition is held. This allowed the settee area to be moved back 12-feet from the ball return and approach areas, giving bowlers necessary room for equipment, accessibility, and general comfort. New paint, carpeting, furniture, and ball racks are now in place, and the fourth floor now has an open floor plan, allowing for larger corporate events, vendor exhibits, and recreational functions. Energy-efficient LED lighting has been installed, along with a new air conditioning system for the south atrium. New restrooms have been constructed, and a family bathroom has also been added to the fourth floor.

Behind the scenes, the staff at The National Bowling Stadium continually develops new technologies to support the world-class bowling that happens right in Reno. From developing new tools and programs to making the building more energy-efficient, a variety of improvements help keep the Stadium, and Reno-Tahoe, on the cutting edge.

Dave Archer

Explore the Taj Mahal of Tenpins during NCET’s Tech Wednesday event from 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 at The National Bowling Stadium.  Tickets and more info at www.NCETwed.org

Dave Archer is president/CEO of NCET, which produces educational and networking events to help people explore business and technology. (www.NCET.org)