The USBC Open Championships is the largest participatory sporting event in the world. Every year, thousands of bowlers make the pilgrimage to compete on the same lanes, under the same conditions, for their shot at prize money and bragging rights.
In 2026, the Open Championships returns to the legendary National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada for its 122nd edition. With over 11,000 teams expected, you’ll be part of bowling history.
Three Divisions Based on Skill Level
The tournament offers three divisions so bowlers of all skill levels can compete fairly:
Regular Division
For bowlers averaging 182 and above. Team composite: 906+. Doubles composite: 363+. This is where you’ll find the strongest competition and largest prize fund.
Standard Division
For bowlers with averages from 161-181. Team composite: 801-905. Doubles composite: 321-362. A competitive field with excellent prize opportunities.
Classified Division
For bowlers averaging 160 or below. Team composite: 800 and below. Doubles composite: 320 and below. Perfect for newer tournament bowlers.
Event Format
Each bowler competes in three events across their tournament visit:
Team Event (5 bowlers): Bowl three games as a team. Your squad’s combined score determines your standing.
Doubles Event (2 bowlers): Partner with a teammate for three games. Many bowlers consider this the most strategic event.
Singles Event: Three games on your own. This is where individual skill shines.
All-Events (Optional): For an additional $20, your combined score across all nine games competes for the all-events prize fund.
2026 Entry Fees
Per Event: $80 (Team, Doubles, Singles each)
All-Events: $20 (optional)
Processing Fee: $25 per team ($5 per bowler)
Total per bowler: $260 for team, doubles, singles, and all-events
What to Expect at the National Bowling Stadium
The National Bowling Stadium is unlike any bowling center you’ve ever seen. With 78 lanes spread across multiple floors, stadium seating for spectators, and an atmosphere that feels more like a major sporting event than a bowling alley, it’s an experience every serious bowler should have at least once.
Squad Schedules
Team Competition: 11:30 AM and 7:45 PM (all times Pacific)
Doubles & Singles: 7:00 AM, 3:15 PM, and 11:30 PM
Yes, there’s an 11:30 PM squad. Many bowlers actually prefer these late-night squads for the unique atmosphere and often-favorable lane conditions.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive at least 45 minutes before your squad time. March-out times begin 15 minutes before the official squad time. You’ll need to check in, find your pair, observe the lanes during practice, and mentally prepare. Rushing leads to poor performance.
Expected Competition Time
USBC sets time expectations for completing your events (including practice):
Team Event: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Doubles and Singles: 3 hours and 40 minutes
Teams or bowlers who receive formal warnings for slow bowling may be assigned to the final squad of the day in future Open Championships.
The Reno Environment
Reno sits at 4,500 feet elevation with a high-desert climate. This means:
Dry air: Your grip will feel different. Many bowlers need to adjust their tape and may experience grip changes throughout their games.
Ball reaction: Some bowlers report their equipment reacts slightly differently at altitude. Don’t panic if your first shot doesn’t feel quite right—give yourself time to adjust.
Hydration: Drink more water than usual. The combination of altitude and dry air can affect you more than you expect.
Preparing Your Arsenal
Your home-center setup might not be the right setup for Reno. Tournament lane conditions, synthetic lane surfaces, and the NBS environment all factor into ball selection.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: 2026 Urethane Ball Restrictions
All slow oil-absorbing high-performance bowling balls (urethane) produced before August 1, 2022 are ineligible for the Open Championships. This includes popular balls like the Storm Pitch Black, Hammer Black Widow Urethane (original through 2022 versions), and many others. Only urethane balls with 78D hardness manufactured after August 1, 2022 are allowed.
Each entrant is allowed a maximum of eight bowling balls. Most experienced tournament bowlers bring 4-6. Here’s a framework for thinking about your lineup:
Strong asymmetric: For fresh conditions or when you need maximum hook potential.
Strong symmetric: A smooth, predictable option for medium-heavy oil.
Medium symmetric: Your workhorse ball for when the pattern starts breaking down.
Weak reactive or urethane: For burned-up lanes or when you need control over power. Remember 2026 urethane restrictions.
Spare ball: Don’t leave this at home. Consistent spare shooting wins tournaments.
🎳 Surface Preparation Rules
Altering the surface of a bowling ball using abrasives, cleaners, or polish is prohibited during competition. You may only wipe your ball with a dry towel once competition begins. Since doubles and singles are bowled consecutively, you cannot alter ball surfaces between those events either. Prepare your surfaces before you leave home or between team and doubles/singles events.
Need to fill a gap in your arsenal? Browse our selection of bowling balls organized by performance level to find the right complement to your current lineup.
Don’t leave for Reno without these essentials. Order early to ensure everything arrives before your trip—remember, we offer free shipping on every order with no minimum purchase.
Ball Care & Maintenance
☐ USBC-approved ball cleaner (for between-game use only)
☐ Microfiber towels (bring 2-3)
☐ Abralon pads (for pre-tournament prep only)
☐ Ball cup or see-saw
Personal Performance
☐ Bowling shoes (consider backup pair)
☐ Thumb tape (multiple textures for dry climate)
☐ Finger tape (insert and protection)
☐ Rosin bag or grip enhancer
☐ Shoe slide soles/heels
☐ Wrist support (if you use one)
Travel Protection
☐ Roller bag rated for your ball count
☐ Ball cups or protective inserts
☐ TSA-approved luggage locks
☐ Extra towels for padding
Don’t Forget
☐ Green Sheet completed online (required)
☐ Registration confirmation
☐ USBC membership card
☐ Comfortable clothes (dress code applies)
☐ Hand cream or lotion (dry climate)
💡 Dress Code Reminder: Shorts, cotton T-shirts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, and workout attire (sweats, yoga pants, leggings) are not allowed. Collarless bowling jerseys worn with jeans are also prohibited. All five team members must wear matching attire to qualify for the Spirit Award.
$69.95Original price was: $69.95.$49.95Current price is: $49.95.
Travel Tips for Reno
Flying with Bowling Equipment
Most bowlers check their ball bags and carry their shoes. Here’s what you need to know:
Checked baggage: Most airlines allow bags up to 50 lbs in standard economy. A 4-ball roller typically weighs 60-70 lbs loaded, so you may face overweight fees. Consider splitting equipment between bags or paying the fee—it’s worth protecting your gear.
TSA screening: Bowling balls will be screened. Pack so inspectors can easily see what’s inside. Some bowlers report balls being swabbed for explosives residue—this is normal.
Temperature protection: Cargo holds can get extremely cold. Bowling balls can crack if subjected to rapid temperature changes. Let your equipment acclimate gradually when you arrive.
Hotel Booking
MyBowlingVacation.com is the official housing partner for USBC events. They offer negotiated rates at hotels near the National Bowling Stadium and can help coordinate with your squad times.
Book early—hotels fill up fast, especially for popular squad weekends.
💡 Climate Tip: Reno’s dry air affects more than your bowling grip. Pack lip balm, lotion, and drink plenty of water. Many bowlers are surprised how quickly the desert climate affects them.
Side Events Worth Bowling
You’re already in Reno—why not get more games in and more chances to cash?
Bowlers Journal Championships
The BJC runs alongside the Open Championships on the same doubles/singles oil pattern. It’s an excellent opportunity to:
• Get additional games on tournament conditions
• Practice on the pattern before your official events
• Compete for additional prize money
• Get a one-year subscription to Bowlers Journal International
Entry fee: $80 for singles, $80 for doubles ($40/bowler). Optional Jackpot Trio adds more side-pot action for $20.
The Forty Frame Game
Another popular side event that gives you even more competitive bowling during your trip.
Team Practice Sessions
USBC offers practice squad times in the days leading up to your event. These sessions let you experience the lanes and oil pattern before competition counts. Sign up early—popular practice times sell out fast.
Preparation Timeline
2 Weeks Before Your Squad
☐ Confirm registration and squad times
☐ Complete Green Sheet online (required)
☐ Verify your balls aren’t on the ineligible list
☐ Test all equipment at league practice
☐ Order any supplies needed (allow shipping time)
☐ Break in new thumb slug or finger grips
1 Week Before
☐ Final ball surface preparation
☐ Pack and weigh bags (check airline limits)
☐ Print/save registration confirmation
☐ Download BOWL.com app for scores
☐ Confirm hotel reservation
☐ Check dress code compliance
Day Before Your Squad
☐ Arrive and settle in
☐ Light practice if available
☐ Organize equipment and bag
☐ Get good sleep (don’t gamble all night!)
Squad Day
☐ Eat a good meal 2-3 hours before
☐ Arrive 45+ minutes early
☐ Check in and find your pair
☐ Scale room opens 90 minutes before squad
☐ Watch practice shots carefully
☐ Trust your preparation and compete!
TOURNAMENT PREP ESSENTIALS
Everything ships free to your door before tournament time.
The entry fee for the 2026 Open Championships is $80 per event (team, doubles, and singles each). The optional all-events entry is an additional $20. There’s also a $25 processing fee per team ($5 per bowler).
Total cost per bowler for team, doubles, singles, and all-events is $260. All prize money is returned 100%, with a prize ratio of at least 1:5 for team, doubles, and singles in all divisions, and 1:8 for all-events.
Your entering average is determined in this order:
1. Championships Average: Your Open Championships tournament average based on your most recent 27 games bowled since 2017.
2. League Average: If you don’t have a qualifying Championships Average, you’ll use the highest average from either 2024/2025, 2023/2024, or 2022/2023 USBC winter or summer seasons (21+ games). This average is converted to Sport using the Average Conversion Chart.
3. Current Average: If you don’t qualify under options 1 or 2, use your current certified average of 21+ games, converted to Sport.
4. No Average: Bowlers who don’t meet any requirements enter with a 220 Sport average.
The Open Championships has three divisions based on your entering average:
Regular Division: Singles/All-Events average 182 and above. Team composite 906+. Doubles composite 363+.
Standard Division: Singles/All-Events average 161-181. Team composite 801-905. Doubles composite 321-362. Teams may have no more than 2 bowlers averaging 182+.
Classified Division: Singles/All-Events average 160 and below. Team composite 800 and below. Doubles composite 320 and below. Teams may have no more than 2 bowlers averaging 161-181.
Note: Regular Division bowlers (182+) may not compete in Classified Team or Classified Doubles regardless of composite average.
The Green Sheet is a required online form that every bowler must complete and sign before competition. It includes questions about your professional status, national/major titles, national team membership, and collegiate status.
You must also report any current league average of 21+ games that is 10 pins or higher than your entering average. The Green Sheet must be completed online before you bowl. Failure to answer any question accurately or completely can result in disqualification.
All slow oil-absorbing high-performance bowling balls (urethane) produced before August 1, 2022 are ineligible. Additionally, USBC maintains a specific National Tournament Ineligible Ball List that includes balls banned for various reasons.
Popular banned balls include: Storm Pitch Black (all versions), Hammer Black Widow Urethane (original through 2022 releases), Motiv Tank, Roto Grip Hot Cell, Storm !Q Tour U, and many more. The list includes over 100 balls.
No, you cannot use any ball cleaner during competition. Once competition begins, the outer surface of your bowling ball may only be cleaned with a dry towel.
Altering the surface using abrasives, cleaners, or polish is prohibited during competition. This includes between games and between doubles and singles events (they’re considered one block of competition).
You may use USBC-approved cleaners between events—for example, after team event ends and before your doubles/singles day. First offense for violating this rule results in a warning and ball removal for the remainder of the series. Second offense results in disqualification.
Each entrant is allowed a maximum of eight bowling balls. All balls must meet USBC specifications and be on the approved ball list (and not on the ineligible list).
All bowling balls will be checked for compliance at the scale room, which opens 90 minutes before each squad. Specifications include a maximum of 3 ounces of weight differentials and proper hole drilling requirements.
Important: If you deliver the ball without using your thumb, you must declare this at the scale room. No-thumb balls must have scribed crosshair lines near the center of the palm to indicate grip orientation.
No. The use of abrasives is strictly prohibited once your first ball is thrown in competition. Since doubles and singles are bowled consecutively, you cannot alter ball surfaces between those events either.
You may sand your ball surfaces before competition begins and between separate events (for example, between team event and your doubles/singles day).
Team Competition: 11:30 AM and 7:45 PM (Pacific time)
Doubles and Singles: 7:00 AM, 3:15 PM, and 11:30 PM (Pacific time)
March-out times are scheduled to begin 15 minutes before official squad times. The scale room opens 90 minutes before each squad.
Note: Team event is typically bowled on your first day, with doubles/singles the next day. During doubles/singles, you bowl doubles first, then singles, in that order without exception.
Plan to arrive at the National Bowling Stadium at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before your squad time. March-out begins 15 minutes before the official squad time.
You’ll need time to check in, verify your registration, present proof of USBC membership, get your balls through the scale room (opens 90 minutes before squad), find your pair, and mentally prepare.
Teams arriving late begin play immediately and receive a score of zero for all frames missed or not completed.
Teams and individuals arriving late shall begin play immediately, and scores count beginning with the frame being bowled when you arrive. You receive a zero for all frames missed or not completed.
There is no grace period. If you miss your squad time entirely, you forfeit your entry fee and your spot. Plan for traffic, parking delays, and unexpected issues.
Entrants must wear attire suitable for a national championship. Prohibited items include:
• Shorts, cotton T-shirts, tank tops, halter tops, bare midriffs, spaghetti strap tops, sleeveless shirts
• Workout attire: sweats, yoga pants, leggings
• Hats/headgear (medical exceptions only)
• Collarless bowling jerseys worn with jeans
Capri pants are acceptable if below the knee. Skirts must extend beyond fingertips when arms rest at your sides. Bowlers will be required to change if attire is deemed inappropriate. To qualify for the Spirit Award, all five team members must wear matching attire (no jeans).
No. USBC will not disclose any oil pattern information until after the entire event has concluded. Lanes are conditioned before all squads.
It is prohibited to discuss lane maintenance procedures or pattern information with tournament personnel during the tournament. Violators may be subject to disqualification. Questions about lane maintenance must be directed to the tournament director.
No. The use of any artificial device to listen to music or broadcasts is prohibited during competition. Unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated, and individuals are subject to ejection for improper conduct.
Professional bowlers, PBA/PWBA titlists, collegiate bowlers, and national team members face restrictions on division eligibility:
Team Event: Teams may have only ONE PBA National Tour titlist or PWBA Tour I player. If a team has such a player, they cannot also have PBA members, PWBA Tour II, collegiate bowlers, or national team members. Teams may have up to TWO players from those other categories, or up to FIVE collegiate bowlers (if no professionals).
Doubles: No more than ONE professional/titlist/collegiate/national team member per doubles team (except two collegiate bowlers may pair together).
Singles/All-Events: All such players must compete only in the Regular Division.
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