Reno-Sparks Convention
& Visitors Authority Vice President of Facilities Joe Kelley was recently
named “Person of the Year” by “Bowlers Journal International.” The publication,
which has been in circulation since 1913, cites “insiders” who praised Kelley’s
efforts in putting together a deal that will bring United States Bowling
Congress tournaments to Reno’s National Bowling Stadium through 2030.
“While I feel honored to receive this recognition from ‘Bowlers
Journal International,’ it is really the entire community of policy-makers in
the area who earned this award for northern Nevada,” said Kelley. “This award
is for the resort owners who allowed the improvement fee to be added to their
room charges; the City of Reno who made a commitment to improving conditions at
the National Bowling Stadium; the Nevada State Legislators who helped give Reno
authority to improve our facilities for incoming bowlers and tourists from all
walks of life; and, to the residents who all help to make our visitors feel
welcome here in Reno Tahoe USA.”
“Bowlers Journal International” highlighted a five-year, $15
million improvement project at the National Bowling Stadium in its analysis of
selecting Kelley as its “Person of the Year.” The upgrades include replacement
of the 78 primary competition lanes, installation of 10 “Showcase” lanes on the
first floor, video display enhancements and an expansion of the squad room used
by competitive bowlers. The publication notes that these improvements were a
crucial factor to the new agreement which continues the USBC’s partnership with
the RSCVA and the City of Reno. The USBC Open Championships and the USBC
Women’s Championships are both being held in Reno this year, and are projected
to bring more than 115,000 bowlers, friends and family members to the area this
year, resulting in a projected economic impact of more than $200 million
between March and July.
