📍 Reno, Nevada
🎳 Periodic home of the USBC Open Championships

When it comes to the sport of bowling, small recreational centers and local lanes typically come to mind, not world-class stadiums. But one venue has truly set the standard for bowling as a spectator sport – the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada. This massive, state-of-the-art facility features 78 lanes and chairback seating, cementing Reno’s reputation as a competitive bowling destination. While the “Bowling Capital of the World” title is still closely held by Detroit, this incredible venue has helped Reno give the Motor City a run for its money.

Easily identifiable by its unique geodesic dome, a metallic orb designed to look like an enormous bowling ball, the National Bowling Stadium first opened in 1995 and has been renovated on several occasions since. The building is an architectural marvel of sorts, spanning almost 40,000 square feet across its 5-levels and configured to allow fans to take in the action on nearly every lane simultaneously, making for an unparalleled experience in all of sports. Its amazing design and never-ending hardwood have contributed to the stadium’s reputation as the “Taj Mahal of Tenpins.”

Of course, with a prestigous standing to uphold, the stadium is dutifully equipped with the latest bowling technology and innovations. It features automated scoring systems on what was once the world’s longest video screen, controlled from a built-in command center on the upper level. Advanced lane conditioning equipment also ensures a world-class playing environment for the sport’s elite competitors. And compete they do: the stadium is a premier host for the United States Bowling Congress’ Open Championships, an annual event that has been held in Reno more than anywhere else. During the event, tens of thousands of the top bowlers from around the globe descend upon the Silver State to vie for glory on these hallowed lanes.

In addition to hosting bowling competitions, the Bowling Stadium is also home to a satellite of the International Bowling Museum in Arlington, Texas. This single-room museum near the main entrance celebrates the history and culture of the sport, with exhibits detailing the evolution of bowling equipment and memorabilia from past competitions. Fans can also learn about some of the legends enshrined in the Hall of Fame, from Norm Duke to Pete Weber to Walter Ray Williams Jr.

The venue’s impact extends far beyond the Reno-Tahoe region, however. Its success has inspired the construction of similar large-scale bowling facilities in other cities, helping to elevate the profile and popularity of the sport nationwide. But, for now, the landmark destination for bowling enthusiasts the world over will continue to be the National Bowling Stadium.