National campaign aims to recruit lapsed bowlers

Bowlers are back and pins are flying — a striking contrast to the locked doors and dark bowling centers a year ago — but not everyone feels comfortable returning to the lanes.

Many bowlers, locally, around the state and across the country, have not returned to the game. Greater Dayton United States Bowling Congress membership is down 20% with at least 10 leagues folding this season.

In an effort to get bowlers back on the lanes, the USBC, Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America and Strike Ten Entertainment have joined forces to embark on a six-month communication campaign. Postcards were sent out in February to more than 400,000 bowlers who took the 2020-21 season off.

“We know the time may not be right for everyone to get back to league and tournament bowling, but we definitely want all of our members to know we’ve been thinking about them and will save them a spot in the settee,” USBC executive director Chad Murphy said.

“Bowling has given so many of us great friendships and a lifetime of memories, and there have been some inspirational stories over the past year of bowlers helping bowlers through this challenging time. We know rebuilding will take patience and time, and we look forward to seeing everyone reconnect under better circumstances and get back to focusing on the fun.”

The campaign is designed to reach the bowlers in a variety of ways including direct mail, email and social media with more than 3 million communication touch points planned in the initial phase.

The Greater Dayton USBC is also conducting its own outreach with letters and emails sent to bowlers who did not return this season. The national campaign is designed to work hand-inhand with local efforts.

While the reasons not to return to league play or tournament competition vary from bowler to bowler, safety has been a major concern — one the BPAA has been focusing on.

“Bowling is making a great comeback after a challenging year, and we want everyone to know the proprietors have been working to create an environment that is safe and encouraging for customers to ease back into the sport and a routine we’re all used to,” BPAA executive director Frank DeSocio said.

Help wanted

The Greater Dayton United States Bowling Congress is looking for volunteers to help plan both the Joe Mrenak Memorial and Angie Kreitzer Memorial Queens tournaments for the 2021-22 fall season.

Interested members can call the office at 937-222-2695 or express their interest via Facebook messenger on the GDUSBC page.

Have ideas but too many other commitments to join the planning team? Suggestions and ideas can also be submitted by phone or messenger.