2020 MAIN EVENT THINGS TO KNOW (FAQ)
Here's some details about the Main Event that may answer some of your questions about how it all works. If you can think of anything else that might be helpful to be on this page, let us know and we'll add it on!
Tell me about expected covid restrictions?
First, note that ALL of the below is subject to change as federal, Nevada, and Clark County regulations dictate. Check back often, and one last time before you leave for Vegas:
Alll people, bowlers and spectators, are required to wear a face covering at all times, even while bowling.
ZERO spectators are allowed in the Plaza once bowling starts. Parents, etc. may check in with their bowlers and be behind their lanes (socially distant from others) during practice, but after that must vacate the Plaza area.
You may take pictures or videos in the Plaza, but we ask that you don't post them on social media until the tournament is over on Dec 31.
We know that the above, in general, stinks. We don't like it either. South Point doesn't like it. But these are the requirements in order for this event to continue, and we need your cooperation. Please plan accordingly.
Six feet of separation between non-members of your household is also required. If you don't live with them, you must be six feet from them, as much as possible.
Also, currently, singles squads are reduced to four bowlers per pair, using every other pair, and doubles squads to 2 teams per pair. Enough squads have been added to fit in the same max number of entries as last year at those numbers, but each squad is also much smaller, so do not wait to get entries in.
If these requirements are stricter than where you are from, we need you to respect them. Nothing less than the casino's gaming license is at stake, and the casino can and will 'pull the plug' if their rules are being disrespected.
We have run numerous large-scale JBT events in Vegas and other areas since Covid began, as have many other reputable tournament groups. We are confident it can be done safely, but can only do so with your help.
Are re-entries allowed?
Singles: Yes- You may prepay for up to TWO singles squads. Additional singles squads are on a space-available basis at the tournament site.
Doubles: Yes- You may prepay for as many doubles squads as you like, with the same or different partners.
Team: No- There are two team times, 12/29 at 5 PM or 8 PM, and you must choose one or the other.
I'm 21-- heck, I'm 19, and no longer USBC Youth Eligible. Can I still bowl?
YES! Anyone* age 21 or under as of 8/1/20, regardless of 'adult' or 'youth' status, may bowl the Main Event. *Past or present PBA or PWBA members, though, are excluded.
I'm 16 years old, but I already 'went adult'. Can I still bowl?
YES! Anyone* age 21 or under as of 8/1/20, regardless of 'adult' or 'youth' status, may bowl the Main Event. *Past or present PBA or PWBA members, though, are excluded.
I'm 10 years old, and only average 108. Is this tournament for me?
YES! Because there is a scratch and handicap division (as well as girls scratch in singles), Main Event is open to ANY AVERAGE and ANY AGE, and we have a complete spectrum of winners- just look at previous Main Event results, or full JBT results at the "Schedule and Results" page of our website to see what we mean! DO NOT MISS MAIN EVENT because you think you're not "old enough" or "good enough"- you ARE! (That all said, this a 'serious' tournament in a pro-style atmosphere that might be a bit much for an extremely young and/or very beginning bowler. Check out our website and YouTube to get a feel for what our events look like.)
I'm 24 years old, and my friend's grandpa is 87. Got anything for us to bowl in?
YES! The Team events on 12/29 can have up to two adult bowlers ('adult' means anyone age 22 or over as of 8/1/20) per team (but doesn't have to have any adults).
What lane conditions will be used?
As in previous years, we will not pre-announce the exact lane conditions for the event. Graphs of the patterns will be available on-site. We will tell you, however, that the goal is to have a very challenging and fair, but not impossible, lane condition for all styles, for the singles event. The doubles pattern is theoretically 'easier', and the team events are bowled on a 'house' pattern. We are pleased with the scoring pace from previous Main Events, and found that crankers, straighter players, lefties and righties, one-handers and two, all have had a good chance, so expect something similar in 2020. Singles will of course have fresh oil at the start of every squad. The bottom line is that lane conditions are an inexact science, and only part of the equation of 'how lanes play', as most of you know, and we’ll strive for a fair, fun, and challenging condition for all—so bowl on what’s out there, and make great shots (and make your darned spares!
Are all squads on fresh oil?
Yup! We're using every other pair, though, so sometimes, when one squad uses one group of pairs, the others will 'sit' and be used for the next squad.
Do I have to bowl ALL this stuff?
No! You can do as much or as little as you want. You could show up as late as 1 PM on the 29th and still do singles, doubles, and team (that would be a lot of bowling in a short time though). . You could (not that we suggest it) skip the Main Event totally and just do a side event or two. You could go nuts and bowl everything, including multiple doubles squads. It's totally up to you. We want to be the most flexible and bowler-friendly event you've ever participated in.
What hotel rates are available?
South Point is offering great rates, especially great given that we get into New Year's weekend. Click here for the direct link to book your rooms by December 18.
Do I have to prepay to guarantee my spot?
YES. This is for necessary logistic reasons that we hope you understand. You can always enter the Main Event now and some side events later, or vice versa. You can always re-enter or add events on-site as well, as space permits. In previous years, many squads did sell out, so we do suggest sending in your entries as soon as possible.
HOWEVER... DON'T PANIC. We are usually able to add on singles bowlers at the last minute, and almost always can add doubles teams at the last minute (many doubles teams and re-entries form at the tournament). We're very used to being as flexible as possible from our year-round JBT events. If we can get you in, we absolutely will.
I can't afford to prepay, or I just found out I can bowl. Can I just 'walk in'?
YES. As long as space is still available, you can just show up and we'll get you on a squad, at no extra charge. We're flexible! However, reserving / prepaying guarantees your squad time (see above).
How do I know the 'cut' scores for the Main Event Singles?
After the 1 PM singles squad on the 29th, we’ll do a lot of math and double-checking and determine our complete singles semifinalist field. It will take us a while to crunch the numbers, however. The 1 PM squad should finish around 4 PM, which will give us final cut numbers around 8 PM. We'll also post these scores on the front page of the website as well as our facebook page. Of course, instead of sitting around and getting nervous, get a team together and bowl the Team event!
Is the Prize Fund good?
We sure think so. The Open Scratch Singles division first place scholarship is guaranteed at a minimum $3,000! Not bad, huh? $1,500 is on top for Handicap singles ($2,500 was the top prize in 2019), and $1,500 for Girls Scratch. Over $100,000 was awarded the last four seasons alone at the Main Event. We believe that our entry fee to prize fund ratio is one of the very best in youth bowling. Be sure to check through previous years to see what our winners have earned!
Are there other tournaments besides yours during the week?
Not at the moment.
Whew! As you can see, we’re working our butts off to make the 2020 Main Event as good as it can be and then some! As always, please feel free to contact us any time for questions, answers, or just to shoot the bowling breeze- we want to be the most interactive tournament out there. Most of the format comes directly from bowlers’ input, so your voice is being heard, even if we don’t make every change that every individual mentions.
DO NOT USE THE AOL EMAIL BELOW! (We can't figure out how to get rid of it). Use director@bowljbt.com.