The National Bowling Stadium will be getting a facelift thanks to a deal approved by the Reno City Council Wednesday.
To pay for the renovations, the city is taking 75 percent of the money from a $2 hotel room tax casinos started paying last year.
"Oh, this has been in the making, we've talked about it for years," says City of Reno Mayor Bob Cashell. "But, the last six months have been the tough negotiations.
That means the stadium will receive new lanes, a video projection system and seating. The renovation process is already underway, with the new hall of fame and museum on the first floor.
"We're getting to do some more work, and it will really help us upgrade the property," says Cashell.
More good news, the United States Bowling Congress is also in on this deal. That means the stadium will host at least 10 championship tournaments between 2019 and 2030.
"At the most, we're going to have three dark years from now until 2030," says RSCVA Chairman Dwight Dortch. "You look at next year, and we've got the women and the men bowlers here, we'll have over 100,000 bowlers in the city of Reno next year."
And, where are all those bowlers going to stay while they're here? As you can imagine, our downtown hotels and casinos are in full support of this deal, and happy to welcome 100,000 bowlers.
"If you multiply that by $200 a day economic impact, do the math. It's a big, big number," says Glenn Carano with the Silver Legacy Resort Casino.
Hundreds of women bowlers are still pouring into town for this summer's on-going Women's Championships. We caught up a team from Dallas, who says the stadium could use a more modern design.
"A little brighter colors, maybe. Just a freshening up," says Carol Marstaller.
It may need a more modern design, but this stadium is still one of a kind. The only problem bowler Pat Martin has is the lack of space around the lanes.
"I really can't think of anything else. I think it's a great venue," she says. "I really do."
The bowlers we talked to were thrilled to hear the championship tournaments will continue to be held in Reno for years to come. They know how vital this long-term deal is for the city.
"Bringing more tournaments like this, I think, would really, really improve the revenue of this town," says Martin.
The RSCVA says this new deal will generate more than one million room nights and have an economic impact of $750 million between 2019 and 2030.
Written by Adam Rasmussen
