In a recent news release, Strike Ten Entertainment reported that over 2,000 members of the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America signed up for Strike Ten Select, the latest package offering by the promotion arm of Bowling Inc. The total cost for this plan was $100 per center.
This was a tremendous response to the latest in a series of Strike Ten promotional programs. At the risk of diminishing or tarnishing Strike Ten’s attempts to elevate the stature of bowling, it firmly established STE’s proficiency and expertise in the field of fund raising. The participating BPAA members in the Strike Select plan will add over $200,000 to the STE coffers for future concepts and proposals.
Despite the impressive results of this latest innovation by STE, I am bewildered by the lack of interest shown to a plan I proposed four years ago—a plan that would dwarf the paltry sum of $200,000 that has heightened the spirits of those involved in Strike Ten Select. I presented my strategy to leading bowling proprietors; ABC; WIBC; PBA officials; and such outstanding leaders in the industry as Jack Reichert, former CEO and chairman of the board of the Brunswick Corporation; Phil Knisley, former president of AMF; Mike Allbritton, president of Columbia 300; John Sommers and John Falzone of the Professional Women’s Bowling Association; Bob Palen of King Louie Corporation; and last but certainly not least, Steve Ryan, top banana of Strike Ten Entertainment. As a matter of fact, at the suggestion of John Sommers, I discussed the plan with Mr. Ryan on three separate occasions.
Without exception, everyone applauded the concept, a strategy that would annually generate over $8 million to promote bowling.
The plan called for a dues increase of two dollars to ABC and WIBC members. In return, bowling proprietors would award each member five free games—an exchange that would more than cover the entire amount of membership dues.
The original plan included money for the International Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum, the Young American Bowling Alliance, the collegiate program, TEAM USA, prize money for the PBA Tour, the PBA Senior Tour, and the PWBA.
The bulk of the money would be appropriated for television and various media promotions. In the eyes of many leading bowling authorities, it was an absolute "no brainer."
The proposal had the full blessing of ABC and WIBC. Yet, for some unexplained reason, it was not, nor has it ever been approved by those who would benefit most, the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America.
Perhaps the monies suggested for the PBA tours dismayed members of Bowling Inc., particularly Strike Ten Entertainment.
With solid television pacts from ESPN and CBS, PBA officials refused to concede these contracts to STE and partnered with The Marquee Group, a competitive firm. This move severed relations between PBA and members of Bowling Inc.
This unfortunate set of circumstances may have an effect on STE’s attitude toward by my proposal. Nevertheless, it would seem prudent that STE acknowledge PBA’s value and put my concept in motion. In the event STE and Bowling Inc. resolve to advance their agenda, it would seem logical to put the plan in action, with or without funding for the PBA.
While I am heartened by the spirit and cooperative efforts of proprietors for the overwhelming acceptance of the Strike Ten Select program, I am totally flabbergasted by the denial and rejection of my proposal—one that undoubtedly fulfill all under-funded areas of our sport, plus provide funds for delivering a resounding message to millions of television viewers.
Television is of utmost importance. It is the most formidable vehicle for the promotion of products, services, political figures, and sports events. Although expensive in scope, it remains the most economical means of communication to the masses.
It will require millions of television dollars to secure new bowlers. We have been preaching to the choir far too long. We must focus on recruiting new bowlers and describe the advantages of bowling, both as a sport as well as a family recreation.
The decreasing memberships of ABC and WIBC are due in part to the numerous diversions afforded Americans. All sports have felt the strain of competition. Those who have the will to survive seek all means for supplanting the defectors.
Simply put, bowling has not replaced those who have passed on or abandoned the game. We continue to address our own by embellishing our age old programs. Sadly, we are ignoring the most expedient system for reaching the masses: television.
Unfortunately, television is costly. The expenses for television cannot be generated through tired old practices. To make a sufficient impact, it must be applied on a consistent basis and directed to the proper audience.
It will take millions of dollars.
These monies can easily be appropriated through the proposal I submitted.
Despite the high cost of air time, the ensuing results would far overshadow the investment involved.
Can anyone deny a strategy that has worked wonders for golf, tennis, racing, and wrestling organizations?
PBA Hall of Famer John Jowdy is a past president of the Bowling Writers Association of America.