PBA Major to be aired live in Times Square

2/7/2006


SEATTLE -- The Professional Bowlers Association and ESPN announced today the network will offer coverage of the finals of the 63rd U.S. Open -- the second Major event of the Denny's PBA Tour season -- live in their entirety on the Super Sign in New York's famous Times Square on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 12:30 p.m. EST.

"To showcase a PBA event on such a grand scale provides great exposure for our sport and reflects the commitment ESPN is making to the PBA," said PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer. "We are excited about this opportunity and hope the onlookers in Times Square will witness a great afternoon of PBA excitement."

The 63rd U.S. Open runs Feb. 12-19 at Brunswick Zone Carolier in North Brunswick, N.J. The event is the second of four PBA Major events this season, joining the USBC Masters, the Denny's World Championship and the Dexter Tournament of Champions.

ESPN and the PBA also will host a live chat on ESPN.com with defending U.S. Open champion and USBC Sport Bowling spokesperson Chris Barnes at 12:30 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 10 to help promote the event.

This week, the Denny's PBA Tour is in Parkersburg, W.Va., for the 2006 West Virginia Championship at Emerson Lanes, Feb. 8-12. The live ESPN finals take place Sunday, Feb. 12 at 12:30 p.m. EST.