SYRACUSE, NY (WSYR-TV) – Bowling lanes are almost finished as part of a major transformation at the Oncenter in Syracuse. In April, thousands of female bowlers will come to the city for the U.S. Bowling Congress Women’s Championship.
In anticipation of the big, three-month tournament, businesses are starting to get ready for an infusion of cash and attendance. The tournament is expected to bring in more than $45 million to the economy.
Adam Eagan, a manager at Empire Brewing Company says, “We’re not going to be sending people home, we are going to keep people here, in between what they are doing.”
Hotels have also noticed a spike in booked rooms because of the tournament.
“We are the closest hotel to the Oncenter so the calls are definitely coming in,” said Sarah Block, sales manager of the Jefferson-Clinton Hotel on South Clinton Street.
However, the construction has to be finished on the bowling lanes before 30,000 female bowlers will compete on more than 40 lanes.
“Most of the ladies are coming to Syracuse to have a good time and enjoy going to a different part of the country and competing on the lanes here," said Eric Pierson, USBC Tournament manager.
Crews are shaping up not only the lanes, but the vendor areas, concession stands, scoreboards and pin setting equipment.
Pierson says, “To see how this gets pieced together everyday, it's incredible how fast this goes up.”
The tournament starts on April 7 and runs through July.
