SOME INSPIRING FACTS OF BOWLING
Bowling is a very rewarding activity. In consequence of this fact, over the century bowling has become a national institution. Millions of participants still take to the lanes each year, making bowling the largest organized indoor sport in the nation. In addition, recent polls and surveys have evidenced that bowling is the fourth most popular spectator sport in the nation.
As an enthusiast bowler, here are some additional facts you can brag about. Bowling has more registered, dues-paying participants than any sport in the world. More than 190 million people in approximately 100 countries bowl at least one game a year. About 20 million people around the world compete in organized bowling leagues. Millions of people in the United States are sanctioned players.
The WIBC is the world’s largest organization of registered female athletes. The ABC is the largest group of registered male athletes. The YABA is the second largest group of registered junior athletes. There are more than 150,000 lanes in approximately 8,000 centers in America as record on 1990. Internationally, bowling is booming worldwide. There are now 250,000 lanes in approximately 12,000 centers worldwide. At last count, 123 countries have organized bowling federations, and, under the auspices of the World Tenpin Bowling Association (F.I.Q.), this number is expected to increase dramatically. The basic equipment for tenpin bowling is identical around the world.
Among the members of American households with incomes of $50,000 or more, 11.3 million are bowlers, 9.7 million are golfers, and 8.0 million play tennis. Among those with incomes between $35,000 and $49,000, 8.8 million are bowlers, 5.5 million are golfers, and 3.3 million play tennis; and of those with incomes of $35,000 or less, 20.0 million are bowlers, 7.8 million are golfers, and 7.1 million play tennis. This according to a survey by the National Sporting Goods Association.
Total annual bowling revenue in America (lineage, food, beverage, etc.) runs about 6 Billion Dollars. The WIBC annual tournament is the largest female sports event in the world. Ditto for the men’s ABC tournament. A great number of magazines promulgate the growth and prosperity of the sport.
Total annual prize money in bowling is over 3 Billion Dollars! 8 million games are bowled every day around the world. Total worldwide capital investment in bowling (including land, building, equipment, etc.) is at least 15 Billion Dollars.
Most assuredly, bowlers are proud of their sport, for many good reasons.
