If you want to play on the shot, and that's the only reason you're gonna bowl, here's a couple of tips -
1. bowl the pro am. It will be the same shot as the tournament, and a lot less money.
2. If you can get a pair to practice on right after the official practice session it will also be the tournament shot.
3. Otherwise, bowl at the end of the qualifying rounds. Leftovers, but still the tournament shot.

If those don't appeal, and you still want to bowl, good luck!
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Bowling? Of course it's a sport.

If you have the opportunity, go for it. Save your $$$, bowl the pro-am and if you feel as though you could compete on the shot, put in your cash and bowl it. You will gain experience, get a lot of help from other pro's (during the pro am) I am sure and an idea of what it would be like to bowl with the "big boys". I have thought about bowling some regionals around here, but either dont have the time or the money (one or the other comes up). Thinking about bowling at least 1 this fall though, for the same reasons, to get the experience and knowledge. I am sure with me, I would probably miss the cut, but I could say I bowled one at least. If the cash flow isnt going too well, see if you can get someone to sponsor you (pro shop, bowling alley, parents...). Go for it.
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If I could only pick up a 7 pin.....

The Pro am is always the normal house shot. The PBA is not gonna waste their oil and manpower to put down the tournament condition for a pro am. Its still fun to bowl in the Pr am, but if you want to see the PBA lane condition, you will have to bowl with the big boys..

JK

I do have some experience bowling in tournaments and local events. I do have a decent amount of matchplay experience, i did bowl in a sport shot league but it was discontinued because the house joes who bowled in it couldn't break a 150 average. My usual average on a sport shot is 185-200 depending on if i'm bowling alot.

I've bowled on proffessional conditions before, i usually do fairly well, averaging 180-210 depending. I just wanted to see if i could compete at that level, i know i'd probably just be donating 250 dollars at this point, which is why i'm hesistant and asking here.

What should i be able to average on a sport shot to be able to compete at a regional level?
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am i still considered a lefty, i never get to play the left side of the lane

I would say go for it.  Two things will happen.  1st you will find out how you stack up against the pros.  2nd you will reveal the shortcomings in your game and your equipment.  $250 is a lot of money, especially while you're going to school but chances are you will be spending more than that in practice games and may be working on the wrong aspect of your game.

Since there is still some time before the regional, contact some of the regional players in your area, let them look at your equipment and your game.  At this level everything has to match up to be competitive, skill, drillings, surface, etc.  You can't afford to give away a frame or two a game and keep up.

If possible, I would suggest watching a regional tournament just to get a feel for how they are run.

Not sure where you are from but the guys here in the Midwest are always more than happy to share their knowledge and experience to make your first event memorable.


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~~~SrK - Have balls, will travel

There are a few more things you have to consider.
1) Will you have travel expenses( hotels,meals and mileage)??
2) Do you already have a couple of "name" shirts (more expenses).
3) Does all of your equipment pass when its weighted in.
4) Is the center that this regional at very big???
   Because the field might be limited and not have any openings for non-members.

If I were you I would contact the Tournament Director for which ever Region you are in. Just to see if there will be any openings. Maybe contact the bowling center to see if there are any sweepers to win a spot, ahead of time like Liquid Tension suggested.  
If after all this is checked out and you still want/feel like doing it. Go ahead and give it a shot. It can be a VERY eye opening/ expensive practice session but also a helpful/positive experience in your bowling career.