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Author Topic: Status Of The PWBA Tour  (Read 4554 times)

10 In The Pit

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Status Of The PWBA Tour
« on: June 12, 2003, 03:11:28 PM »
Fresh news, off the press as of 6-13-03, courtesy of Jim Wyckoff of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:

   According to John Falzone, president of the Professional Women’s Bowling Association, the tour has received a financial commitment that will keep it alive for two weeks after this week’s Greater Rockford Open. In addition, negotiations are ongoing to cover the next two tournaments after that, which would allow the PWBA to complete the spring/summer tour and give the organization almost two months to secure funding for the fivetournament fall tour.
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card79

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Re: Status Of The PWBA Tour
« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2003, 07:44:30 AM »
I hate to say this, but am I the only one that feels like they are keeping an unsuccessful format on life support.  I mean come on.  Professional womens bowling wouldn't go away.  The point here is there are trying to plug the leak in the titanic with bubble gum.

I think once this incarnation dies you will see many people stepping forward to run it correctly.  

If you could wait for a business to die then pick up all there talent and all their customers why would you give them 4 million to composate for their inability to manage their business correctly.  You would let the albatross die.
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10 In The Pit

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Re: Status Of The PWBA Tour
« Reply #2 on: June 13, 2003, 09:08:01 AM »
BrianN, you brought to mind a very cute commercial that Powerade put out for their NHRA sponsorship (National Hot Rod Association).  Winston had sponsored the NHRA for some 35 years before they were regulated into only 1 motorsports market, so they chose to stay with NASCAR.  Then Powerade came on board as the primary NHRA sponsor.

The commercial I'm thinking of is "30 Seconds Of Force (John Force, Pro Funny Car driver)".  I couldn't even think of a better driver to do such a commercial...it's a winner.  At the end of the commercial, John says "you can't always cool the car down, but you can always cool the driver down (drinks a gulp of Powerade), with Powerade".....then the screen goes to a picture of a Powerade bottle...then John says "now is that suckin' up or what!!!".  It leaves me rolling in the floor every time I see it on TV.  Powerade couldn't have picked a better driver to do the commercial stint....John Force is well known for speaking exactly what he is thinking, sometimes without realizing that he's on TV live.

If the PWBA could come up with a sponsor that had some innovative commercials like the example above, it could make for some entertainment even during the commercials.
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Bjaardker

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Re: Status Of The PWBA Tour
« Reply #3 on: June 13, 2003, 09:08:37 AM »
quote:
And how come I never see a Pepsi product in use during the show? An Aquafina water, somebody?


Actually Dede was drinking a soda from a Pepsi cup last weekend on the show. However either due to possible endorsement issues, or just to keep her hands dry, both the Pepsi name & logo were covered by napkins.

I would tend to agree with Card though, they need to let this business die.

I can understand for the ladies' sake wanting to keep the tour going through the season. There's a lot of blood, sweat, & tears put into every season, and this certainly is no exception. I simply dont see things getting any better for them until the current organization folds though.
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michelle

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Re: Status Of The PWBA Tour
« Reply #4 on: June 13, 2003, 10:17:48 AM »

The word passed on to me earlier this week is that we are bowling through Dallas, which is actually four events from now (Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Memphis and Dallas follow Rockford).  I have to presume that the $$$ were lined up before that would have been conveyed to the members.

The fact that certain sponsors are presently on board is not necessarily an indicator of the level of financial commitment.  There is, however, no question that there have been issues with regard to marketing.  

And it is also important to remember that the PWBA is more than just those players  competing at the national level.  All regional events are conducted under the PWBA umbrella and regional players send their membership fees to the national office.  Regional entry fees are sent to the respective regional directors.
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seadrive

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Re: Status Of The PWBA Tour
« Reply #5 on: June 13, 2003, 10:23:39 AM »
Sommer seems like a nice guy, but he's completely delusional if he thinks he's going to see any of that four million bucks he "invested" (where's the rolleyes?) in the PWBA tour.  Perhaps just another indication that the people running the show aren't very good businessmen.

BTW, what happened to Travelodge's sponsorship?  I believe the Travelodge discount card is still on the PWBA web site, but they are conspicuously absent from the list of sponsors, and there's no more $50,000 bonus for shooting a 300 on TV.

I'm glad to hear they might make it through the spring swing.  These ladies need to at least make a few bucks now, then keep their fingers crossed that there will be a fall tour.  If the current organization folds, I doubt a new owner or ownership group would even try to get things rolling before next year.
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NevadaBowl

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Re: Status Of The PWBA Tour
« Reply #6 on: June 13, 2003, 10:41:50 AM »
I completely agree with card79, and others about it simply being on life-support, and it can't last like that forever.  I have been saying this for quite some time, even on this forum.  

I hate to see the women on the tour suffer.  I am one of their biggest fans.  They certainly should get what they can while the money is still out there.  I especially feel for those on the regional level because the opportunities for them would be limited.

I do, however, that resurrection comes only after death.  And if the PWBA has to die before someone steps up with solid marketing skills and, in particular, a proactive vision, then so be it.

I have no doubt that the leadership of the PWBA has meant well.  Unfortunately to 'mean well' doesn't translate into getting the job done.  I feel for the person whose obituary reads "John Doe, the person that meant well."  The ladies on tour can only do so much on their own...it will need the people with the business and marketing skills to get it done.
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michelle

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Re: Status Of The PWBA Tour
« Reply #7 on: June 13, 2003, 07:03:45 PM »
Following up on my earlier post, and per phone call this afternoon, funding is present to bowl at current prizefund through Dallas and we are supposed to be retaining TV through that event.  However, as was stated in that call, beyond that is anyone's guess but there are the proverbial talks going on...

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seadrive

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Re: Status Of The PWBA Tour
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2003, 10:16:56 AM »
Michelle, any idea what happened to Travelodge as a sponsor?
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