Anyone have some insider information when they will be announcing the patterns this year?

Last year if my research was correct it was March 4th they released the patterns.

EDIT: http://bowl.com/Open_Championships/Open_Championships_Home/Lane_Conditions/

From USBC's Matt Cannizzaro on the USBC Open/Women's Championship Facebook page: "Keep an eye out early the first week of March for pattern info, based on previous years."

I thought I read or heard they are not releasing the patterns or doing any live streaming this year so those how go later can't replicate the shot at home to practice.

I thought I read or heard they are not releasing the patterns or doing any live streaming this year so those how go later can't replicate the shot at home to practice.

That's next year's tournament

Exactly...cause not releasing it will mean no one will know it 

Of all the changes, this one is only stupid one. Now, only a select few will get to practice on the pattern instead of anyone who wanted to. This is definitely more "fair" 

it is to bad to I love the live streams and never bowl nationals that is the loss for me.

Ah the USBC, never does anything right. Either they are doing nothing, or when they do try something new, it's completely wrong according to the brain trust here.

By the way, how many people here will benefit from knowing the pattern? I'm willing to bet it's a VERY small number, probably in the single digits.

Quote from: milorafferty on February 12, 2016, 11:55:29 AM

Ah the USBC, never does anything right. Either they are doing nothing, or when they do try something new, it's completely wrong according to the brain trust here.

By the way, how many people here will benefit from knowing the pattern? I'm willing to bet it's a VERY small number, probably in the single digits.

I agree, but it sends a message that a lot of bowlers don't agree with.  Whether they took advantage of the information in the past or not doesn't preclude them from thinking this isn't the best move.

Is there a message(from USBC) that bowlers DO agree with? 

Ah the USBC, never does anything right. Either they are doing nothing, or when they do try something new, it's completely wrong according to the brain trust here.

By the way, how many people here will benefit from knowing the pattern? I'm willing to bet it's a VERY small number, probably in the single digits.

Milo,
    You know I am not one to bash the USBC. I have argued for many of their decisions. But this is one that I feel is not in the best interest of bowlers. You are correct, that many of those attending the Open will never use the pattern info to practice on. But, allowing the pattern to be freely released allows anyone who wants to, that option. It isn't just the select few "in the know" that get to do it. Will this help the 200 average house bowler win an Eagle, no. But it could help the 200+ house bowler know what he is going up against and allow them to ability to figure out at least a starting gameplan, if they so desire. Starting next year, they are going in blind. Even with the new divisions, this won't help them cash any easier.