I updated my blog:

 

My blog on the entry fee increase. Hopefully it answers all or most of the questions people will have:

 

Edited by riggs on 1/17/2011 at 4:27 PM

 

Edited by riggs on 1/17/2011 at 4:45 PM

Thanks for the info Riggs.  Based on what Tredwell told you I guess USBC was hoping to get by without mentioning this for as long as possible.  I see you give a lot of reasons why the 25% increase, but I don't see how they can, in this economic climate, justify 25%.  Maybe that's why they won't try.  My team and several others from our area have already decided to cease our participation after Baton Rouge.  Now I wonder if even Baton Rouge may go down for our teams?  It is my firm hope that USBC doesn't destroy what is one of the greatest bowling tournaments in the world.  But their recent decisions (booze on the lanes, Reno interminably, and now a 25% increase in the entry fee) doesn't convince me that they have what's best for the Open as their main priority. 

 

I must correct you on one thing.  Yes the delegates at the last convention turned down a proposed dues increase, however the USBC Board recommended that it not pass.  So don't put all the blame on the delegates for that one. 

Bill it's actually a 33 percent increase over the current entry fee, and it's another reason not to go after Baton Rouge. I simply do not understand what they are thinking.

 

They came up with this Eagle's Nest thing to lure people in, yet I haven't seen much to get excited about unless you are bringing 4 or more teams. It's hard enough getting 5 people to commit, much less 20 guys.

It is a 33.3 percent increase. Bad math in my haste.

My 2 teams have already discussed this tournament and decided not to go at all, starting this year.  Going to Reno is old and somewhat expensive to get there, plus the place is getting real run down.  We have gone every year since 1990. Plus, getting 10 guys to go every year is starting to be very difficult.  Last year I had to pick up 2 bowlers off the sub list.  1 guy showed up with no money and one of my friends lent him $100 which he never paid back, the other bowler emailed me a week before we were going to go and cancelled.  Last year was a very bad experience.  USBC can do what they want, I am done !