As we enter the 2020-2021 season, uncertainty seems to be the theme. With the ongoing pandemic, many leagues and tournaments are currently in a holding pattern while trying to come up with a safe way to conduct competitions going forward. Aside from the obvious elephant in the room, here are a few story-lines heading into the 2020-2021 season.
Manitoba Open Changes
It was mentioned in January that the season’s first Major, the Manitoba Open, would be undergoing a few format changes this season in an attempt to attract more entries. Multiple qualifying blocks, a re-entry system, and possibly reducing the number of qualifying games have all been floated around as possible changes. Now add in the ramifications from the aforementioned pandemic and you have a pretty tough situation. The Canadian Tenpin Federation recently announced the rescheduled dates for the Canadian Team Trials as January 8-11, 2021. With this being so close to the traditional Manitoba Open dates, is a date change also in the cards? The folks in Winnipeg have some pretty tough choices to make this season.
Brunswick Bowling Products to Sponsor NDBowlTV
Last season, Ebonite International was purchased by Brunswick bowling products leaving many bowlers and organizations up in the air as it relates to sponsors. In February, Brunswick Bowling Products reached an agreement with NDBowling.com to sponsor the High Plains Bowling Network for the 2020-2021 season. Due to the pandemic, a few specifics on the deal still need to be ironed out, but we look forward to being a part of the Brunswick Bowling family and promoting the brands of Brunswick this season.
NDBowlTV Milestones
NDBowlTV will begin its 9th season this weekend at the Midwest Youth Championships in Alexandria, MN. Last season, the High Plains Bowling Network reached 1000 subscribers on YouTube which will allow fans more options to interact and support the channel during shows. Tune in Sunday (August 9th) at 9 AM CST for live coverage of the 2020 Midwest Youth Championships. Head on over to NDBowlTV (YouTube.com/NDBowling) and hit the subscribe button!
Many bowlers, proprietors, and tournament directors face a great level of uncertainty going into this season. While we don’t exactly know how this season will pan out, you can be sure to count on NDBowling.com to provide the same great coverage you have come to know and love if and when the various tournaments take place.
Be sure to visit the upcoming events page as we will be posting tournament dates as they become available to us. Have a tournament you want listed? Send your information to Daren (Seney1987@gmail.com) and we will post your event.
Good luck to everyone this season and take care of yourself and those around you. See you on the lanes!