The 2026 USBC Open Championships head back to Reno from March 14 through mid‑July, giving bowlers a long window to compete and enjoy one of the sport’s marquee events at the iconic National Bowling Stadium.
Tournament Overview
The 2026 USBC Open Championships will be the 122nd edition of the event and the 15th time it has been hosted in Reno, with competition being held at the 78‑lane National Bowling Stadium. Squads will run from March 14 until at least July 18, with USBC and local partners adding an extra week through July 12 to accommodate strong team demand, and some outlets listing play through July 19. More than 11,000 teams and roughly 55,000 bowlers are expected, making this one of Reno’s biggest bowling gatherings since 2011.
What To Expect on The Lanes
The Open Championships will follow the traditional format of team, doubles, and singles across multiple oil patterns, designed to challenge players of all skill levels. With the event trending toward its largest Reno team count in over a decade, players can expect a lively atmosphere, packed squads, and a chance to test their game against competition from all over the country. For captains still planning, USBC continues to promote online registration and resources to help teams lock in preferred dates and times.
Official Host Hotels
USBC has partnered with Reno’s “THE ROW” casino resorts as presenting sponsors and host properties, offering discounted room rates for bowlers who book through the official program. The three featured host hotels are all walkable to the National Bowling Stadium:
- Eldorado Resort Casino – classic downtown casino resort connected to the stadium area, with bowler rates advertised from about 60 dollars per night through the USBC booking portal.
- Silver Legacy Resort Casino – a large modern tower with casino, restaurants, and direct access to THE ROW, also offering special bowler pricing.
- Circus Circus Reno – family‑friendly choice in THE ROW with lower starting rates (around 49 dollars per night through the program) and easy access to the stadium and downtown.
These host properties are highlighted through MyBowlingVacation.com, where bowlers can find package deals and rate information tailored to the Open Championships.
Other Nearby Places to Stay
If you’re looking beyond the official hosts, several additional hotels sit within a short walk of the stadium and downtown dining:
- Whitney Peak Hotel – non‑gaming, smoke‑free hotel right by the stadium, often praised for its gym, climbing walls, and modern rooms.
- Reno Suites – an all‑suite option, a short walk from the National Bowling Stadium and downtown restaurants.
- Thunderbird Motel Reno – budget‑friendly property near Virginia Street with an attached café that draws good feedback for value and generous portions.
Average nightly prices in the area can range from budget motels in the upper $ 70s to mid‑range and 4‑star options in the $100–$130 range, depending on dates and property.
Where to Eat Between Squads
Downtown Reno and THE ROW give you plenty of places to refuel before or after your squad blocks.
- Casino restaurants at Eldorado, Silver Legacy, Circus Circus – a mix of steak and chop houses, Italian and Mexican options, coffee shops, and quick‑serve spots located right where many bowlers stay.
- Whitney Peak and nearby spots – restaurants and bars around Whitney Peak and neighboring blocks offer everything from upscale American fare to casual bar food within walking distance of the stadium.
- Local cafés near Virginia Street – smaller cafés, including the one attached to Thunderbird Motel, serve affordable breakfasts and lunches, which can be handy for early‑morning or late‑night squads.
Because Open Championships dates run over several months, it’s smart to build a short list of go‑to spots near your hotel so your team knows exactly where to head between events.
Entertainment and Things To Do
When you’re not bowling, Reno offers plenty of ways to unwind and make a trip out of the Open Championships.
- THE ROW casinos and nightlife – Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus combine gaming floors, live entertainment, lounges, and late‑night eats, all in one connected complex near the stadium.
- Downtown Reno riverfront and arts – the Truckee River corridor and downtown streets around Virginia Street feature public art, bars, and local shops within easy reach of most tournament hotels.
- Day‑trip options around Reno Tahoe – the broader Reno‑Tahoe area promotes outdoor activities and scenic escapes, giving traveling teams and families more reasons to extend their stay before or after bowling.
Quick Planning Tips for SpareTime Bowling users
Lock in your squad dates and hotel early; demand has already pushed the schedule out an extra week.
Consider staying at one of the official host properties on THE ROW if you want the shortest walks between your room, the lanes, and entertainment.
Build a simple game plan: practice time at the National Bowling Stadium, meals at your favorite nearby spots, and a couple of off‑day activities so your team can enjoy Reno beyond the lanes