Dublin Makes Big News
During the week of January 12-17, the City of Dublin was the center of the bowling world as the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) returned to the Bay Area for the first time since 1992 as Earl Anthony’s Dublin Bowl hosted the PBA Earl Anthony Memorial.
The tournament returned to Dublin at the specific request of Earl Anthony’s widow Susie Anthony, who felt that the tournament in honor of her late husband properly belonged in the bowling center that he owned and operated for so many years. Every major Bay Area television station (KTVU, KNTV, KRON, KPIX, and KGO) ran multiple segments on the tournament. Comcast Sports Net, KNBR Radio, and Tri-Valley Community Television ran special interviews and features on the tournament as well, along with extensive print coverage from the Bay Area News Group (Valley Times, Tri-Valley Herald, San Jose Mercury News) and the San Francisco Chronicle.
There were tremendous crowds at the tournament throughout the week for all of the action. As a Mayor, it was great to see Dublin benefit from the packed hotel rooms, restaurants, and overall economic activity generated by the event. As a sports fan and coach, it was fascinating to witness the intense one-on-one competition. I had a great time participating in the Pro-Am on Saturday night as well, where I exceeded my expectations for my overall scores (aided by the fact that they automatically give you strikes on selected frames).
However, the big highlight of the week was the nationally televised broadcast on ESPN on Sunday, January 17th. This was the first live event to ever air nationwide from the Tri-Valley, and I received calls and e-mails from friends all over the country who were proud to witness the historic event. It looked great on television and it was even more exciting to be a part of such an enthusiastic crowd.
Special thanks goes to Susie Anthony and the PBA for bringing the tournament back to Dublin, as well as Earl Anthony’s Dublin Bowl owner Ted Hoffman for his tireless work to make the event such as success. I would also like to think the staff and volunteers of the bowling center. In fact, the event was such as success, that the PBA has already announced their intention to return to Dublin next year.
