Spare Me: PBA Fans Critical Of League's Opening In Peoria

Last Tuesday's telecast of the PBA Peoria Open on ESPN "was anything but a striking success," according to Dick Denny of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Denny wrote that the telecast, "billed as a new era" for the PBA, "began with an off-key rendition of the national anthem ... and a mix-up in graphics." On its Web site, the PBA stated, "We also share in the disappointment of our fans following the performance of the national anthem by Koko Taylor. She was selected based on her credentials as a Grammy award-winning artist who has garnered accolades from the nation's top music critics" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 9/30). In Peoria, Phil Theobald wrote that the bleachers "were packed for the Tuesday night finals," but 70% of that crowd "used free tickets" distributed by Landmark Recreation Center VP & GM Doug Holmes. Meanwhile, Holmes said of the PBA's future: "The new owners have invested $22 million into the PBA to make it go, from what I've been told. They're putting their money where their mouth is. They're almost guaranteeing the bowlers a paycheck. They hope to be making money within five years" (Peoria JOURNAL STAR, 9/30).