ARLINGTON, Texas, July 18, 2011 – The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) and Cowboys Stadium announced today that history was made at the 2011 Bowling’s U.S. Women’s Open.  The two organizations reported today that the groundbreaking finals – which were played at the 50-yard line of Cowboys Stadium on Thursday, June 30 – set a new world record with 8,017 individuals in attendance, breaking the previous record of 7,212 that was set at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit in 1995.

The record breaking number was confirmed after a thorough audit of the ticketed fans, invited guests and dignitaries that attended the event.

“This is an incredible moment for the sport of bowling and despite the weeks of nail-biting, worth the wait.  Our achievement in setting a new world record, on perhaps the greatest stage in professional sports, speaks to the tremendous resurgence of bowling and the vital role that women have played in driving its popularity and growth,” said Steve Johnson, executive director of the BPAA. “Congratulations to our champion Leanne Hulsenberg and the tremendous players who competed in the Open, as well as the thousands of fans who are now a part of sports history.”

Professional bowling was forever propelled into the annals of sports history, when for the first time, a women’s Major professional bowling event was held at a non-traditional venue.   On June 30, 2011 the Finals of the 2011 Bowling’s U.S. Women’s Open were held from the “Star” on the 50-yard line of Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX.  Leanne Hulsenberg was crowned 2011 Open champion as she held off fellow finalists Kelly Kulick, Lynda Barnes, Liz Johnson and Shannon O’Keefe in front of the largest crowd in bowling history.  The Open Finals were broadcast on ESPN2 Saturday, July 2, 2011.

“Cowboys Stadium has served as the playing field for some of the greatest moments in recent sports history, and we couldn’t be more proud to be the host of this incredible achievement for bowling.  We are excited to have been a part of making history at the 2011 Bowling’s U.S. Women’s Open,” said Brett Daniels, Sr. Director of Corporate Communications for the Dallas Cowboys. 

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