As a longtime bowling enthusiast and sports journalist who’s covered the Professional Bowlers Association for over a decade, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the 2024 PBA Tour schedule. Let me tell you, this season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory—and I’m not just saying that because I love the sport. With 18 major tournaments and a total prize purse exceeding $4.2 million, there’s a lot at stake for both veterans and newcomers. I’ve spent the past few weeks digging into the schedule, comparing it to previous seasons, and speaking with insiders, and I’m convinced this could be a turning point for professional bowling’s visibility and competitiveness.
When I first glanced at the 2024 PBA schedule, what struck me immediately was the strategic mix of classic stops and fresh venues. We’re looking at a lineup that kicks off in January with the PBA Players Championship in Indianapolis—a tournament that, in my opinion, always sets the tone for the year—and wraps up in December with the PBA World Series of Bowling in Las Vegas. In between, there are stops in cities like Milwaukee, Phoenix, and even a return to Grand Rapids, which hasn’t hosted a PBA event since 2019. I’ve always believed that geographic diversity matters; it helps grow the sport’s fanbase and gives local bowlers a chance to see their heroes live. This year, the schedule includes at least six new venues, which I see as a bold move by the PBA to test new markets. From a fan’s perspective, that means more opportunities to catch events in person or stream them online, and I’m particularly excited about the mid-season addition of a tournament in Seattle—a city with a thriving bowling community that’s been underserved by the pro tour.
Now, let’s talk about the structure. The 2024 season is divided into three key phases: the early-season majors, the summer swing, and the playoff push. I’ve noticed that the PBA has intentionally spaced out the major tournaments—like the US Open in March and the PBA Tournament of Champions in July—to maintain momentum throughout the year. In my experience, this approach prevents viewer fatigue and keeps players sharp. Speaking of players, I expect to see familiar faces like Jason Belmonte and EJ Tackett dominating the headlines, but don’t sleep on the rising stars. Based on what I’ve seen in recent qualifiers, at least three or four newcomers could break into the top 20 this season, and that kind of unpredictability is what makes bowling so compelling.
From a practical standpoint, if you’re planning to follow the 2024 PBA season, I’d recommend marking your calendar for the key events I mentioned, plus the PBA Playoffs in November, which feature a revised format that emphasizes head-to-head matches. As someone who’s attended dozens of these events, I can say the energy in the arena during the playoffs is unmatched. On the SEO side, I’ve optimized this guide with terms like “2024 PBA schedule,” “PBA Tour dates,” and “professional bowling events” to help you find updates easily, but remember—the schedule is subject to change, so always check the official PBA website for the latest info.
In conclusion, the 2024 PBA season isn’t just another calendar—it’s a thoughtfully crafted journey that balances tradition with innovation. As a fan, I’m thrilled by the expanded reach and competitive opportunities, and as an analyst, I appreciate the strategic planning behind it. Whether you’re a die-hard bowling fan or a casual viewer, this guide should give you a solid foundation to enjoy the action. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some bowling balls to polish and flights to book—see you at the lanes