Attending the 3 p.m. news conference at City Hall were Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer, City Council members, City Manager George Kolb and John Rolfe, chief executive officer of the Greater Wichita Convention & Visitors Bureau (GWCVB).

Mayor Brewer said the GWCVB will lead the effort with assistance from leaders and influential groups in the local bowling community. The USBC Open Championships have a potential economic benefit of $100 million to the community.

“It’s our intent to renew our efforts to secure this wonderful event,” Mayor Brewer said. “We’re going to submit a competitive bid, a highly competitive bid.”

In March 2004, the City of Wichita won a bidding competition to host the 2011 tournament at Century II convention center.

In May, USBC officials canceled plans to bring the 2011 tournament to Wichita after contract negotiations stalled. Contract disputes were related to a proposed arbitration process and questions about the condition of Century II.

The two lingering issues were resolved on May 22, when the Wichita City Council intervened and approved a resolution that addressed arbitration and the condition of Century II.

City and USBC officials participated in a 10:30 a.m. conference call on Tuesday at the request of Mayor Brewer and City Council members who were seeking additional information about the failed negotiations.

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