2016 U.S. Open features $100,000 added to prize fund

ARLINGTON, Texas - The U.S. Open traditionally provides one of the more challenging, but rewarding, formats in bowling, and competitors at the 2016 edition will compete for one of the most lucrative prize funds in the sport today.

The 2016 U.S. Open will take place at the South Point Bowling Plaza in Las Vegas, a premier facility for tournament bowling, from Nov. 3-9, and the event is expected to attract more than 250 bowlers from across the globe.

Competitors will bowl for a prize fund expected to exceed $226,000, which includes $100,000 in added money. Based on 252 entries, the top prize will be $30,000. The 24 bowlers who advance to match play will receive a minimum of $3,200, while the last cash spot in the tournament will earn a minimum of $1,000.

The stepladder finals of the event will be televised live on CBS Sports Network on Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. Eastern.

"We are excited about the upcoming U.S. Open and the opportunity to carry on its great tradition," United States Bowling Congress Executive Director Chad Murphy said. "The challenging lane conditions and extended format have made the U.S. Open a favorite event for competitors and fans. Additionally, we want to make sure the prize fund is representative of a major championship from top to bottom."

Qualifying at this year's U.S. Open will include 24 games over three days for all competitors, with the top 25 percent of the field advancing for a fourth eight-game block Nov. 7. Total pinfall for 32 games will determine the 24 bowlers who will advance to the round-robin match-play portion of the tournament.

At the completion of 56 games, the top five players, based on pinfall with match-play bonus pins included, will advance to the stepladder finals. The 2016 champion will take home $30,000 and the coveted green jacket.

Left-hander Ryan Ciminelli of Cheektowaga, New York, will look to defend his U.S. Open title in 2016. He was the No. 1 seed for the TV show at the 2015 tournament at AMF Garland Lanes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and he defeated England's Dominic Barrett, 236-223, to claim his first major title.

The U.S. Open is a major event on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour.

Entries for the U.S. Open are open. The online entry fee is $500, while entries paid on-site will cost $550.