DETROIT – The 2024 Junior Gold Championships officially kicked the weekend off with a bang, as the Junior Gold Trade Show, Opening Ceremony and Party in the Park brought competitors together before they begin their quest for a national title this week.

The Junior Gold Trade Show took place Saturday at the Suburban Collection Showplace, featuring more than 120 total vendors and 90 colleges and universities. Bowlers experienced everything the sport could offer, with games, new merchandise and more as they checked in for their squad in preparation of competition week.

“I enjoy the trade show because I get to check out all the booths, learning all about different things and seeing some of my favorite pros,” said U18 competitor Savannah Dickson of Round Lake, Illinois.

Storm, Brunswick and Motiv players were all in attendance to sign autographs and mingle with competitors and parents as the day went on. Many competitors that were friends walked together as they experienced all that the trade show had to offer.

U12 competitor Cooper Bennett of St. Louis is enjoying his second Junior Gold experience and loved everything the trade show offered.

“It’s a great experience for everybody, you get to socialize, make friends, meet pros and play games. It’s every bowler’s dream come true,” said Bennett.



Once Saturday was over, the focus shifted to the Opening Ceremony that took place Sunday afternoon at the Eastern Michigan University George Gervin GameAbove Center.

The Opening Ceremony got underway with the state-by-state athlete parade, followed by U18 competitor Anthony Knecht of Friedens, Pennsylvania, providing an impeccable version of the national anthem.

“I’ve sang the national anthem locally for the Fourth of July and at cross country events where I’ve competed, but this is awesome and it was a great opportunity,” said Knecht, who is bowling in Junior Gold for the third time. “I thought the athlete walk was pretty cool with everybody holding up signs and representing their state. It’s a great way to kick things off.”



Following the national anthem, outgoing United States Bowling Congress President Melissa McDaniel officially welcomed everyone, and then special guest speakers Packy Hanrahan and Kris Prather took the stage. The Professional Bowlers Association Tour champions and current Team USA members provided words of encouragement and motivation to Junior Gold participants as they recounted their own paths through Junior Gold to Team USA and the PBA Tour.

At that point, everyone was turned loose to head outside and enjoy the Party in the Park, which featured a DJ and several fun activities including carnival-like games, footballs, soccer balls and frisbees to utilize, plus cornhole and a variety of food trucks. Stars from the PBA and Professional Women’s Bowlers Association Tours were also on hand to mingle with those in attendance.

Lea Besevic of Rockford, Illinois, a first-time competitor in the U12 division, was having a good time taking it all in.

“First I went to the LaneTalk booth and took some selfies with some pros, and then I just got finished with the Bulldog game,” Besevic said. “I think this is a great thing to have before Junior Gold because it’s a fun and relaxing thing to do before we start bowling.”

Party in the Park also featured the presentation of the 2023-2024 Dexter High School All-American Team and I AM Bowling scholarship winners, bringing an enthusiastic conclusion to a busy Junior Gold opening weekend in Detroit.

BowlTV is providing live coverage of the 2024 Junior Gold Championships up until the finals, which are being taped for telecast by CBS Sports Network. Qualifying in the U18, U15 and U12 divisions starts Monday with the first of four four-game qualifying blocks for all competitors.

For more information on the Junior Gold Championships, visit bowl.com/juniorgold.