RENO, Nev. - The USBC Open Championships has evolved and grown since its inception in 1901, and bowlers will notice a few changes when they arrive at the National Bowling Stadium for the 2010 event, which kicks off Saturday afternoon.

Competitors still will enjoy the many traditions that make the tournament so memorable, but they also will be among the first to enjoy the beginning of some new ones.

The changes include new Scale Room procedures, the allowance of beverages while competing, special check-in accommodations for team captains with four or more teams, opportunities for team captains registered for both 2010 and 2011 and a fully-automated registration process.

Bowlers have traditionally had all of their bowling balls weighed and checked prior to both team and doubles and singles, but the procedure has been adapted. All balls still must be checked prior to bowling team, but only balls not present during team must be checked before doubles and singles competition. All bowlers are still required to report to the squad room with their equipment, however.

Once on the lanes, bowlers will be allowed to consume beverages while competing. In the past, water was provided and all other drinks were prohibited, but an increasing demand has prompted the change on a trial basis.

Behind the scenes, team captains with four or more teams will be able to enjoy a stress-free check-in experience in the tournament's new VIP check-in area, which is set away from the general check-in counter.

In addition, captains are encouraged to register for 2011 so they can begin reaping the benefits of the Eagle's Nest, a special club for dedicated captains.

Eagle's Nest members will receive a monthly 'E-Nest' Newsletter - a monthly e-newsletter featuring tournament tips, latest bowling trends and special offers from Reno sponsors, USBC Travel and the Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority.

All Eagle's Nest members also will be eligible to win one of five cars or trucks that will be awarded at the 2011 Open Championships, airfare and lodging for the 2011 event or one of the high-performance Storm bowling balls awarded each day during the 2011 tournament.

Captains with four or more teams also will be eligible for free upgrades on lodging in 2011.

Any current or potential team captains interested in registering for 2011 now can do so using USBC's fully-automated registration system on USBCopen.com. This option was introduced earlier this month, and the step-by-step process has proven to be simple and quick.

Other significant changes in Open Championships history:

-1951 (St. Paul, Minn.): The first crowning of Joe Bowler, who is randomly selected to throw out the first ball of the tournament each year.

-1954 (Seattle): The debut of the tournament's Center Aisle.

-1957 (Fort Worth): The introduction of the automatic pinsetter to the Open Championships.

-1979 (Tampa): The introduction of automatic scoring and the original "flip dot" scoreboards.

-1998 (Reno): Brackets are offered at the Open Championships for the first time.

-2009 (Las Vegas): The unveiling of the world's largest mobile scoreboard, which utilizes the latest 10mm technology and enhanced graphics with 4.4 trillion colors and streaming video capabilities.

Presenting sponsors for the 2010 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado and Silver Legacy Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other sponsors include: Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor; Kegel, official lane maintenance provider; US Steltronic, official scoring system, and supporting sponsors Storm Bowling Products, UPS, Nationwide Insurance, Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa, Harrah's Reno Casino and Hotel and Peppermill Hotel Casino.