ARLINGTON, Texas - The United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships is as much about camaraderie as it is about competition, and the event's VIP program will reflect that with a new team concept.

The program will enter its second year with an emphasis on team pride and spending time together while in Reno, Nev., to compete in the world's largest participatory sporting event for women. The 2014 USBC Women's Championships VIP package will retail for $399.96.

Each member of a VIP team at the 2014 Women's Championships will receive a VIP polo shirt and membership credential, $25 meal voucher to be used at the nearby Ruby River Steakhouse, tournament photo package, Bowling Ball Express discount and unlimited use of a VIP locker at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

"The VIP concept was introduced at the Women's Championships in 2013 and our bowlers told us they would be interested in a package that provided exclusive benefits for the entire team," said Brian Lewis, USBC Managing Director of Tournaments. "Sharing friendships is a big part of the Women's Championships, and we are excited to introduce this package as a special way for women to celebrate their trip together."

Bowlers at the nearby USBC Open Championships again will have the chance to be VIPs for $229.99, which now includes the choice of a one-hour team practice session on the Showcase Lanes or a one-on-one coaching session with USBC Silver coach Mike Jasnau at Lane 81 inside the pro shop area at the NBS.

Jasnau is a Professional Bowlers Association champion, Bowlers Journal International Top 100 coach and has done more than 9,000 lessons. He has been the resident coach at the NBS since 1998 and has been a familiar face at more than a dozen Open and Women's Championships.

The 90-minute session will include video analysis with a take-home DVD and statistical data provided by C.A.T.S (Computer Aided Tracking System). The categories measured by C.A.T.S. include ball speed and control, accuracy and consistency, launch and entry angles and rev rate.

"I am happy to be able to work closely with USBC this year, and I am excited about helping out the VIPs," Jasnau said. "I think the program is great because it gives the bowler extra value, and it really adds to the overall experience. I always look forward to seeing old friends and bowlers I've worked with before, and now, I'm looking forward to meeting new people, too."

Also new in 2014, VIP membership at the Open Championships will feature a singles entry at the Storm Bowlers Journal Championships presented by USBC, being held on lanes 69-78 at the NBS. A bowler's first singles entry each year includes a one-year subscription to Bowlers Journal International magazine.

The Open Championships VIP package includes a VIP polo shirt and membership credential, VIP locker access at the National Bowling Stadium, photo and video discount package and Bowling Ball Express discount.

The cost of the VIP package does not include entry fees for the Open or Women's Championships. And because certain portions of the program must be scheduled, bowlers are required to purchase their VIP memberships at least 30 days prior to their dates of competition in Reno.

VIP registration for the Open and Women's Championships is open.

To get complete details or become a VIP, visit BOWL.com/openvip or BOWL.com/womensvip or call 800-514-2695, ext. 8418.

COORDINATORS ALSO GET STAR TREATMENT IN 2014

Dedicated group coordinators will enjoy a few additional incentives in 2014 as a reward for signing up and paying early.

Open and Women's Championships coordinators with six teams, who paid in full by July 1, 2013, will receive complimentary membership into the USBC Championship Tournaments Captain's Club.

Each Captain's Club member will get a USBC polo shirt and credential, Bowling Ball Express discount, photo package, VIP locker access and a special thank-you gift for their hard work.