Packy Hanrahan Takes the Cheetah, Plus 50 New Alleys Hit BAiO

It's been one of those weeks where the bowling world felt both triumphant and somber. While Packy Hanrahan was lighting up TV screens in Minneapolis, the industry said goodbye to one of its most influential voices. Plus, we've been busy — 50 new alleys just dropped on BAiO.

🎳 On the Lanes

Packy Hanrahan dominated the PBA Cheetah Championship in Minneapolis, capturing his third career PBA Tour title with a commanding performance that averaged over 263 in his five bracket finals games. The southpaw swept Matt Sanders in the championship match with scores of 237-192 and 265-227, finally breaking through on TV after several close calls in recent years.

Meanwhile, the PBA World Series of Bowling XVII is heating up with EJ Tackett positioned for a historic fourth consecutive World Championship title. The defending champ leads heading into the final rounds, chasing something no PBA player has ever accomplished.

📣 Industry News

The bowling world lost a giant this week with the passing of Mort Luby Jr., who died at 94, just two months shy of his 95th birthday. Luby transformed Bowlers Journal International from a family publication into the industry's most trusted journalism source, earning 42 national writing awards and founding the World Bowling Writers organization. His eloquent features and colorful editorials shaped how we talk about bowling for decades.

On a brighter note, the USBC Open Championships in Reno continues to deliver magic moments. Ingellimar Contreras Beasley became the 16th woman in tournament history to roll a perfect game, adding her name to a very exclusive list with her Friday night 300.

📍 New on BAiO

We went a little crazy this week — 50 new bowling alleys just hit the platform. Illinois got the bulk of the love with spots like Sideouts Sports Tavern in Island Lake, Joliet Town & Country Lanes, Fireside Bowl in Chicago, and Twisted Pin in Plainfield. We also launched a new city guide for Best Bowling in Nashville, TN — perfect timing with International Bowl Expo heading there later this year.

🏆 New League Spots

League bowlers got 37 new options this week as most of our new alleys offer organized play. Spots like 3D Bowling in Island Lake, Laraway Lanes in New Lenox, and Avondale Bowl in Chicago all welcome league action. Check out our full bowling leagues directory to find your perfect league night spot.

📊 Stat of the Week

Avondale Bowl in Chicago stands out as our top-rated new addition this week, sporting an impressive 4.7/5 Google rating backed by 350 reviews. When you see numbers like that — a 4.7 with hundreds of reviews — you know this isn't just hype. People keep coming back, which tells you everything about the experience they're delivering.

📰 Sources

• BOWLING JOURNALISM LEGEND MORT LUBY JR. PASSES AWAY — Bowling Center Management
• Packy Hanrahan wins PBA Cheetah Championship — PBA
• Contreras Beasley connects for 300 at USBC Open Championships — USBC / BOWL.com