by BTL staff
The exterior LED neon lights at MotorCity Casino Hotel will proudly display the colors of the rainbow Oct. 8-10 in recognition of the Motown Invitational Classic, Michigan's oldest and largest LGBT bowling tournament.
MotorCity is the presenting sponsor and host hotel for the 25th anniversary event, which will welcome more than 250 participants from across Michigan, the U.S. and Canada.
It's one of several changes aimed at increasing visibility and visitors to the region's largest LGBT bowling event.
"In addition to our new host hotel, we also moved the competition to a new bowling center with the hope that bowlers would appreciate a change for our silver anniversary celebration," said Michael Odom, 2010 MIC co-director. "The MIC committee is certain that we have laid the groundwork for a one-of-a-kind memorable event."
Now 25 years in, the Motown Invitational Classic has a multi-national history.
The first tournament was held in 1985 and was designated the Detroit-Windsor International Freedom Tournament because it took place during two national holidays: Fourth of July and Canada Day. In 1989, the tournament was renamed MIC and was moved to October in celebration of the U.S. Columbus Day and Canadian Thanksgiving.
This year, the tournament kicks off on Friday, Oct. 8, with an optional 9-Pin No Tap Event. A 9-Pin allows bowlers who roll a count of nine on their first ball to be counted as a strike. Similarly to previous years, the event is open to the public, and bowlers of any skill level are welcome and do not have to be registered in MIC to compete.
Cost is $20 per bowler and registration begins at 7 p.m. in the Arena at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park. According to Odom, the event sells out every year, so anyone interested in bowling should plan to arrive early.
The singles event begins at 11 a.m. on Oct. 9 and is immediately followed by doubles. Bowlers will compete in four-person teams on Oct. 10 to finish the competition.
Proceeds from the 2010 MIC tournament will benefit several area nonprofits, including HIV/AIDS organizationsHigher Ground and the Michigan AIDS Coalition, as well as the Michigan Animal Adoption Network.
To alleviate some of the tension during the competition, a hospitality suite at MotorCity will provide bowlers with time to relax as well as the chance to mingle with others. As part of the 25th anniversary celebration, the hospitality suite will be open to the public on both Friday and Saturday beginning at 7 p.m.
"We encourage people to stop by and hang out with the bowlers," added Odom. "Many will party in the hospitality suite or try their luck on the casino floor. Some participants will make plans to visit Detroit's gay bars later in the evening and could certainly use friendly tour guides."
Once the tournament is completed, top rankings will be determined for each individual category as well as all-around categories with prizes and awards distributed at an awards banquet Sunday evening.
After the banquet, bowlers will gather at Gigi's in Detroit for the official closing party. The event will feature live entertainment, dancing, raffles and prizes.
For more information on the Motown Invitational Classic, visit http://www.mictournament.org.
