Reno council approves contract amendment to host more USBC championships, waives fast liquidated‑damages clause

The Reno City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 12 to approve a five‑year amendment to the city’s contract with the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) and the Reno‑Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RCVA). The amendment extends scheduled tournaments, raises the site fee from $30 to $36 and creates a 15% commission on food and beverage sales at the National Bowling Stadium during the large championships, while removing an automatic liquidated damages provision in the contract.

RCVA President and CEO Mike Larregueta told council the USBC’s open championship in 2026 is expected to bring roughly 55,000 bowlers and about 140,000 room nights, generating an estimated $2.8 million in room‑tax revenue and an economic impact the RCVA estimated at about $87 million for that event alone. The RCVA forecasted that adding two additional open championships and a women’s championship through 2038 could bring about 125,000 bowlers and more than $202 million in economic impact over the multi‑year span.

Council members pressed RCVA staff and the city manager on the legal and fiscal tradeoffs of removing the liquidated damages clause. City Attorney and other staff said eliminating the liquidated damages language removes the expedited recovery mechanism but does not eliminate the city’s general right to seek damages under an ordinary breach‑of‑contract claim, which would require separate legal proof. Council members, including Mayor Hillary Schieve and Councilman Devin Reese, said the broader economic benefits to downtown and air service justified the concession.

The council also asked the RCVA to return the city’s annual General Services Agreement (GSA) payment—an approximately $350,000 per‑year contribution that offsets RCVA operating shortfalls—back to the city’s general fund in perpetuity as part of the negotiated caveat. Mayor Schieve moved to approve the amendment with that condition; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

RCVA staff said capital commitments remain in place: replacement of bowling lanes and other facility upgrades required by earlier agreements are funded through a $2 surcharge dedicated to that capital program, with a full lane replacement currently scheduled for 2029. RCVA told council it has adjusted internal budgeting to accommodate the site‑fee increases beginning in 2029 and expects the food and beverage commission to begin then as well.

Larregueta and other RCVA leaders also described non‑financial concessions the city gains: additional tournaments in off‑years, a U.S. bowling convention in some year between 2028 and 2038, and 10 incremental smaller tournaments anticipated to produce about 15,000 additional room nights. Council members encouraged the RCVA and local businesses to coordinate hospitality, airport and civic engagement to “roll out the red carpet” for visitors.

The council’s approval follows a presentation and discussion at the dais and a prior vote by the RCVA board on Oct. 23. No dissenting votes were recorded at city council; councilmembers said they will continue oversight of capital projects and asked staff to return with any material modifications to the agreed terms.

What’s next: RCVA will pursue board and partner approvals necessary to implement the amendment and begin planning for the 2026 open championship this winter. The city will follow up on the GSA return mechanics and keep the council apprised of any changes to capital funding or tournament scheduling.