Your Ultimate Guide to the PBA on Tour Schedule for 2024 Bowling Events

Alright, let’s get straight into it. Planning your bowling calendar for the PBA on Tour in 2024 can feel a little overwhelming—especially if you’re new to following professional bowling or trying to attend events for the first time. I’ve been tracking the PBA schedule for years, and honestly, the earlier you map things out, the better your experience will be. So here’s my ultimate guide to navigating the 2024 PBA on Tour schedule, with a few personal tips and some tough-love advice thrown in—because, as one coach I admire once put it, “Tough love lang naman yun. You have to give them the truth, ‘di ba?” That’s exactly how I feel about planning: skip the sugarcoating and get real about what works.

First things first, let’s talk about where to find the schedule. The PBA website and their social media channels are your best friends here. I always bookmark the official PBA Tour page and turn on notifications for their Twitter account—that way, I don’t miss last-minute changes. For 2024, I’ve counted at least 18 major events so far, with the season kicking off in January and wrapping up around November. Some of my personal favorites include the Tournament of Champions in February and the U.S. Open in October. Now, I’m not gonna lie—I’ve made the mistake before of just scanning dates and thinking I’m set. But here’s the truth: you need to dig deeper. Look at event formats. Are they animal patterns? Is it match play or a stepladder final? Knowing this stuff helps you decide which events are worth traveling to, especially if you’re like me and prefer match play for the sheer drama of head-to-head competition.

Once you’ve got the dates and formats down, it’s time to prioritize. I usually split events into three buckets: must-attend, maybe-if-I-can-swing-it, and watch-from-home. For example, if you’re into seeing the top pros battle under pressure, don’t skip the PBA Playoffs in April—it’s intense, and the energy is just different live. But if you’re budget-conscious, maybe skip a couple of the mid-season events unless they’re within driving distance. Last year, I drove six hours to catch the PBA League, and while it was awesome, I wish I’d planned better for gas and hotel costs. Which brings me to my next point: budgeting. I always set aside around $1,200 for a weekend event—that covers tickets, hotel, food, and a little merch. Yeah, it sounds like a lot, but if you book hotels early, you can sometimes cut that down to $800 or so. And here’s a little tough love: if you don’t budget realistically, you’ll end up stressed instead of enjoying the strikes and spares.

Now, let’s talk about watching vs. attending. Not every event needs to be in person—trust me, I learned that the hard way. Some tournaments are just as thrilling on TV, especially with the way Fox Sports covers the PBA. But if you do go live, arrive early. I made the mistake of showing up “on time” for a session once and missed like two whole matches because of lines. Speaking of timing, check if the event has pro-ams or fan interactions. Those are golden opportunities to meet players, and honestly, they’re way more relaxed than the main competition. I’ve gotten photos with Jason Belmonte and EJ Tackett just by hanging around after pro-ams—those moments beat just watching from the stands any day.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is how the schedule shifts. Back in 2022, there were only about 14 events, but now we’re up to 18 or so for 2024. That’s a solid increase, and it means more chances to see the pros in action. But it also means you’ve got to stay flexible. Dates can change, venues get updated—so I always double-check a week before I travel. And if you’re following online, set up Google Calendar alerts or use the PBA app. It sounds simple, but it saves you from those “wait, that was this weekend?!” moments. Oh, and a quick tip: if you’re into stats, keep an eye on the PBA’s official stats page during events. I love tracking things like average scores and spare conversion rates—it makes watching even more engaging, especially if you’re trying to improve your own game.

When it comes to picking which events to follow closely, I lean toward the majors. The PBA National Championship, for instance, always delivers high stakes, and the prize funds are huge—like, over $100,000 for the winner sometimes. But don’t sleep on the smaller events either. The regional tournaments can be super fun because the atmosphere is more intimate, and you might discover upcoming talent. Personally, I try to hit one major and one regional each year just to mix it up. And let’s be real: following the PBA on Tour isn’t just about bowling—it’s about the community. I’ve met some of my closest friends at these events, all because we bonded over a crazy 7-10 split or debated who the GOAT really is.

Wrapping this up, your ultimate guide to the 2024 PBA on Tour schedule really boils down to planning with purpose. Use the official sources, budget smartly, and don’t be afraid to pick and choose based on what excites you most. Remember, “Tough love lang naman yun”—so be honest with yourself about what you can handle time-wise and money-wise. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this season’s lineup has something for everyone. I’m already counting down to January, and I hope this guide helps you make the most of it. Now, go mark those calendars and maybe I’ll see you at the lanes!