US Bowling Congress Selects Reno to host the USBC Women’s Championships in 2013 and 2014

The additional event bookings will generate 190,000 room nights in Reno Tahoe USA. 

The LA Times didn’t call it the “Taj Mahal of Tenpins” for nothing. While most cities have a bowling alley, Reno Tahoe USA has an entire stadium dedicated to the sport, and it’s the one-of-a-kind facility and community spirit that has enticed the U.S. Bowling Congress to return year after year.

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) announced Tuesday that Reno has been selected to host the Women’s Championships in 2013 and both the USBC Open Championships and Women’s Championships in 2013 and 2014. This marks the first time in USBC history that both events will take place simultaneously in the same city.

“We are extremely pleased to have been selected as the host city for the 2013 and 2014 USBC Open Championships and Women’s Championships,” said Ellen Oppenheim, RSCVA President and CEO. “We are equally thrilled to continue to build our long-time partnership with the prestigious events. We are looking forward to welcoming participants of the USBC and their families to our destination for several more years to come.”

Approximately 85,000 bowlers from across the United States and several foreign countries including England, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, Bermuda, Canada, Bahamas and France participate in the Open Championships. Additionally, more than 45,000 guests will visit Reno Tahoe for each tournament. The economic impact for both the additional Open Championships and Women’s Championships in 2013 and 2014 is projected to be $242 million in direct local spending.

“The positive impact of winning this piece of business in 2013 and 2014 will be felt by all of the hotels, restaurants, attractions, and shops in the destination,” said Oppenheim. “It also brings Reno Tahoe the opportunity to continue to host one of the largest events in the country. This agreement demonstrates that the National Bowling Stadium is a first rate venue and bowlers enjoy coming to Reno Tahoe.”

The USBC Open Championship will be held inside the one-of-a-kind bowling stadium with simultaneous competition for the Women’s Championships inside the Reno-Sparks Convention Center (RSCC). The last time the RSCC was used for a bowling event was in 1990.

Reno is writing a new page of USBC history in becoming the first city to ever host consecutive tournaments. During previous Open Championships in Reno, 106,916 teams (representing more than 535,000 participants) have competed for more than $30 million in prize money. The Open Championships or Women’s Championships have been held at the National Bowling Stadium 11 times in the past 15 years and are scheduled to return seven  more times.

Sometimes a bowler just has to face the music. Why not do it in the National Bowling Stadium?

About United States Bowling Congress:

The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to nearly 2.5 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

About the RSCVA:

The RSCVA is the primary tourism agency supporting convention and tourism business for the Reno Tahoe region.  Reno Tahoe supports unlimited possibilities from outdoor recreation to 24-hour Nevada style gaming and entertainment.  For more information about Reno-Tahoe call 800-FOR-RENO (800-367-7366) or visit www.VisitRenoTahoe.com.

Can you believe we are officially more than half-way through the year? Time sure flies when you’re having fun in Reno Tahoe USA – and the fun happens 365 days a year here, by the way.

This weekend it’s time to celebrate our nation’s independence, and Reno Tahoe USA is packed with more barbecues, shows and family events than the biggest firework you’ve ever seen! Approximately 34.9 million Americans plan to travel this weekend. We’re willing to bet 33.9 of those wish they were here.

 We’ve put together a list of weekend festivities – from history-making celebrations, to music in the park, to the longest, most spectacular fireworks show in our region – we’re sure to have something for everyone. With daytime highs in the mid-80’s to low-90’s, whip out your red, white and blue – it’s time to get outside!

 ARTOWN – July 4^th Weekend Events

Pops at the Ranch with the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday, July 3, 8 p.m., FREE, Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road, 775-323-6393

To kick off the Reno Philharmonic’s summer concerts, the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra will perform patriotic music to get the crowd ready for the 4th of July weekend. The orchestra is led by Jason Altieri, conductor of the Reno Philharmonic Youth Orchestras and the UNR orchestra. For more information, click here.

SwedenCelebrates Virginia City with the Sigtuna Brass Sextet

Saturday, July 3, 7 p.m., Tickets $7.50 and $15

Pipers Opera House, Virginia City, 775-847-0433

Due to some key Swedish inventions like dynamite, nitro-glycerin and even the match, Virginia City was able to flourish. Alfred Nobel was pleased with Virginia City’s applications of his inventions for mining purposes. The Sigtuna Brass Sextet portrays the experience of those early days in uniform playing instruments and music of the day while celebrating Virginia City and the nation it helped build. For more information, click here.

 Patriotic American Fourth Concert, a Family Affair with MasterWorks Chorale

Sunday, July 4, 4 p.m., FREE, Wingfield Park, 1st St. & Arlington Ave., 775-324-1940

The MasterWorks Choralepresents a 4th of July patriotic and American folk music concert. Special music such as “Stars Spangled Banner,” “When I First came to this Land,” “Oh Susannah,” “Camptown Races,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” and “Shenandoah”, plus the well-known “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”  It’s music and fun for the whole family. For more information on Artown, click here or call the office at 775-322-1538.

Sparks, Nevada 4^th of July Extravaganza

The Sparks Marina will be open for swimming from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., and of course the newest whitewater park in Reno Tahoe USA is open to everyone!

The region’s preeminent holiday celebration and fireworks display – Star Spangled Sparks – takes place on Sunday, July 4, on Victorian Square in downtown Sparks. This 11^th annual celebration of family and freedom is highlighted by a 20-minute state-of-the-art pyrotechnic display, framed by the Nugget’s picturesque hotel towers, making the fiery light exhibition the longest and most spectacular show in the region.

The activities start on Victorian Square at 4 p.m., with kid’s rides, multiple food and drink vendors and a National Guard flyover. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. The Legends at Sparks Marina will run a shuttle from the shopping center to the Marina from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

North Tahoe July 4^th Celebrations

Gene Hamilton’s BetterRide Downhill Camp to Northstar Resort

Date: Jul 2 (Fri) – Jul 4, 2010 (Sun)

BetterRide is putting on a 3-day downhill mountain bike camp at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort. This is an amazing opportunity to learn from one of the most experienced coaches in the sport. Learn to rail corners like Mitch Ropelato; fly through rock gardens like Graeme Pitts and race like Greg Minnaar. Sign up soon as this camp is limited to 14 riders to ensure the optimal athlete coach ratio! Designed for downhill racers and riders, this Downhill Camp focuses on the core skills that the BetterRide coached pros use, mental preparation and of course, FUN. For more information on costs, rules and registration email betterride@gmail.com or call 970.261.1869.

Tahoe Star Tours ~ War & Love Meet in the Sky at Northstar Resort

Date: Friday, Jul 2, 2010, 8:30pm-10:30pm

Guests interested in taking advantage of the resort’s unique mountain setting which is ideal for star gazing may choose to participate in a Tahoe Star Tour. Led by star guide Amateur Astronomer Tony Berendsen, these evening sky tours take guests on a trip across the heavens. Tours are highly interactive and allow guests to have a hands-on experience at amateur astronomy. Tahoe Star Tours meet at the top of the Highlands Gondola at the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. From there, guests are escorted to the viewing location on the deck of the Big Springs Day Lodge, located mid-mountain at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort. Proper walking footwear is recommended. There is a cost to participate. All tours include a commemorative flashlight. For more information or reservations, click here.

Free Show! Austin Blues Great Carolyn Wonderland

Date: Jul 2, 2010 (Fri) at Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, NV, 10:00 p.m.

Carolyn Wonderland is the real deal. She’s an amazing guitar and trumpet musician and can she sing! A dollop of Janis Joplin, a slice of Stevie Ray Vaughan, and a big load of soulful individuality… that’s Wonderland, a seething-hot Texas singer-guitarist. For more information, click here.

Kings Beach’s 2010 Music Series, Kings Beach, CA

Date: Jul 2, (Fri) – Aug 20, 2010 (Fri)

The lineup has been confirmed for the 2010 Kings Beach Music on the Beach series. Local favorites the Blues Monsters will again kick off the series at the opening show on July 2. The ALWAYS FREE music series kicks off Friday, July 2 and runs every Friday, 6:30-8:30 p.m., until Aug. 20 at the Kings Beach State Recreation Area. The Trey Stone Band is slated for the series finale on Aug. 20. For the complete lineup call (530) 546-9000 or click here.

Red, White and Tahoe Blue Tahoe July 2-4 Events! Various Locations in Incline Village, NV

Date: Jul 2, 2010 (Fri)

This weekend event includes festivities during both day and night with all types of patriotic activities – barbecues, pancake breakfast, opening ceremonies, dress up doggie contest and Fireworks on the 4th. It’s fun for everyone! For all of the details, click here.

Run to the Beach: 5K and 10K ~ Starting at the North Tahoe Regional Park

Date: Jul 4, 2010 (Sun), 8:00 a.m.

Run to the Beach 5 and 10k starts at the North Tahoe Regional Park. From the park you have an option of participating in the 5 or 10k distance both of which finish on the “Big” beach in Kings Beach, CA. Kings Beach is a great place to spend your July 4th weekend. Fireworks are scheduled for the evening of July 3rd. For more information, clik here.

Reno July 4^th Celebrations

Reno Aces

The Reno Aces return to Reno for July 4th for a four-game run against the Sacramento River Cats. Festivities will start at 2:00 p.m.

Although Sunday’s 6:35 game is completely sold out, fans are welcome to join the festivities on the plaza in front of Aces Ballpark beginning at 2 p.m. The plaza will be home to inflatables for kids, water balloon and potato sack races, a visit from Archie and more.

In addition, the newly-opened Beer Garden at the Freight House District will be holding volleyball and bocce ball tournaments throughout the afternoon. The Harters will play a pregame concert at 3:45 p.m., and a number of Aces players will participate in an autograph session at 4:30 p.m.

Fans are also welcome to view the game and the postgame fireworks show at the Freight House District, located at Aces Ballpark, from inside Bugsy’s Sports Bar and Grill, outside on the Bugsy’s Sports Bar Patio or on one of the more than 30 high-definition flat-screen televisions located throughout the Freight House District. Open year-round and seven days a week regardless of whether the Aces have a game or not, the Freight House District will be one of the premier viewing locations for the much-anticipated Aces Ballpark Independence Day fireworks show.

Grand Sierra Resort, Reno -Centennial Celebration: Johnson vs. Jeffries

Exactly one hundred years ago on this July 4, the whole world was watching Reno, Nevada, in perhaps one of the most important events in American Boxing History. 20-thousand boxing fans from around the world poured into Reno to witness the “Battle of the Century”. (That was 5-thousand more people than Reno’s population at the time!) It was a matchup between Jim Jeffries and Jack Johnson, the first African American to hold the World Heavyweight Championship. Johnson was an intimidating boxer and was considered a pariah amongst white America because of his refusal to live his life according to the bigoted social norms prevalent during 1910.

Now, exactly 100 years later, the city of Reno will honor the legacy of this most famous of fights with a three-day celebration, July 2-4, 2010, featuring boxing celebrities, family members of those involved in the original fight, as well as live professional boxing at the Grand Sierra Resort, which will be aired by Fox Sports Net.

The list of professional boxers includes Reno native and super middleweight Joey Gilbert (19-2, 15 KOs), former Jr. flyweight champion Ulises Solís (30-2, 21 KOs) and undefeated up-and-coming middleweight Brandon “Flawless” Gonzales (12-0, 9 Kos).

Visitors to the 100-year anniversary celebration will have the opportunity to tour the original fight site as well as the locations of both Johnson’s and Jeffries’ pre-fight training camps.

Dates, times and more details about these and other events planned for the Johnson-Jeffries 100-year anniversary celebration can be found here , along with more history of the original fight and information about lodging packages available for the weekend.

Peppermill Resort Casino

July 3, don’t miss an exciting night of Rock! Arnel Pineda of “Journey” plays his Love To Rock concert with Rachelle Ann Go and the Ammo Band in Peppermill’s state-of-the-art Tuscany Event Center. Ticket prices start at $48 and are available online or on site at Peppermill’s Information Booth or Hotel Front Desk, or by phone at (877) 525-7469.  Doors open at 7pm.

 Eldorado and Silver Legacy Resort Casino

There’s quite a bit to do at the Eldorado and Silver Legacy for 4^th of July weekend. Here’s the rundown:

The Eldorado:
“Shake, Rattle & Roll” – Special Summer Pricing, tickets starting at just $19.95 for adults

Silver Legacy:
Cafe Sedona – All American Burger and Fries, with Soda $6 with beer $8
Bud and Bud Light $2.50 at all casino bars

Co-Sponsored Events:
The Great International Chicken Wing Society Cook Off – July 3-5 on Virginia St.

It’s spiciest, most affordable 4th of July festival to ever hit Downtown Reno—Silver Legacy Resort Casino is hosting the 9th Annual Great International Chicken Wing Society Cook-off on Virginia Street this 4th of July weekend!

From Saturday, July 3 to Monday, July 5 you’ll have a chance to sample the best sauces, taste top-notch wings and watch the best in the business compete for poultry pride. Nearly a dozen restaurants and bars will be on hand to compete, including last year’s defending champ from right here in Nevada, the “Havin’ an Affair” sweet and spicy sauce from Las Vegas. For more information, click here.

Chinese Concert – July 4 at the Reno Ballroom, 8 p.m.

Vietnamese Concert – July 4 at the Pioneer Center, 6 p.m.

Pops in the Park, presented by the Sierra Philharmonic League
Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, Jason Altieri conducting
July 4, 4:30 p.m. Mormon State Park, Genoa NV, FREE
The Reno Philharmonic Orchestra has performed at “Pops in the Park” in Genoa to capacity crowds for over 25 years, and could be a best kept secret in Reno. The Sierra Philharmonic League organizes the family friendly event with clowns, strolling musicians, along with silent and live auctions.

Sportsman Channel has announced its Top Sportsman Summer Destinations and lo and behold, the Truckee River is on the list! Hosts of Sportsman Channel spend their days hunting, fishing and shooting throughout North America. That’s their job! So they should know a quality, living body of water when they see one. With summer now officially upon us, Sportsman Channel surveyed its talent, as well as its newly appointed CEO, to create the Top “Sportsman” Summer Destinations List.

The Truckee River came in 4^th place! Here’s what Chad Belding had to say about our river:

Chad Belding of The Fowl Life: “My favorite summer destination is the Truckee River between Lake Tahoe and Reno in the beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. The river provides some excellent fishing during the summer months and the guides at the Reno Fly Shop are experts on the local water. They know the hatches, the timetables, the riverbeds, and food beds. Bottom line, they know how to get you on the fish. This in addition to these guided trips, being very affordable is what keeps me coming back to this area year after year. I love to either navigate the river on a float trip or by cruising the shorelines in search of some new honey holes. My favorite locations to fly fish on the Truckee River are literally minutes from Downtown Reno Nevada and Lake Tahoe. There is a ton to do after I get off of the river with great food, summertime activities, concerts, sporting events, and of course the mountains. I suggest staying at the El Dorado Hotel Casino in Reno. The Eldorado is a locally owned Hotel-Casino that offers nothing but first class accommodations.” Fishing with Reno Fly Shop Guides – El Dorado Hotel Casino in Reno: www.EldoradoReno.com and www.renoflyshop.com

You said it best, brother!

For a complete list of the top Sportsman Channel summer destinations, click here.

Exactly one hundred years ago on this July 4, the whole world was watching Reno, Nevada, in perhaps one of the most important events in American Boxing History. 20-thousand boxing fans from around the world poured into Reno to witness the “Battle of the Century”. (That was 5-thousand more people than Reno’s population at the time!) It was a match up between Jim Jeffries and Jack Johnson, the first African American to hold the World Heavyweight Championship. Johnson was an intimidating boxer and was considered a pariah amongst white America because of his refusal to live his life according to the bigoted social norms prevalent during 1910.

Jeffries, the former champion who had retired undefeated three years earlier, never having agreed to face Johnson – had come out of retirement as the “Great White Hope” to take back the heavyweight championship for the white race.

A fight anticipated like no other, before or since, the Johnson-Jeffries match is still cited as one of the most important sporting events of all time.

The fight, which was promoted and refereed by legendary boxing promoter Tex Rickard, was originally scheduled to take place in San Francisco; however, one year before the fight was scheduled to take place, California Governor James Gillette withdrew his support for the fight, making Rickard scramble to find another venue to host the event.

At the time, Nevada was the state most friendly to boxing, and Reno was conveniently located on the railroad, allowing for thousands of fans to be brought in easily from both coasts. A ring, with seating for 20,000, was built in downtown Reno for the event.

Johnson defeated Jeffries in 15 rounds to retain his heavyweight crown on the custom-made boxing ring in downtown Reno. The 1910 victory sparked race riots across the nation, and changed boxing forever. Until Johnson took the heavyweight crown, boxing had never let a black boxer compete for the heavyweight title.

And now, exactly 100 years later, the city of Reno will honor the legacy of this most famous of fights with a three-day celebration, July 2-4, 2010, featuring boxing celebrities, family members of those involved in the original fight, as well as live professional boxing at the Grand Sierra Resort, which will be aired by Fox Sports Net.

The list of professional boxers includes Reno native and super middleweight Joey Gilbert (19-2, 15 KOs), former Jr. flyweight champion Ulises Solís (30-2, 21 KOs) and undefeated up-and-coming middleweight Brandon “Flawless” Gonzales (12-0, 9 Kos).

“We’re very excited that family members representing all four of the principle parties involved in making the original fight happen – Jack Johnson, Jim Jeffries, promoter Tex Rickard and acting Governor Denver Dickerson – will be able to attend the 100-year anniversary celebration,” said Terry Lane of Let’s Get It On Promotions, which is helping organize the celebration.

Visitors to the 100-year anniversary celebration will have the opportunity to tour the original fight site as well as the locations of both Johnson’s and Jeffries’ pre-fight training camps.

Dates, times and more details about these and other events planned for the Johnson-Jeffries 100-year anniversary celebration can be found online, along with more history of the original fight and information about lodging packages available for the weekend.

The Tour de Nez has a way of turning spectators into participants.

From June 17-20, the event’s cycling races and festivities move from Sparks to Reno and finally through Tahoe. Tour de Nez attendees will see a lightning quick time trial, cycling team tactics and a furious circuit race through the narrow streets of the Village at Northstar, but the race would not be complete without a tasty mint julep.

But what is more unique about the Tour de Nez is what attendees can do: race messenger-style bikes through the streets of Reno, straddle a clunker for  low-speed laps for a chance to win prizes, or saddle up and soak in the Tahoe scenery with a group of pros.

Even after cyclists climb off the bike, the party goes on with live music, an expo and food and drink sprinkled in between cycling events.

“The festivals include live music and big parties every day,” said Tim Healion, founder and race director of the Tour de Nez. “You can ride your bike all day in the Sierra then watch a killer bike race and party all night.”

The festival feel keeps the event true to its roots as a party that over time grew into a prestigious domestic cycling race.

“Every race I know started as a bike race, and then they had to figure out what to add to get people to come,” said Healion. “We did it backwards – we started out as a party for the first seven years, and then we added the bike race to make it more interesting.”

Today, the Tour de Nez is an important stop on the professional cycling circuit, attracting many of the top U.S. professional cycling teams including UnitedHealthcare (formerly Health Net), Kelly Benefit Strategies, Bissell, Jelly Belly and Fly V Australia.

Pros, masters, women and handcyclists will compete over three days at a time trial in Sparks and circuit races in downtown Reno and at Lake Tahoe’s Village at Northstar, all with the goal to be crowned Tour de Nez champion.

To properly sum up the experience, here’s what the 2007 Overall Champ had to say, “This race is awesome. The others are stupid.”

Well said.

2010 Schedule of Events

Thursday, June 17 – Sparks, Nev.

• Sparks Nugget Prologue Time Trial starting and finishing right in the middle of the craziest farmers market you’ll ever experience. The event starts at 5:00 p.m. with music and food to follow at the Sparks Farmers Market.

Friday, June 18 – Reno, Nev.

• Group ride with athletes in the morning with coffee stop.

• Downtown Reno Circuit Race that starts and finishes on 1st St. at West St. (Pro men/elite women/masters)

• National championship handcycle race.

• Races for clunkers, messengers, and kids at West Street Plaza on the Truckee River in Reno.

• Party afterwards at West Street Plaza.

Saturday, June 19 – Northstar-at-Tahoe, Calif.

• Village circuit race at the Village at Northstar-at-Tahoe for Pro men/women/handcycles/masters and Lance Armstrong Junior Road race Series.

• Village races for clunkers and kids.

• Expo, music, demos, food, festival, and party all in the Village at Northstar

Sunday, June 20

• Ride with the Pros

For more information and registration visit the Tour de Nez site.

The RSCVA and the Reno River Festival are giving away (4) – 2 person team entries to the Run Amuck this Saturday May 8.  To enter, simply go toe the Reno, Nevada Page on Facebook and submit your best picture from any of the previous Run Amucks. Enter as many pictures as you like, we will judge each one individually!

On Friday, we will choose the best 4 pictures that have been submitted and they will receive a free entry for a 2 person team to this Saturdays Run Amuck in Reno.

Winners will be announced on this post, as well as the Reno, Nevada Page on Facebook.

If you live in Reno or have been lucky enough to visit, you know it’s a no-brainer. It’s a great getaway, let alone a fantastic place to reside. There’s never a dull moment in the Biggest Little City, from year-round entertainment, recreational options galore and all at an affordable cost. Men’s Journal Magazine recognizes Reno’s AAA Aces ballpark, the Riverwalk District, Artown and the city’s proximity to abundant outdoor recreations as several reasons why Reno had to be among the top 25 cities for “Best Places to Live 2010”, according to the April issue of Men’s Journal magazine.

The top 25 cities were included in various categories and determined by three variables including median home price, cost of living compared to the rest of the United States and number of sunny days per year.  Reno is featured as tops for “Ski and Climb Without the Crowds” listing Reno’s median home price as $274,670, its cost of living as 13 percent higher than the rest of the nation, and boasting 252 sunny days per year.

“Having Reno named one of the best places to live is a huge honor for our city and residents,” said Reno Mayor Bob Cashell.  “We all know why we love this place, but the national recognition helps build credibility for our city as a top place to live, work and raise a family.  It also gets the word out about what makes our city so special including our downtown baseball park, Artown and burgeoning downtown.”

“Reno making a top places to live list helps increase awareness nationwide that Reno Tahoe is a happening place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy all this area offers, from downtown fun to high altitude adventure.” said Ellen Oppenheim, Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) President and CEO.  “The recent investment in area hotel-casino properties, spas and restaurants are additional outstanding amenities locals and visitors can take advantage of.”

The April issue of Men’s Journal featuring the “Best Places to Live 2010” is on newsstands now or visit www.mensjournal.com.

Men’s Journal has previously ranked Reno’s historic Old Southwest as one of ‘The Best Neighborhoods in America’ in their June 2009 issue.

We’ve been tooting our own horn for a while. It’s nice to get some validation, though, dontcha think?

Aces hat? Check.

Aces foam finger? Check.

Hotdog and Cracker Jack? Che… Cracker Jack?!

Whatever gets your heart pumping for Aceball, we won’t judge you. We will point fingers and laugh, though, if you don’t make it out to Aces Ballpark tonight at 6:05 p.m. for the second season opener against the Fresno Grizzlies. As expected, the Aces are rolling out the red carpet to welcome back all of the anxious fans with pre-game fireworks and the much-anticipated debut of the Freight House District. Have you seen that place?! It’s the newest downtown development with year-round dining and entertainment. Duffy’s Ale House and Bugsy’s Sports Bar and Grill will open for business at 2 p.m. today.

Why not revolve your entire weekend around Aceball? After all, the weather is perfect and you know you’ve been waiting for this moment all year. Friday night, the Aces will give away 2,500 magnet schedules so you’ll never miss a game. On Saturday, 3,000 fans will get an Aces fleece blanket, to keep you warm in those nail-biter extra innings.

Don’t forget, after every Friday, Saturday and Sunday game, all children 12 and under are invited to run the bases on the Aces Ballpark infield.

The weekend games start at 7:05 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 1:05 p.m.

Single-game tickets for all games start at just $7, while ticket plans for the 2010 season start at just $220. Call (775) 334-7000 for ticket info, visit the Aces Ballpark box office or head to www.RenoAces.com.

I think I know what Jack Nicholson feels like when he sits court-side at a Laker’s game.  Easter Sunday we had front row seats as the Reno Bighorns beat the Tulsa 66ers 105 to 88 at home.   Several times I thought a player might land in our lap; we were that close!

An exciting game, but the best part was sitting next to Candace Spiers and her husband Ken Fernandes.  Candace handles the travel arrangements for the Reno Bighorns and the Reno Aces.  With the Bighorns in the playoffs, and the Aces starting their season this week, she has her hands full.  I asked her what it was like being a travel agent for a professional basketball team.  “It’s the most fun I’ve had in the travel business in years,” she said.  She often finds herself at the airport, helping the players check in and getting boarding passes.  She loves the job, but says it’s the players that make it special.  “They’re not your typical celebrity types, they’re all so easy going,” she explains.

This Thursday the Reno Aces play their season opener against the Fresno Grizzlies, and Saturday, the Reno Bighorns play their first-ever playoff game when they take on Rio Grande Valley.  The season overlap will have Candace scrambling.  “Let’s just say I’m not going to have a whole lot of sleep, and neither is anyone who works for the Reno Aces or the Bighorns!”

Candace says she’s very proud of the teams and the way they bring people together in Northern Nevada.   And she’s looking forward to Thursday’s  Aces game, and Saturday’s Bighorns game.  An added bonus:  both teams are playing at home.

The owners of Silver Peak Restaurant and Brewery will open a new restaurant in June 2010 in downtown Reno at 300 E. Second St., adjacent to the Reno Aces baseball stadium. The new restaurant will include a restaurant specializing in pizza made famous at Silver Peak’s original location, a full-service bar and restricted gaming. The owners have not yet named the new restaurant given its primary focus on pizza, but diners can expect a “Silver Peak-esque” twist to its identity.

“The construction of Aces Ballpark creates an opportunity for us to again participate in the revitalization of our downtown corridor,” said Silverman. “We’re excited to be part of the process, and look forward to seeing lots of locals and tourists enjoying the Freight House District area.”

Owners Schmidt and Silverman opened the first Silver Peak Restaurant and Brewery location on Wonder Street in Reno in 1999 and a second location in downtown Reno in 2004. Silver Peak is known throughout northern Nevada for its unique and original selection of food and beers brewed at its Wonder Street location.

The owners have no plans to make any changes to the original Wonder Street location, but are evaluating their total presence and priorities in the downtown Reno area.

300 E. Second is a 15-story tower and is located in downtown Reno, centrally located immediately across E. Second Street from the Reno Aces baseball stadium and within walking distance of City Hall, the County Courthouse and the Federal Court Building, Park Center Tower features panoramic views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains, Truckee Meadows and downtown Reno. The facility also offers direct access to Interstate-80, the Amtrak station and all major bus lines.