SEATTLE (October 11) - Due to the tremendous response from bowlers as a result of the increased prize fund, the tournament field for the 2001 Men's U.S. Open has been expanded to 336 spots. The U.S. Open is scheduled for December 2 - 9 at Fountain Bowl in Fountain Valley, California with the finals airing live on ESPN Sunday, December 9 at 1:00 p.m.

Bowlers will be vying for the $100,000 first prize and the overall prize fund of $350,000 that will pay down to 84 spots, based on the maximum entries. 200 entries will be for members of the Professional Bowlers Association. The remaining 136 spots will be for qualifiers and non-PBA exempt bowlers who can enter three ways:

Win a US Open Qualifier: Non-exempt PBA and non-PBA members can enter by participating in and winning one of many qualifying tournaments held around the country. Qualifier winners receive a paid entry in the tournament.

Participate in a US Open Qualifier: Participants who do not win can send in a tournament entry form and the $400 entry to the BPAA. Names will be added to a priority waiting list and confirmed into the event by October 20.

Send in a Completed Entry Form and Fee: If there is no qualifier scheduled for a particular area, bowlers can mail in the completed entry form and the $400 entry fee and be placed on a waiting list. All available spots remaining after the above two options are utilized will be filled by random draw on November 1.

Check www.bowlingsusopen.com to view the waiting list, confirmed entries and all tournament updates.