The Prairie View A&M bowling team is preparing to make history this weekend as they're set to host their first-ever collegiate bowling tournament.  The inaugural Prairie View A&M Invitational will begin this Friday, Feb. 3 at the Bowling International Training and Research Center in Arlington, Texas.

The invitation only event marks the first-ever collegiate bowling tournament held at the state-of-the-art facility.  Out of the 12 teams that are scheduled to participate, the tourney will play host to several universities on the national level as six of the top 10 teams (Nebraska, Arkansas State, Maryland Eastern Shore, Central Missouri, Stephen F. Austin and Vanderbilt) in the country have committed to bowl.

This will mark the second opportunity for the Lady Panthers to bowl at the ITRC as they had the opportunity to train there in addition to a dual match against Maryland Eastern Shore in 2010.  The ITRC is the premier bowling facility in the country and possibly the world.  It's where research for the bowling industry is performed in regards to balls, lanes, equipment, etc. including robots and other advanced technology.  It is the official training center for Team USA and the USA Olympic Jr. Gold Team along with professional bowlers and bowlers from around the world (individuals and teams). The ITRC is also adjacent to the Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum.

“This is a tournament that I have envisioned for a while and it is finally coming to fruition,” said head coach Glenn White.  “I wanted to host a tournament that's representative of the top bowling facility in the country and showcase some of the top female bowling talent in this part of the country. I believe the Prairie View A&M Invitational will accomplish that this year and for years to come. I would like to thank the Prairie View A&M family and alumni for their support.”

The tourney begins on Friday and concludes on Sunday.  The three-day invitational will also be video streamed on www.BOWL.com.