NASHVILLE, Tenn. — This is the 20th annual Vanderbilt Music City Classic, one of the NCAA’s largest regular season bowling tournaments. The event will be held at the Smyrna Bowling Center in Smyrna, Tennessee, Friday through Sunday. There is no admission charge.
Start times
Practice will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Friday with play beginning at 9:45 a.m. Saturday’s practice is at 9 a.m. with competition starting at 9:30 a.m. Sunday’s practice is at 8:30 a.m. and play begins at 9 a.m.
Format
The tournament will follow the standard NCAA format with five, five-game Baker sets on Friday, five traditional team games on Saturday and three best-of-seven Baker bracket matches on Sunday.
Strong field of 33 teams
This year’s field features many of the nation’s top teams, including 17 ranked among the top 25 in the March National Tenpin Coaches Association poll. Here is the field (indicates rank):
Adelphi, Arkansas State (2), Belmont Abbey, Carroll University, Carthage, Central Missouri, Emmanuel (Ga.), Howard, Jackson State, Jacksonville State (1), Kentucky Wesleyan, Lewis, Lincoln Memorial, Long Island, Louisiana Tech (7), Marian (Wis.), Maryland-Eastern Shore (15), Maryville (9), McKendree (20), Mt. Aloysius, Newman (14), North Carolina A&T (5), Oklahoma Christian (22), Prairie View A&M, Sacred Heart (18), Sam Houston State (10), Stephen F. Austin (11), Tulane (13), Valparaiso (17), Vanderbilt (4), Wisconsin-Whitewater (21), Wright State and Youngstown State (3)
Following the event
Most schools will be streaming from their own platforms. Vanderbilt will stream its matches on YouTube.
March NTCA Poll
Vanderbilt rose up a spot and now occupies fourth place in the latest poll of NCAA head coaches.
Special Note to Fans
All fans should be aware that the traditional step ladders that many use to see over the tops of the spectator and bowler heads will not be permitted. Many bowling centers across the country have banned the use of ladders, chairs and so forth for enhanced viewing angles after being informed that their insurance no longer covers injuries sustained if someone falls from an elevated position.
All-tournament and MVP awards
There will be a five-woman all-tournament team announced at the completion of play along with a tournament most valuable player to be named from the championship team.
Last year’s tournament
Sam Houston State swept McKendree, 4-0, in the championship match to win the Music City Classic for the first time. Vanderbilt edged…