SYRACUSE -- A big event is coming to Syracuse that could mean big business for the city. The 2011 U.S. Bowling Congress (USBC) Women's Championships will be held in Syracuse next spring. The 88-day long sporting event will be held from April through July 2011.

The Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) expects more than 30,000 people to participate in the event and many others to attend, bringing the total number of visitors to more than 44,000. The SCVB estimates those visitors to spend more than $45 million during their time in Central New York.

"Thank you to the USBC for selecting Onondaga County to host the 2011 Championships," said Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. "The 30,000 women who will participate and their friends and family will learn what we already know-Onondaga County is a great destination that offers something for everyone whether it's shopping, hiking, dining or bowling."

The Championships will take place at the Oncenter Complex in downtown Syracuse where a state-of-the-art bowling center with 48 specially-constructed lanes will constructed. Work will begin on February 21, 2011 and take about six weeks to complete.

"The Oncenter is extremely excited to welcome all of the women bowlers to Syracuse and the Convention Center," said Oncenter Complex President and Chief Executive Officer Terri Toennies. "We look forward to the opportunity to showcase our Upstate hospitality."

The competition will be held seven days a week, from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m., daily.

"This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for both the local business community and the general public to make a fabulous impression on over 40,000 visitors who will go back to their states and countries and rave about Central New York as a destination," said SCVB President David Holder.

For more information on the 2011 USBC Women's Championships, click here.