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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br />CONTACT: Kirstin Pires, Public Relations Coordinator <br />BILLIARDS BOOMING IN THE U.S. <br />46.9 Million Players in 1994 <br />The newest participation studies of sport and recreational activities show <br />billiards as number three in popularity, behind bowling and basketball, with <br />46.9 million players-Demographic breakdowns report significant increases <br />in all geographic regions since 1987. In 1994 the north central region of the <br />United States recorded the highest incidence of play with a 20.2 per 100 <br />participation rate Top ten state and metropolitan leaders for number of <br />players per 100 residents are: <br />State Metro Area <br />North Dakota 29.6 Si Louis 25.1 <br />Idaho 26.1 Minneapolis/St. Paul 23.5 <br />Wyoming 25 -6 Cincinnati/Hamilton 23.3 <br />Iowa 24.6 Cleveland/Akron 22.4 <br />Missouri 23.6 Columbus 21.7 <br />Montana 22.0 Detroit/Ann Arbor/Flint 20.8 <br />Kentucky 21.7 Pittsburgh 20.2 <br />Wisconsin 21.2 San Diego 19.8 <br />Ohio 21.1 Chicago /Gary/Lake Cty. 19.5 <br />Utah 21.0 Denver/Boulder /Greeley 19.4 <br />Why the boom? If you've been watching lately, you've noticed that it is a <br />whole new game. Gone are the days of gloomy, somber, smoke - filled pool <br />halls, frequented by shady or even dangerous looking hustlers. Replacing <br />that scene is a new image, a new clientele , and a new decor. The new <br />image is one of class, family values and clean, wholesome fun. As a result, <br />the sport of billiards is enjoying unprecedented popularity, showing <br />statistically significant increases in: <br />New participants <br />Players ages 6-17 <br />Players aged 35 -54 <br />Players in the $50,000+ income bracket <br />Players residing in all regions of the United States <br />Few other sports have enjoyed the long lasting appeal of billiards. In one <br />form or another, billiards can be traced back to at least the fourteenth <br />Page 63 <br />