1985 tournament patch, courtesy Air National Guard Bowling Museum Intellivision PBA Bowling (1980)

The number of League bowlers peaks at 8 million in 1980.

The PBA National Championship posts its largest prize fund, $135,000, second only to the $150,000 Firestone Tournament of Champions.

Lisa “Rocket” Wagner is named Rookie of the Year in 1980. In 1988 she wins six times on the women’s PBA (PWBA) tour, establishing a record that lasts until 2001.

Mattel’s Intellivision PBA Bowling game is released in 1980. The electronic game is programmed by an avid bowler and praised for its realistic details.

PBA membership approaches 2,500.

Earl Anthony becomes the first PBA member to earn more than $1 million and the PBA Tour goes to Europe for the first time in 1982.

The PBA celebrates its 25th anniversary in 1983.

The National Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum opens in St. Louis, Missouri. The $7 million complex contains four bowling lanes dating back to 1924 (human pinsetters; four frames for $3).

In an episode of Married With Children, “Alley of the Dolls,” Peg meets an old rival from high school and their two families face off at a bowling match.

Bowling makes its debut as an exhibition sport at the 1988 Olympics.