[1] Part of the reason for developing the World Series, given the U.S. economic recession at the time, was to consolidate multiple tournaments into one location to save on travel and broadcast crew costs.
A stand-alone tournament at nearby Taylor Lanes, the Motor City Open, was also considered part of the inaugural World Series of Bowling.
In addition to being stand-alone title tournaments, the animal pattern events served as initial qualifying for that season's PBA World Championship major.
The location for the animal pattern tournament conclusions was also changed to Centreville, Virginia, allowing it to follow the PBA League event.
As in the previous season, WSOB XII included three animal pattern events (Cheetah, Chameleon, Scorpion) plus the PBA World Championship major.
As in the previous season, WSOB XIII included three animal pattern events (Cheetah, Scorpion, Shark) plus the PBA World Championship major.
WSOB XIV included three animal pattern events (Cheetah, Scorpion, Shark) plus the PBA World Championship major.
Combined pinfall from the three 20-game animal pattern qualifying rounds determined the top 12 that moved on to World Championship match play.
Combined pinfall from the three 15-game animal pattern qualifying rounds (45 games total) determined the top 16 that moved on to World Championship match play.
A full field of 192 players aged 50 and older competed, with all events taking place July 15-23 in Jackson, Michigan.