I know many of you ask where bowling will be in the near future and today I think caught a glimpse of it.  I live in the Columbus (OH) area and there are many traditional centers with a pretty large bowling contingent.  Over the past few years the economy and the smoking ban have really dropped league participation.  One of the center's owners closed up his traditional shop (in a less than desirable neighborhood) and built a boutique center in my suburb.

I went there today at 2pm to see if I should have my son's upcoming bday party at their center. All I can say is.... WOW!!  The first thing that caught my attention was that it was PACKED!  They had 14 brand new lanes, 4 VIP lanes that are cordoned off for special parties, 4 mini bowling lanes, 5 rooms for Xbox and Wii playing (including bowling), 3 sand volleyball courts, a FULL bar, a FULL restaurant, a huge game center that rivals Chuck E Cheese with the ticket redemption counter, party rooms, 78 plasma tvs and plenty of friendly staff.  They probably had plenty more that I am forgetting to type.

The place was way overpriced, but I wanted to have the party there anyway just because it was soooo cool.  It would be impossible for anyone not to have a good time there - just impossible.  What a brilliant idea and I am thoroughly impressed by the thoughtfulness towards fun that this place designed into one building.  Lookout traditional centers cause this could be the wave of the future.  I wonder how long this place will last once its novelty wears off.
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Go Buckeyes!!!

What you described was a good place for fun but it sure wasn't built for leagues and they probably really don't want leagues.
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Carl
Bless the LORD o my soul and all that is within me bless his holy name

Im from the Columbus area as well, and have bowled at all the local allys and I heard about this new ally in Pickerington, sounds like i need visit this place.
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Only throw the good stuff, Roto/Global.
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BowlingChat.net

We have two just built here in the last 5 years.  They are very expensive, but getting more reasonable as they see that open play isn't dependable at over $6 a game.  

When AMF redid one of the centers in San Jose, they flat out eliminated the pro shop.  A pro shop that has been there for generations.  Its now loud, crazy blaring music videos and expensive open play, expensive food, expensive drinks.  

One problem with these types of centers is that they can also draw trouble, especially on the weekend evenings.  Secuirity Guards cost money.  

You can't really blame the developers.  People these days are easily bored and you might as well build in more activities if you are already going to build such a large complex as bowling lanes require.

See?  I told ya'll.  So tell me, how many tickets do you get for a "Hambone" at that place?  Is it enough to get a crappy key-chain?

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9~

Internet Tough Guy

Cyberspace Sheep Lover