That seems to be a popular trend right now.  Just found out another center in my area is closing.  To be honest, I'm not at all surprised.  There have been several centers to close in my area over the last decade.  One thing they all had in common was when you walked in them, they still looked like they did 30 years ago with maybe some minimal updates. 

The bowling centers that are still thriving in my area are newer more up-to-date type centers.  They are places you would want to take your family.  Not the old dim lighted, low ceilings, stills smells like smoke from 10 years ago type places.

I wish more centers would update more like what you see on the AMF Qubica's website.  Not suprising is that most of the centers shown are overseas.  Bowling is still fun for everyone, we just need to get the buildings brought up to today's standards.  (See pic below)

I guess I'm a dinosaur, because this post makes me sad. I do not find the "corporate" (for lack of a better description) centers appealing. Sure, they have the best lanes, equipment, the prettiest carpet and designer paint/decor on the walls. The one thing they all lack is, IMO, the most important element: CHARACTER.

So give me the small, dungy center that is well worn from years of use and memories. The old trophies, plaques of "House Champions" past, the ghosts of bowlers who made the bowling alley what it is. An old alley with its soul intact is temple-like, an homage to the personalities who have left their mark on the lanes.

Sorry, but I've never walked into one of these shiny new entertainment centers and "felt" anything. I have, however, entered an old alley and upon the first step in had something stir in my soul. It just felt "right" to be there, to be a part of and share in the legacy of the establishment. Unfortunately, in this age of disapproval for anything worn and not shiny, new, and perfect, bowling's soul is slowly dying a little every time one of the ancient Temples of the game is closed.

Sadly, the same is happening to restaurants too.

I can totally understand where you're coming from about the old centers. I'm not saying that older centers aren't good centers. I'm just saying like anything else, they need to be kept up as time goes on. Consider your dream muscle car. Would it be as much fun to drive if it was falling apart from a lack of care? Of course not. I love the old school facilities. It what I learned to bowl in. Sadly though, no one wants to keep these places in good operating condition. When I go to my local house and spend more time waiting on sweeps, ball doors, pins to be respotted or dead wood to be cleared of the deck from the pin setter spitting out an extra one than I spend bowling, it becomes just a wee bit frustrating. I believe if you aren't willing to keep your business up the way it needs to be, then don't expect business to remain as steady as it used to be. I also agree that restaraunts are suffering the same fate. I miss the old mom & pop places. Best food and best atmosphere.

I do agree, there is definitely a difference between aged and neglected.

When my dad took over the alley we had, the first league had 5 of the 8 pinsetters go down. The place was a wreck. He worked hard that first season getting the machines fixed up and dependable. What's funny is that we actually lost several teams of bowlers who had been patrons there for years. The reason? They didn't like that league was getting over so quickly! They preferred to have the machines break diwn so they could sit there and drink a couple hours longer! lol

Fortunately they were replaced by bowlers who came back and gave us a chance, but it's funny now to look back on that.

Here is an inside scoop for everyone. AMF is closing all centers that they have leases on either the building or the land. We can all thank AMF for the downfall of bowling in America as it is. I have also been told that they will not sell them to anyone, or the lanes and parts either.