FEATURED STORY FROM THE Best of BG – 2017 ISSUE
Al-Mar Lanes:
A Love for Bowling Has Kept Al-Mar Lanes Successful Over The Years
In the 1940’s co-owners Al Stevens and Marley Wilson combined their names to come up with the title of what would eventually become one of the finest independently owned bowling centers in the country, Al-Mar Lanes.
Al-Mar Lanes was originally where the city post office is now located. The business was owned by its founders until purchased by Bob & Ann Brim in the late 50’s, and was moved to the current location in the mid 60’s.
In 1979, investors bought out the bowling alley and business began to decline rapidly. Bill Wammes, current owner of Al-Mar Lanes, then took over in 1989 and has been running it since.
Wammes grew up bowling at the original Al-Mar Lanes, and has always had an interest in the sport. He has coached the Bowling Green high school’s bowling team for the past 20 years, and has also bowled parttime on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour.
There are countless activities to get involved in at Al-Mar Lanes. As a family- oriented space, the bowling center has successfully hosted a variety of events. Such events include birthday parties, corporate parties, fundraisers, leagues, tournaments on the local and professional level, and open lanes for your average bowler. There is also Kosmic Bowling on Friday and Saturday nights, which features music and strobe lights.
At Al-Mar Lanes, you can also find arcade games, a sports bar, and a pro bowling shop where you can purchase items such as shoes and bowling balls. Besides bowling and other fun, you can also find a great variety of foods that has attracted people from all over, such as Friday night ribs and Al-Mar Lanes’ cheeseburgers and steaks.
This past summer, the bowling center underwent a roughly $100,000 renovation, which included all new lanes, as well as new flooring in the concourse. Extending from the original rewards card used at Al-Mar Lanes is the app, Rethink Bowling Solutions.
Customers at Al-Mar Lanes may use this app to build up points and earn rewards. Students discounts and other package deals are offered throughout the year.
AN ADDITIONAL FEATURED STORY ABOUT AL-MAR LANES CAN BE FOUND IN THE Best of BG – 2015 AND Best of BG – 2014 ISSUES