RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
An overhaul of the Randolph Bowling Center is complete and the facility reopened June 4.
A one-month closure was needed for upgrades on equipment that was showing its age. Installed at the bowling center is a state-of-the-art QubicaAMF 90XLi pinsetting system, which industry publications say uses 30 percent less energy while offering positive innovation, durability and reliability.
"A lot of what was done came behind the scenes, in the back of the facility," RBC employee Lynette Albers said. "The pin setters and other equipment back there were last replaced around 1962."
Much that's new is visible, too, such as the 42-inch scoring monitors which line each lane. The flatscreen monitors serve to illuminate and energize each lane, keeping score and displaying graphics programs that trumpet players' good shots and poke fun at bad ones.
"We've got new touchscreens and several interesting graphics programs which enhance the experience when people come to bowl," Ms. Albers said.
Trained professionals at the RBC's Pro Shop will drill finger settings on purchased bowling balls and offer tips on how to better one's performance. A large sampling of items, from towels to rosin bags to balls, are sold there.
Lockers to store personal items are also rented at the facility, where as many as four leagues are contested and children from the base youth center gather weekly on alternate days in a structured setting to recreate. Still, most of the RBC's business comes from open bowling.
"One estimate said that over 1,600 people use our facility each week," Ms. Albers said.
Bumpers were already in place at the RBC, blocking the gutters and guaranteeing a better score for younger, inexperienced bowlers. The new bumpers are more versatile and can be programmed by groups to be raised or lowered, depending on whose turn it is to throw.
"With all the new equipment out here, it's like having about 100 new cars," RBC manager Bill Baker said. "These ugrades were done for everyone on base to use and enjoy and benefit from.
"There are 24 new upper TVs, 24 new lower TVs, new lanes, new bumpers - we are really fortunate to have some really nice, new stuff."
Through the end of June, the popular "Thunder Alley" promotion is taking place on Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight. Overhead lights are dimmed during this period, giving way to black lights, music and fluorescent bowling balls.
The Sparetime Grill remains a fixture at the RBC, with daily hot and cold menu items, plus cold beverages, chips, cookies and candy.
"We have regulars who eat lunch at our snack bar each day and it is open all the way up to 30 minutes prior to the lanes closing at night," Ms. Albers said.
For more information, call the center at 652-6271.
Bowling Center hours of operation
Monday - Thursday
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday
10 a.m. to midnight
Saturday
Noon to midnight
Sundays and holidays
1 p.m. to 9 p.m.