how much to build a 2 lane bowling alley | Flying Bowling Guide

How Much Does It Really Cost to Build a 2-Lane Bowling Alley?

Building a bowling alley, even a small 2-lane setup, involves significant investment. Costs can vary dramatically depending on several factors. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you understand the potential expenses involved.

1. Initial Construction and Building Costs

The shell of your bowling alley is the first major expense. This includes land acquisition (if needed), building permits, and the actual construction of the building. Depending on the location, materials used, and complexity of the design, this can range widely.

• Bare Bones: Expect to pay around $150 - $300 per square foot for a basic building structure. A 2-lane bowling alley ideally needs at least 3,000-4,000 square feet to accommodate the lanes, pinsetters, ball returns, bowler space, and a small seating area. That puts the construction cost between $450,000 and $1,200,000.
• Finishing Touches: This doesn't include interior finishing, such as flooring, walls, and restrooms. These will add another layer of expense.

2. Bowling Equipment Costs

The bowling equipment is a significant portion of the total investment. New equipment is substantially more expensive than used equipment.

• New Bowling Lanes: A new synthetic lane typically costs between $40,000 and $70,000 per lane, including installation. This means a 2-lane setup could cost $80,000 - $140,000 for just the lanes.
• Used Bowling Lanes: Used lanes can save you money, potentially costing between $20,000 and $40,000 per lane installed. However, factor in potential refurbishment and shorter lifespan.
• Pinsetters: These are crucial for the automatic resetting of pins. New pinsetters can cost $30,000 - $50,000 per machine. Refurbished pinsetters might be available for $15,000 - $30,000 each. For 2 lanes, you'll need two pinsetters, so budget accordingly. Automatic scoring systems are typically integrated or can be purchased separately for around $5,000 - $15,000 per lane.
• Ball Returns: A new ball return system is about $5,000 to $10,000 per lane.
• Bowling Balls & Shoes: Expect to spend $3,000 - $5,000 initially on a small inventory of house balls and shoes. Additional costs will be incurred to replace inventory.

3. Installation and Shipping

Don’t forget about the costs of shipping and installing the equipment. These can vary based on the distance from the supplier and the complexity of the installation. Budget at least $10,000 - $20,000 for these expenses.

4. Operational Costs

These include:

• Utilities: Electricity, water, and gas.
• Insurance: Liability and property insurance.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance of lanes, pinsetters, and other equipment is critical to prevent costly repairs.
• Staffing: Wages for employees.
• Marketing: Advertising and promotions.

These costs can easily add up to thousands of dollars per month.

5. Additional Considerations

• Location: Prime locations will command higher rent or purchase prices.
• Design: A modern, appealing design can attract more customers, but it will also increase costs.
• Financing: Interest rates on loans can significantly impact the overall cost.

Total Estimated Cost

Considering all these factors, a conservative estimate to build a new 2-lane bowling alley ranges from $600,000 to $1,500,000 or more. Choosing used equipment and a simpler building design can lower costs, but careful planning and budgeting are essential. Getting quotes from multiple suppliers and contractors is highly recommended.