how to make bowling alley | Flying Bowling Guide
How to Make a Bowling Alley: Essential Steps for Equipment Professionals
Understanding how to make a bowling alley is crucial for professionals seeking to design, install, or upgrade lanes. This article features comprehensive, fact-driven insights to streamline your project planning, reduce cost overruns, and ensure optimal player experience. Discover best practices, equipment standards, and industry data.
Essential Guide: How to Make a Bowling Alley
Planning and Design
- Location & Space Analysis
- Assess minimum space needs: 100 ft length x 14 ft width per lane (USBC)
- Consider ceiling height: at least 12 ft recommended
- Plan for player circulation, seating, and ADA accessibility
- Project Feasibility
- Review zoning and compliance standards (e.g., local building codes, USBC, IBF)
- Evaluate market demographics and competitive analysis
- Establish realistic budget projections (US Bowling estimates average $100,000+ per lane)
Structural Components
- Subfloor Construction
- Use leveled, moisture-controlled concrete slabs
- Apply damp-proof membranes to prevent warping and mold
- Lane Installation
- Hardwood (maple and pine) or synthetic lane materials (approved by USBC)
- Lane length: 60 ft from foul line to head pin, 42 in width
- Integrate durable approach areas and foul lines
- Pinsetter Systems
- Automated pinsetters (examples: Brunswick GS-X, QubicaAMF EDGE)
- Evaluate for energy efficiency, reliability, and service availability
- Comply with maintenance safety regulations according to manufacturer guidelines
Equipment Selection
- Ball Return Systems
- Install high-durability, low-noise ball returns
- Ensure seamless transitions and integrate ball racks at player area
- Scoring & Control Systems
- Prefer automated scoring (e.g., QubicaAMF BES X)
- Opt for cloud-integrated or networked systems for easy management
- Sports Flooring & Seating
- Encourage shock-absorbing flooring behind lanes
- Use modular, ergonomic seating for spectators and bowlers
Lighting & Audio-Visual
- Appropriate Lane Lighting
- Uniform, glare-free, LED installations (minimum 50 lux at approach, 100 lux at pins per CIE standards)
- Accent lighting for cosmic or themed events
- Audio-Visual Enhancements
- Soundproofing for player comfort
- Centralized AV control for music and announcements
Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Standards Adherence
- USBC, IBF, and local codes for lane specs and safety
- Regular equipment inspections for ongoing compliance
- Service & Maintenance Protocols
- Establish interval-based schedules for lane cleaning, pinsetter service, HVAC checks
- Train staff for fast troubleshooting and repairs
Sources and Industry References
- (https://www.bowl.com/)
- (https://bowling.sport/)
- US Bowling Corporation Installation Guides
- Brunswick & QubicaAMF Equipment Manuals
Key Takeaways for Equipment Professionals
- Careful planning, regulatory compliance, and selecting certified equipment are key to successful bowling alley constructions.
- Ongoing staff training and scheduled maintenance mitigate downtime and protect your investment.
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Customer care
Do I get a discount if my bowling lanes are shorter than standard length?
Shorter lanes require additional labor to cut and splice materials, which offsets any potential material savings. As a result, pricing remains the same regardless of lane length.
Company
Do you have independent R&D capabilities?
We have set up an independent R&D department and have launched a number of new equipment and innovative technologies such as the smart scoring system, Flying Smart Duckpin, and oil drop machine in the past three years.
Products
Can I customize the bowling equipment to fit my venue's theme?
Yes, we offer fully customized solutions, including lane colors, scoring systems, and pinsetter designs to match your venue’s theme.
Technology
Is there any charge for remote technical guidance?
Free lifetime remote video diagnostic service to quickly resolve software/settings issues
How can I get the latest technology upgrades?
Our customers can get software updates for free and hardware upgrades at cost price.
Flying Smart Duckpin Bowling
The innovative design of Flying Smart Duckpin Bowling (FSDB) makes it perfect for places like bars, billiard halls and game centers. It makes people want to come back more often and spend more money. FSDB is fun and competitive, so it will become a new focus for social activities.
Flying Classic Standard Bowling
Flying Classic Standard Bowling (FCSB) employs the World Standard Competition Scoring System to deliver a more professional bowling experience, enabling bowlers to enjoy a professional-standard match at their convenience.
Flying Ultra Standard Bowling
Flying Ultra Standard Bowling (FUSB) Upgraded Version
The string pinsetter uses the latest technology. It offers a more enjoyable bowling experience thanks to its innovative designs and modern technology.
Get in touch
Contact us
If you contact us now for more details, we can provide you with a custom bowling alley service.
Our service team will get back to you within 24 hours, normally!
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