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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Installations
How long does it take to install bowling equipment?
The installation process can take between 2-4 weeks, depending on the size of the project and the specific type of equipment being installed.
Customer care
My room isn't quite long enough. Can you install slightly shorter lanes that are non-regulation length?
Of course, we can customize bowling lanes according to your venue.
Technology
How can I get the latest technology upgrades?
Our customers can get software updates for free and hardware upgrades at cost price.
Products
What is the noise level of the equipment?
We are well aware of the importance of a quiet and comfortable environment for bowling, so we designed sound insulation cotton and shock-absorbing pads in the equipment area and the lane area to fully reduce the noise and vibration of the equipment during operation, creating a quiet and comfortable sports space for you, allowing you to focus more on enjoying the fun of bowling.
Service
Is there any training or guidance service to help customers use the equipment better?
Free on-site or remote training, with a Chinese-English bilingual operation manual + fault code quick reference table to help customers use the equipment better.
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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