It’s no secret that bowling can be an expensive hobby. A night out at the bowling alley can easily set you back $100 or more, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself why?
Why is bowling so expensive?
In this article, we will take a look at some of the factors that contribute to the high cost of bowling. We will also explore some ways to save money while still enjoying a night out at the lanes.
Contents
- 1 Why Is Bowling So Expensive?
- 2 How Much Does Bowling Cost?
- 3 How to Reduce Your Bowling Costs
- 3.1 Take Advantage of Special Discount Days
- 3.2 Join a Bowling League
- 3.3 Skip Out on Bowling Alley Food
- 3.4 Consider a Bowling Alley Membership
- 3.5 Buy Your Own Bowling Shoes to Avoid Rental Fees
- 3.6 Go With a Friend or Family Member
- 3.7 Try Bowling Alternatives
- 3.8 Why Are Bowling Prices So High?
- 3.9 Is Bowling an Expensive Sport?
- 3.10 Is Bowling Expensive for Two People?
- 3.11 Why Is Bowling a Good Sport for Everyone?
- 3.12 Related Articles
- 3.13 My Final Words
Why Is Bowling So Expensive?
Casual bowlers and enthusiasts in the U.S. and elsewhere are having to pay premium prices to enjoy their favorite pastime. Bowling alleys have been slowly but surely increasing their prices for years now, and it doesn’t seem like they’re slowing down anytime soon. So, what’s behind this trend?
There are a number of reasons bowling alleys have been able to charge more and more for their services, and we’ll look at several reasons why in the following list:
- Declining consumer base. The sport is no longer as popular as it used to be. From the 50s to the 80s, bowling was a favorite pastime of millions of people in America. Things are a bit different now, with considerably fewer people enjoying the sport on a regular basis. This decline in business results in higher prices at your local bowling alley. Since bowling alley management has a smaller consumer base, they need to squeeze as much money out of each person as possible to stay afloat.
- Changing customers. Decades ago, bowling was frequented by blue-collar employees who didn’t have much money – so bowling was extremely cheap. By contrast, today’s bowlers are much better off financially and often bowl casually and in the company of friends and family. This change in clientele means bowling alleys can charge more for their services.
- High overhead costs. Bowling alleys are expensive to maintain and operate. Bowling alley owners have to pay for bowling lanes, bowling balls, bowling shoes, and all of the other equipment needed for the sport. In addition, they have to pay for utilities, staff salaries, and other general operating expenses. All of these factors contribute to the high cost of bowling.
- The pandemic. The recent pandemic and lockdown orders that hit the country have thrown bowling alleys for a loop, with independent bowling center owners struggling to keep their businesses afloat. Many bowling alleys were forced to close their doors temporarily, and others had to operate at a reduced capacity. The few bowling alleys still in operation have had to adjust how their businesses work to survive, and they charge higher prices to make up for the loss in business.
- Luxury bowling alleys. It is common for modern bowling centers today to offer luxury perks to attract and retain more customers. These new premium bowling alleys (or luxury entertainment centers) often include upscale restaurants, full-service bars, and other amenities that raise the price of a bowling game.
So, if you’re looking for a cheap night out at the bowling alley, you might be out of luck. But knowing why bowling is so expensive can at least help you understand why the prices are so high.
Key Takeaways
- Bowling prices have risen due to a declining customer base, higher overhead costs, and luxury amenities. Efforts to maintain revenue amidst decreased popularity and increased operating expenses have led to higher fees for bowlers.
- Bowling costs for two people average around $20, including shoe rental and game fees. Prices may vary based on location, time, and additional purchases like food or drinks, with metropolitan areas and peak times seeing higher charges.
- Saving on bowling expenses is feasible through discount days, league memberships, avoiding alley food, and buying personal bowling shoes. These strategies can significantly reduce the overall cost of bowling.
- The pandemic has impacted bowling alleys, causing temporary closures and operational adjustments. This has necessitated price increases to cover losses and ensure survival.
- Bowling remains an inclusive and accessible sport, offering physical and social benefits. It suits all ages and skill levels, making it a versatile option for family and friend gatherings.
How Much Does Bowling Cost?
For those who don’t know, we’d like to get into what it actually costs to go bowling. From bowling shoe rentals to game charges, there are several costs to consider.
On average, it costs about $20 to go bowling for two people.
This cost estimate includes the games and a shoe rental for each person. It does not include the cost of other games (billiards, arcade games), food, or drinks. In most cases, your bowling costs will increase or decrease depending on the location, time of day, and other factors.
Bowling alleys that are located in metropolitan areas tend to be more expensive than those in smaller towns. So, you’ll likely spend more going bowling in New York City than in a small town in Iowa.
The cost of bowling also increases dramatically on weekends and holidays.
| Factor Contributing to Cost | Description |
|---|---|
| Declining Customer Base | Fewer regular bowlers lead to increased charges per person to maintain revenue. |
| Changing Customer Demographics | Shift from blue-collar to more financially secure bowlers allows alleys to charge more. |
| High Overhead Costs | Expenses such as maintenance, staff salaries, and utilities contribute to higher fees. |
| Pandemic Impact | Temporary closures and reduced capacity lead to price increases to cover losses. |
| Luxury Amenities | Upscale features and services in newer alleys elevate the bowling experience and costs. |
How to Reduce Your Bowling Costs
There are numerous ways to cut down on the cost of bowling if you are a bowler on a budget. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective ways to reduce bowling costs below:
| Cost Reduction Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Special Discount Days | Days with lower fees for games, such as “$0.50 games on Tuesdays”. |
| Join a Bowling League | Membership in leagues often comes with game discounts. |
| Skip Alley Food | Eating before/after bowling or bringing your own food to save on costs. |
| Bowling Alley Membership | Monthly fees for access to discounts on games, shoes, and other activities. |
| Buy Personal Bowling Shoes | Avoid rental fees by purchasing your own shoes. |
| Group Bowling | Bowling with friends or family to share and reduce costs per person. |
| Bowling Alternatives | Exploring at-home or digital bowling games for cheaper entertainment. |
Take Advantage of Special Discount Days
Many bowling alleys offer special discount days where games are cheaper. For example, some bowling alleys offer “Cheap Tuesdays,” where bowling games are only $0.50 per person. Others offer similar discounts on different days of the week. Check with your local bowling alley to see if they offer any special discount days.
Join a Bowling League
If you are a serious bowler, you might want to consider joining a bowling league. Bowling leagues typically cost around $20 to join, and they offer significant discounts on bowling games and other bowling-related activities.
Skip Out on Bowling Alley Food
One of the easiest ways to reduce your bowling costs is to skip out on food and drinks. Most bowling alleys have a bar and restaurant, and the prices can be pretty high. If you’re looking to save money, consider eating before or after your bowling games.
You can also bring your own food and drinks to the bowling alley. Just be sure to check with the bowling alley staff before you do so. There may be rules against outside food and beverages.
Consider a Bowling Alley Membership
If you frequently bowl at a particular bowling alley, you might want to consider a membership. For a monthly fee, you’ll gain access to discounts on bowling games, bowling shoes, and other bowling-related activities.
In some cases, you might even get a free game or two each month. Bowling alley memberships typically cost between $20 and $40 per month.
Buy Your Own Bowling Shoes to Avoid Rental Fees
Buying your own bowling shoes can save you money in the long run. Bowling shoes usually cost between $20 and $60. This is a small price to pay when you consider that bowling shoe rentals typically cost around $5 each time.
Bowling shoes usually last for several years, so you’ll eventually make your money back. If you only rarely go bowling, you might not want to buy bowling shoes. In this case, renting each time is probably your best option.
Go With a Friend or Family Member
Bowling with a few friends or family members can also help you save money. Most bowling alleys offer discounts for groups of people.
Check with your local bowling alley to see if you can snag a discount. In addition, when you go bowling with someone else, you can split the cost of the lanes and save a few dollars.
Try Bowling Alternatives
If you’re not up for the previous money-saving options, there’s one more thing you can do. You can utilize similar alternatives to bowling alleys. Try out small-scale indoor or outdoor bowling sets for some at-home fun.
You can also find and download bowling games online or on your smartphone. These bowling alternatives are much cheaper than going to an actual bowling alley, and they can be a whole lot of fun.
Why Are Bowling Prices So High?
Bowling prices are high due to a combination of factors. The decline in the sport’s popularity has led to a reduced customer base, prompting bowling alleys to increase prices to maintain revenue. Additionally, modern bowling alleys offer luxury amenities to attract customers, raising costs. The overhead expenses of maintaining and operating a bowling facility, including equipment and staff salaries, also contribute to the pricing. The recent pandemic has added financial strain, leading to price increases as bowling alleys try to recover losses.
Is Bowling an Expensive Sport?
Yes, bowling can be considered an expensive sport for some people. The costs of games, shoe rentals, and additional amenities like food and drinks can add up quickly. Bowling alleys in metropolitan areas and those offering luxury experiences tend to have higher prices. The cost can easily exceed $100 for a night out at the bowling alley, especially during weekends and holidays when prices are often elevated.
Is Bowling Expensive for Two People?
On average, it costs about $20 for two people to go bowling, including the games and shoe rental. However, this price can vary depending on the location of the bowling alley, the time of day, and whether food and drinks are purchased. Bowling in metropolitan areas or during peak times like weekends and holidays can increase costs.
Why Is Bowling a Good Sport for Everyone?
Bowling is a good sport for everyone because it is inclusive and accessible. People of all ages and skill levels can participate, making it a popular choice for family outings and social gatherings. Bowling offers physical exercise, helps to improve coordination and balance, and provides opportunities for socialization and community building. It’s a fun and engaging activity that can be enjoyed casually or competitively.
Related Articles
- Are Bowling Alleys a Good Investment?
- What Bowling Accessories Do I Need?
- Is Bowling Alley a Good First Date?
- What Makes Bowling Shoes Special
My Final Words
The reason bowling alleys charge more today can be traced back to a variety of factors, including the desire to maintain the bowling craft among professional bowlers, increased operational costs, and the introduction of luxury features in many bowling centers. As newer bowling alleys incorporate advanced sports equipment and upscale amenities, bowling fees have inevitably risen. However, this evolution also makes bowling a more engaging and fun game for the entire family, transcending just an additional expense into a memorable experience.
While comparing bowling costs across different locations, it’s clear that these fees contribute not only to maintaining the alley and the bowling pins but also to enhancing the overall experience. By understanding these dynamics, bowlers can appreciate the value behind each roll and the collective effort to keep this timeless sport thriving.
Kira Byrd, a Certified Fraud Examiner, holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With a passion for bowling from her childhood, Kira has poured her expertise and personal experiences into creating and nurturing Bowling For Beginners. Kira’s mission is to meet new bowlers where they are and guide them toward consistently achieving higher scores. With a focus on skill development and strategic techniques, she empowers readers to take control of their game and unlock their true potential.
Bowling For Beginners embodies strict editorial integrity, ensuring reliable and unbiased information. Kira’s commitment to delivering valuable insights and practical strategies is reflected in every article. Here’s an explanation of our editorial policy and how we get money.