Sad day, our amf is closing it's doors may 10!!

[MICHAEL]

Wow,,,, the lanes where I have had my best games will be closing it's doors next month after fall leagues end! They just passed the work down yesterday, after we won 3 games and have a 4 game lead going into the final few weeks.

This establishment has been around for many years, and Bowlmore had put some money into to it, but not as much as some of the other AMF's in the area. Reason for closing, not making profit, and low league numbers...

I will miss this place..... !! Another one bites the dust!! Could it be that many people just can't afford it anymore, with so many minimum wage job's, and few good paying ones out there???? Could it be home entertainment centers at home, and video games are part of the blame??

Not that many younger people getting into the bowling it seems to me, other then the once in a while Cosmic Bowling Stuff!

Is bowling doomed???

SAD DAY for ICEMAN...... its going to be like losing a great friend, and hangout!!!
I need to pull myself together,,,, Ice cycles freezing to my cheeks..... (:(

[MICHAEL]

I need a good shrink??? Anyone know of a good one in the Kansas City Area???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8Ppyskw5Vw

[vdubtx]

Well that certainly sucks. Sorry to hear. I think the death of not just this AMF center, but many others around the country, is the way they went about trying to attract more recreational bowlers rather than keeping their regular league bowlers happy. Also heard of a once great center in Austin that got bought out by AMF years ago and is now closing it's doors. The center used to be a great one and was packed every night of the week with leagues. AMF and now Bowl Mor is ruining bowling.

[MICHAEL]

Well that certainly sucks. Sorry to hear. I think the death of not just this AMF center, but many others around the country, is the way they went about trying to attract more recreational bowlers rather than keeping their regular league bowlers happy. Also heard of a once great center in Austin that got bought out by AMF years ago and is now closing it's doors. The center used to be a great one and was packed every night of the week with leagues. AMF and now Bowl Mor is ruining bowling.

They should call this company Bow-Less!!! I agree!! The format that they used to make money in New York ect... was RICH bankers, stockbrokers ect... coming in to basically Cosmic Bowl while drinking sham-pane, and eating caviar!!

Is bowling going down the tube??? Sorry to hear about the center in Austin!! We had another HUGE AMF with an Ice skating ring below it, Huge gameing room with 32 pool tables go under a few years ago. It use to be a King Louie establishment,,,, ALWAYS busy,,,,, Then AMF purchased it, and down it went?? What's going ON???

This is a disturbing trend!!!! There MUST BE a REASON!! What ever it is we need to fix it NOW!! Does Iceman need to give blood?? What can we do fellow bowlers,,,, is it the END TIME!!!

[tr33frog]

Wow. Wonder what the'll do with College Lanes. Maybe you will be lucky and someone else will buy it.

[MICHAEL]

Wow. Wonder what the'll do with College Lanes. Maybe you will be lucky and someone else will buy it.

Dear Jesus,,, if you do hear ICEMAN's thoughts, and prayers,,,, WORK A miracle, like at the wedding where you changed water to wine!!

Don't get me wrong, this is not a selfish request, but rather a VERY SELFISH REQUEST!! Please find a buyer for our beloved bowling alley!

I know you get a lot of requests, but you also know I don't ask much of you ever!!! Now I am asking,,,,, as you parted the Red Sea's for the Israelites, please Open the heart of some Rich Guy to buy and re-open the AMF on Vivion Rd!!

If you need the address I can send it to you!! Amen! iceman

P.S. I know you have a special place in your heart for bowling up there in heaven,,,, last night while it was raining VERY HARD, I kept hearing your angles bowling most of the night! Maybe you might change their bowling balls, to the Hammer Deadly Aim,,, its much more quit! "NOT THAT Iceman is complaining!"

[SilverFear]

My current lanes were bought out by 3 new owners, and they dropped AMF. Judging by what you guys are saying, I'm glad they did! If they closed my alley, I'd be quite disappointed. Its the only local alley that I like bowling at!

I'm sorry for your loss ICEMAN. Good luck on the last few weeks of your season!

[circlecity]

I'm guessing it will be a family fitness or something in the near future. What a bummer!

[Aslan]

This establishment has been around for many years, and Bowlmore had put some money into to it, but not as much as some of the other AMF's in the area. Reason for closing, not making profit, and low league numbers... (:(

ding ding ding!!

The bottom line is, Bowlmor is wrong. They use studies put out my groups with a vested interest in expanding casual bowling...to justify that bowling is a white collar recreational activity and leagues and blue collar bowling is a thing of the past. Yet every single center...that has cut their hours, raised their prices, and pushed league bowlers aside in favor of more cosmic/glow/recreational bowling has failed. There are certain centers in big cities, affluent cities, where the model works....but they don't understand that and they think the Wall Street crowd is the same as the Wal Mart crowd.

It's sad. I see a lot of AMF centers...centers with a lot of history...and you see them trying to implement Bowlmor's model/initiatives...and it's like watching 3-legged dog try to win a greyhound race. Doomed to fail. And watch out Ice....the downside to them failing....is whatever following they DID have...now will be crowing nearby centers. Suddenly being able to get practice time in on a weeknight or getting a lane on the weekends....you're gonna be on a waiting list.

AMFs not opening during the week/daytime (many have started not to)...HORRIBLE idea. You lose any chance of your seniors leagues...which are very popular during the weekdays. And you make it nearly impossible for league bowlers to practice. Weekday nights are still somewhat crowded at most centers....and league members can't practice on weekends when prices are through the roof and the lane conditions are abysmal.

[Wigman]

Before i moved to Illinois, that was when i found out they closed down King Louie's, was shocked to find out about that. That place had so much history including being the first alley to use Computerized Scorekeeper. How many more have been closed down or is going to close down?

[Aslan]

Before i moved to Illinois, that was when i found out they closed down King Louie's, was shocked to find out about that. That place had so much history including being the first alley to use Computerized Scorekeeper. How many more have been closed down or is going to close down?

The famous Hollywood Star lanes got tore down in 2002....filming location of the Big Lebowski. Tore it down to build an elementary school.

I believe the alley used in the filming of Uncle Buck is still open in Cicero, IL. Stormed1's stomping ground.

[tccstudent]

Maybe Barthlomy will buy it he has a few in ok and a few in Mo already

it would be much better then an AMF center if they took over

[Wigman]

Well it does suck for Kansas City area to have lanes that are closing. I used to live in KC area, I remember the older lanes, I preferred bowling at these than the ones that were cropping up such as one next to Shawnee Mission Park by I-35 and Incredabowl on 135th and 69 highway, prices there were silly, and league bowlers were having hard time trying to set up Leagues at those. Last time i was at those, their "Shops" only sold plastic and mass produced bowling shoes and cheap bags. Some of those lanes decided to build additions to the existing to set up bigger arcades or stuff in a mini golf course.

Last time i was in KC i drove past King Louie's, i think they took all the wood off from the bowling lanes and left them to rot in the parking lot from looks of it.

[JaMau24]

Maybe Barthlomy will buy it he has a few in ok and a few in Mo already

it would be much better then an AMF center if they took over

If you have a way of letting him/them (whoever or whatever Barhlomy is) know about it, please do! :P

[MICHAEL]

Maybe Barthlomy will buy it he has a few in ok and a few in Mo already

it would be much better then an AMF center if they took over

You want to be Iceman's BEST FRIEND??? Get a hold of this guy, and tell him, Iceman, and Jason will help Run the Place!! (:)

[MICHAEL]

ding ding ding!!

The bottom line is, Bowlmor is wrong. They use studies put out my groups with a vested interest in expanding casual bowling...to justify that bowling is a white collar recreational activity and leagues and blue collar bowling is a thing of the past. Yet every single center...that has cut their hours, raised their prices, and pushed league bowlers aside in favor of more cosmic/glow/recreational bowling has failed. There are certain centers in big cities, affluent cities, where the model works....but they don't understand that and they think the Wall Street crowd is the same as the Wal Mart crowd.

It's sad. I see a lot of AMF centers...centers with a lot of history...and you see them trying to implement Bowlmor's model/initiatives...and it's like watching 3-legged dog try to win a greyhound race. Doomed to fail. And watch out Ice....the downside to them failing....is whatever following they DID have...now will be crowing nearby centers. Suddenly being able to get practice time in on a weeknight or getting a lane on the weekends....you're gonna be on a waiting list.

AMFs not opening during the week/daytime (many have started not to)...HORRIBLE idea. You lose any chance of your seniors leagues...which are very popular during the weekdays. And you make it nearly impossible for league bowlers to practice. Weekday nights are still somewhat crowded at most centers....and league members can't practice on weekends when prices are through the roof and the lane conditions are abysmal.


SOME VERY GOOD POINTS ASLAN!! My thoughts exactly! I like your Wall Street, Walmart example!!! LMAO!! I will live,,,,,, JUST A GREAT place to bowl, and even though I am new to the sport,,, I have had some GREAT EXPERIENCES there! Maybe someone with some bucks, will do the RIGHT THING and put a little money in this wonderful establishment, and re-open-it!!!

I would even consider giving the new owner FREE ICE!!!!! iceman

[mc_runner]

You're gonna see a lot of the old AMF alleys struggle and close in the next couple of years. The changes BowlMor brought in is not something that is going to work all over the country - it's really surprising and a shame that they didn't do seemingly ANY demographic studies on what they got into before going and making huge changes.

I'm in CT and there are a few "boutique" style bowling alleys. However, even up here they don't attract the leagues that much (one in the casino doesn't even have leagues... and you can't bring your own ball. Not exactly something any serious bowler would go to!). I'd go out on a limb and say the vast majority of league bowlers around here prefer the "functional" alleys vs the fancy stuff - even the casual leagues.

Shame about your alley, Iceman. Hopefully someone buys it and opens it back up as an independent alley - there is hope, that's what happened at my place.

[The Maven]

I feel for you. Many of the centers that I bowled at are gone forever alone with the memories of accomplishments that you can go back and touch.

Unfortunately many of the bowling centers we grew up with occupied what became prime commercial real-estate. The revenue received from the bowling business paled in comparison with what could be obtained otherwise. Also most centers were built with a poorly constructed shell which deteriorated rapidly and cost a lot to maintain. Seldom can you walk into a center that is about 15 to 20 years or older without seeing signs of decay. Unless there is outside largess, there is not much money there to make the needed improvements. In my area alone, 10 to 12 centers have closed in the past 35 years.

[MICHAEL]

I feel for you. Many of the centers that I bowled at are gone forever alone with the memories of accomplishments that you can go back and touch.

Unfortunately many of the bowling centers we grew up with occupied what became prime commercial real-estate. The revenue received from the bowling business paled in comparison with what could be obtained otherwise. Also most centers were built with a poorly constructed shell which deteriorated rapidly and cost a lot to maintain. Seldom can you walk into a center that is about 15 to 20 years or older without seeing signs of decay. Unless there is outside largess, there is not much money there to make the needed improvements. In my area alone, 10 to 12 centers have closed in the past 35 years.


http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l510/JustAKayee/tumblr_lnbqz0Xa8t1qhafj6.gif (http://media.photobucket.com/user/JustAKayee/media/tumblr_lnbqz0Xa8t1qhafj6.gif.html)

[MICHAEL]

Their was a clause in the building contract that specificly states that NO OTHER person on organization can use the building as a bowling alley after AMF closes its doors! ( THAT SUCKS!!) GREED, it kills me!!!

They already are making plans on where equipment and parts are going to other AMF's!! Greedy bass-turds, (yes correct spelling),,, (:) I think it might have Sold!
I was thinking about buying it with Jason, and Gene!!! Now that will not happen!!

LIFE IS NOT FAIR!!

[Hammer]

I think part of the reason is the price per game for open bowlers. The price is something like $4.00 a game You go in with a family of four
and bowl 2 games each that is $32.00 not counting snacks. The only time you get a price break is if you are on the house league. With the way the economy is folks are getting their entertainment at home. That is like movie theaters also. A ticket price is like $9.00 a person. Then when you go to the snack bar look at the rediculous price of popcorn or soda. They don't sell the candy bars that you get out of a vending machine for .85. They sell the bigger sizes that they sell for $5.00 for a box of candy. A lot of folks sneak in their own treats so they don't go broke going to the show.

[MICHAEL]

I think part of the reason is the price per game for open bowlers. The price is something like $4.00 a game You go in with a family of four
and bowl 2 games each that is $32.00 not counting snacks. The only time you get a price break is if you are on the house league. With the way the economy is folks are getting their entertainment at home. That is like movie theaters also. A ticket price is like $9.00 a person. Then when you go to the snack bar look at the rediculous price of popcorn or soda. They don't sell the candy bars that you get out of a vending machine for .85. They sell the bigger sizes that they sell for $5.00 for a box of candy. A lot of folks sneak in their own treats so they don't go broke going to the show.

It doesn't stop people from going the show, sometimes over 4 times a month.... high ticket prices, popcorn 14.00 bucks a small one, small drink 6 bucks.

I do bring my own Stevia Sweetened drinks with me! they don't sell them, and I don't drink sugar drinks! I rarely eat at the lanes, but do once in a while. I am not sure its the price of bowling, and treats ect.

But I agree, with the huge middle class we used to have in bowling's hay day, rapidly diminishing ,and more and MORE low paying go no where jobs being the only choices out there,,,, (I am sure that a big part of it!) many, now days need their paychecks to pay the rent, food and utilities.

[mike_thomas93]

Boy I remember when they shut down this AMF bowling alley that was down the street from the local bowling alley I go to. It was terrible. I remember they had a discount of 2 hour fee bowling on saturdays. I sure missed those days. And I used to bowl so well over there. I actually ended up shooting my highest score there. ;/

[ALazySavage]

Sorry to hear about the bowling center issues Iceman.

Over here in Arizona bowlers are about to have a rude awakening to what is about to occur with a fair amount of our centers. We haven't had the "closing of doors" issues just yet with AMF houses, but I can see this starting soon. With our Brunswick houses the trend has become to replace former GMs (who understand bowling) with Restaraunt managers in an attempt to pump up the bar and arcade revenues. As you can imagine this transition has not been the best and the centers are filled with staff who don't bowl and have difficulty with simple bowling requests.

In the past month this is what occured at one of our prominent Brunswick houses:
-The determination was made that a laser tag arena needed to be installed in early April; they required that certain leagues had to buy out teams before the end of the season because Tuesday nights had all of the lanes filled with leagues and they needed lanes 1-6 to start construction.
-My league was told on Sunday that the alley decided that they would not pay for sweeper week (as previously determined) and that if we wanted to bowl all teams would have to pay lineage. This was an issue because the championship match was going to be conducted on the sweeper weekend.
-The center is setting out 4 lanes with the Nationals pattern on Sunday mornings (understandably charging at a premium) and then immediately puts a family on some of the lanes who are all using plastic equipment when other options were available. I don't know if this has happened multiple times.

[tccstudent]

Me and a friend decided to practice today and we called Broken Arrow lanes and asked them to set up the National pattern for us and they said what time do you want it we will have it ready for you. This is an example of a good bowling alley AMF you need to take lessons from Andy B. all his centers are successful. Yes he does have some of that cheesy crap too like go cart track and laser tag but they still take care of bowlers.