Imagine a nice Saturday night. All your friends are ready to hit the bowling alley. You even have matching shirts for your teams. It’s that big of a deal.
Now this used to be a normal, fun, and budget-friendly Saturday night for so many people out there, but recently, less and less of us are enjoying an evening of bowling.
Bowling is expensive mainly because it costs a lot of money to maintain lanes and equipment. Plus, the alleys also charge extra for balls and shoes. All these things add up to increased costs.
Keep scrolling to find out more about the increased prices of our bowling alleys.
Why is Bowling So Expensive?
Let us look at a few factors that make bowling so expensive.
1. Decreased Demand
The main reason for the high bowling costs is that the crowd for it has significantly decreased. If we talk about the 50s or the 80s, we see that bowling was a favorite activity for millions of people in the US.
However, if we look at current times, this scene has changed entirely. Fewer people are getting into the bowling ball arena regularly. This means that the alleys are forced to charge more so that they can remain in business.
Another major problem is the shift in the demographics. There was a time when bowling was the go-to for the working class. Back then, when such was the case, the prices were super cheap.
However, nowadays, the people coming to the bowling alleys are often more financially stable. They are here for a casual hangout with friends and family, so they are willing to pay these prices.
2. Maintenance Charges
The reasons are not just limited to changes in demographics. Bowling alleys have some sizable expenses to take care of.
Functions such as maintaining lanes, buying bowling balls and keeping bowling shoes in rotation, to name a few, add to the bill. This is just the top of the list.
Then, there are utility bills, staff paychecks, and all sorts of expenses that need to be taken care of. And the only way that they can keep on top of bills and keep their business open is to increase their prices.
3. Effect of the Pandemic
The pandemic has had a negative effect on pretty much everything, including the business of bowling alleys. Lockdown left bowling alleys hanging by a thread, many of which had to close down.
The ones that survived had to revise their plan of action. This meant increasing the prices to cover the losses.
4. Commercialization
The commercialization of bowling alleys has also contributed to the rising costs of the game. Nowadays, the alleys are all about the deluxe experience.
They now have fancy restaurants, fully-stocked bars, and more, and of course, these extras do not come cheap, which then brings further additions to the bill.
So, if you’re hoping for a budget-friendly night at the lanes, just bear in mind that it may cost a little more than you thought.
The prices are justified as explained by the reasons: it is definitely a combination of fewer people in the alleys, fancier amenities, pandemic hits, many of us having less spare cash for hobbies and fun, and just the plain old cost of keeping those pins in order.
How Much Does Bowling Cost?
First, let’s look at the basics of what you have to pay to enjoy the game. You have to rent some bowling shoes and pay for the game.
For two people, the average cost for this is about $20. If you want food or drinks while you are there, this is an extra cost. Of course, many bowling alleys offer other entertainment options like arcade and billiards games.
This is just the minimum cost and can change from place to place. It all depends on the alley you pick to play at, the time, and other things like food, etc.
If you decide to play at a bustling city hub, then prepare to pay more. Less active places usually have lower prices.
If you’re playing on weekends or holidays, then the cost will be higher. The cost of bowling takes a leap on these prime days because of the amount of people lining up to play.
So, if you’re planning a bowling night out, keep these cost factors in mind before you roll that first ball.
How to Reduce Your Bowling Costs?
For those trying to stay on a budget but still want to go bowling with friends or family, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Take Advantage of Special Discount Days
Lots of bowling alleys dish out awesome deals on select days. Think “Cheap Tuesdays,” where games are a mere $0.50 a pop. Check out different alleys to spot similar steals on various days. Those savings can really add up.
2. Join a Bowling League
If you truly love bowling, then you can consider joining a bowling league. You can join any league for about $20. This will help get you a lot of discounts on games and bowling-related goodies.
3. Skip Out on Bowling Alley Food
One surefire way to cut costs is not eating and drinking at a bowling alley. The bar and restaurant prices can be very expensive.
Why not eat before your visit or get something out after you leave? Some bowling alleys even allow players to bring snacks, but do check first.
4. Consider a Bowling Alley Membership
If you frequently visit any alley, you should consider buying their membership. A monthly fee can get you some good deals on games, shoe rentals, and more.
You might even get a free game each month with some memberships. Costs often range from $20 to $40 monthly.
5. Get Your Own Bowling Shoes to Avoid Rental Fees
If you go bowling quite often, then you should definitely look into buying your own bowling shoes. They usually range from $20 to $60. If you consider the rental fees, which are usually $5 per use, this can really add up!
6. Go With a Friend or Family Member
You can also save cash by taking friends or family members with you. Many alleys give group discounts, so it can come in handy if you take more people with you.
Additionally, the cost for each person lowers when it is split between many people.
Conclusion
It is true that bowling has become quite expensive these days. But if you consider the factors that contribute to the expense, it can provide some insight.
Bowling alleys are entertainment hubs that offer a number of activities that require maintenance and staffing.
However, you can still enjoy this recreational activity without going broke if you plan carefully and use the cost-saving strategies mentioned above.