Evolution of Bowling and Challenges Faced by Alley Operators

Once America’s favorite recreational activity, bowling has been in the gutter for decades. But some surviving alleys are resetting the pins. Zachary Crockett laces up.

• SOURCES:
  • Mike Leong, owner of Bel Mateo Bowl.
  • Devon Stewart, head coach of Florida State University bowling team, C.E.O. of Bowl Connect, and consultant with the Hansell Group.

• RESOURCES:
  • "Cornhole and Bowling Are the Sports Most Americans Played Last Year," by Mallory Newall, Johnny Sawyer, Charlie Rollason, and Tyler Ivey (Ipsos, 2023).
  • "Overview of the Bowling Industry," by The Hansell Group (2022).
  • "How Bowling Alleys Made a Comeback," by Justin Fox (Bloomberg, 2019).
  • "New Look Keeps Bel Mateo Bowl Thriving," by Curtis Driscoll (The Daily Journal, 2017).
  • "Inside the Ugly Road Bowlmor Took to Make Bowling Cool," by Gabrielle Fonrouge (New York Post, 2017).
  • "The (Short) History of the National Bowling League," by Bob Johnson (United States Bowling Congress News, 2015).

• EXTRAS:
  • "Is It Harder to Make Friends as an Adult?" by No Stupid Questions (2023).