Bowling and pool

[bdorman]

I think the two sports share a lot in common:

1) much larger number of amateurs with a very small pro circuit
2) 99% of amateurs couldn't name one pro bowler
3) amateurs mostly play for social reasons (fun with friends)

It's interesting that bowling suffers from the same decreases in participation that pool is experiencing: see this article 12,000 bowling centers in the 1960s compared to 5400 today.

An interesting note in the article is that bowling centers are doing well when they "go upscale" with bright, clean interiors and above average food.

 

[Donny Lutz]

B & p

I think the two sports share a lot in common:

1) much larger number of amateurs with a very small pro circuit
2) 99% of amateurs couldn't name one pro bowler
3) amateurs mostly play for social reasons (fun with friends)

It's interesting that bowling suffers from the same decreases in participation that pool is experiencing: see this article 12,000 bowling centers in the 1960s compared to 5400 today.

An interesting note in the article is that bowling centers are doing well when they "go upscale" with bright, clean interiors and above average food.

Having taken both sports seriously, and beginning to play both in 1955, I see important differences in their history and the changes in their popularity.

There have been previous threads about this, with some good comments.

 

[michael4]

12,000 bowling centers in the 1960s compared to 5400 today.

Both sports take up a lot of square feet per the number of players and the revenue.

 

[Pre-Flag Master]

Pool and Bowling are both indoor sports. I'm wondering about something. This might seem off topic but...

Are people allowed to smoke on golf course?

 

[APA BRIAN]

I think the two sports share a lot in common:

1) much larger number of amateurs with a very small pro circuit
2) 99% of amateurs couldn't name one pro bowler
3) amateurs mostly play for social reasons (fun with friends)

It's interesting that bowling suffers from the same decreases in participation that pool is experiencing: see this article 12,000 bowling centers in the 1960s compared to 5400 today.

An interesting note in the article is that bowling centers are doing well when they "go upscale" with bright, clean interiors and above average food.

Yes! Make a club/upscale hip restaurant feel. Diamond tables. World class service. Bowlers go to bowling alleys. The money gets funneled through its own sport. In pool the money goes to bar owners, that only care about collecting quarters and selling drinks. Get the masses into a place with some class. Hip, young, class. I think this would turn pool around quickly. And teaching kids the game as well. Maybe start producing smaller quality children tables. They have done this with tennis. That sport seems to be doing fairly well lately

 

[Inaction]

I remember a huge bowling alley in south Dallas. 72 lanes, over 30 pool tables, golf simulator and possibly indoor paintball. The tables were in nice condition back in the late 80's.

I don't know if they are still in business.