By Eavin Moore.
The Belt Bowl was just three years old when Norman and Helen Tucker bought the original 18 lane facility in 1960. Back then, what we now know as the Belt Highway was just a rutted old road, out on the edge of town. The miniature golf course was up the way, but that was it. They claim their business to be the second oldest on the Belt, after Cool Crest.
My own first visit to the old Belt Bowl was in the daycare center, back in the early 60s. My mom bowled one afternoon a week in a ladies league, and I spent the time in the nursery. You couldn’t see the bowling from in there, but I remember the sound of strikes and spares coming right through the walls.
A few years later it was my turn. Saturday morning league, matching t-shirt colors for each team. There were lessons from Mr. Tucker, with his flat top haircut, and Mrs. Tucker was behind the counter.
Their two sons Scott and Tim grew up in the bowling alley, as much time as the whole family spent there. Over the years they realized that they were going to have to grow to keep their business vital. Their first expansion was in 1978 with the opening of Friar Tuck’s Pub.
By 1987 it was time to grow again. Their spot on the old country road, had become some of the most prime real estate in town. The brothers went to the drawing board and laid out an extensive expansion plan to the north that would increase the number of lanes to 40 and add other new revenue streams to their well established bowling business.
I applaud astute business people who recognize emerging trends and jump in ahead of the curve. Legends Sports Bar was just that, when it opened as the first of its type here. Big screens and sports, cold beer and hot sandwiches: that’s a recipe for success. (Tim’s Turkey Sandwich is my personal fav) It’s a great place to watch a game, and no doubt where you’ll find me, bracket in hand, for the college basketball tournament.
Another trend they were ahead on was sand volleyball. Their Volleys opened in 1987, as the first combination of bowling and sand volleyball in the country. The four outdoor courts are booked with leagues from April through October. Teams and leagues are organizing now for spring action. Why not get together a team from work? A night out and off the couch! Call them at 233-1054 to sign up.
Before I sign off, let’s not forget the cornerstone of the operation; bowling! Between videogames and iPods and all the other entertainment choices, it’s easy to forget about bowling. Always the most inclusive of sports, just about anybody can do it. By the time they reach grade school, most kids are strong enough to play, and I’ve seen senior bowlers using walkers and even wheelchairs.
When was the last time you went to somebody’s birthday party at a bowling alley? I bet everyone had fun didn’t they?
For my 25th class reunion we all went bowling at , after the formal dinner was over. I heard from a bunch of my classmates, that that was their favorite part of the whole weekend.
A group of homebuilders recently had a last minute bowling party instead of their planned golf tournament, because of weather. They had a great time and re-booked.
The Complex’s flexible floor plan can accommodate receptions or meetings of any type. Imagine a company retreat or training session with a nice meal and maybe a break for some bowling.
In conclusion, perhaps this is the perfect time for this piece. I bet your family is tired of being cooped up all winter. This is a great time to do something active. Join a bowling or volleyball league with your friends. Regardless of your age or skill level they can find a league for you. One example is the new Bar League that bowls every Sunday afternoon. Teams from drinking establishments all over town, compete against each other on the only day their employers are all closed. Open bowling is also often available, with league bowlers getting the bargain rate of only $1 per game.
Whether it’s to bowl, volley, or to catch a brew and a ballgame, why not check things out at the Belt Sports Complex. See if Scott, Tim, or any of their fine staff doesn’t ask you to “Come Look At My Stuff!” And as always, please tell ‘em Joe sent you!