Let’s talk for a minute about something everyone enjoys, saving money. I’m sure you will agree that everything seems to be getting more expensive. When you’re enjoying a quality night out, you can make bowling a fairly inexpensive option, be it a first date, a family outing, a birthday party, etc. However, it can also be quite expensive if not done correctly.
Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to determine a good time to enter the lanes. Afternoons will always be more expensive than daytime ones, and weekends and holidays will always be more expensive than weekdays.
Depending on how many games you want to bowl or how many are in your group, renting a lane by the hour might be a good option. Some bowling centers also have set time blocks where you can play as much as you want for a fixed price.
You might think I’m crazy, but if you bowling regularly, go to one of the big box or sporting goods stores and buy bowling shoes. Think about it, every time you go bowling, you have to rent shoes and that costs around $ 3-4 per visit. I’ve been to department stores or large sporting goods stores and seen bowling shoes for sale for $ 20. You can also find great deals on bowling shoes on the Internet. Also, you don’t need to wear rental shoes that many other people have worn.
Companies like Groupon and LivingSocial have made bargain hunters feel good about their purchases. This is no different when it comes to finding great deals on bowling. I live in Chicago and recently found a deal for an hour of bowling and shoe rental for $ 15. Renting lanes during rush hour at the bowling alley can be over $ 30 per lane alone, then add another $ 6- 8 for shoe rental, so this is a significant savings.
Joining a bowling league has also proven to be a good way to save some money. Bowling centers will often have special rates for players in their league. I have also bowled at a couple of places where they can have free open bowling for all the bowlers in the league during their slower times during the week.
For kingpins, part of your membership in the Professional Bowlers Association will allow you discounted rates at PBA practice centers.
With the ever-increasing cost of everything these days, I hope these tips will help you get into the lanes.
