How Much Do Bowling Alleys Cost? Latest Price Estimate in 2024

Are you an avid bowler looking to purchase a bowling alley for your home? Or perhaps you’re an entrepreneur interested in opening up it for a business?

The first question that probably comes to mind is: how much do bowling alleys cost?

A small bowling alley with only a few lanes may cost around $50,000 to $100,000 to build, while a larger, more elaborate facility with multiple lanes, a bar, and arcade games can cost upwards of $2 million.

The cost of a bowling alley can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the location, size, and amenities.

You’ll see a clear difference in the faculties from the iconic Bowlmor Lanes in New York City to the classic AMF Bowling in my hometown.

Average Cost of Opening Bowling Alley

The average cost of opening a bowling alley can range from $100,000 to $500,000.

However, this is just a rough estimate, and the actual cost could be much higher or lower, depending on the specific circumstances.

How Is the Cost Of Bowling Alley Calculated?

Just like any other amusement park, the cost of opening a bowling alley can vary depending on various factors, such as the site, size, and the level of luxury you want to offer your customers.

However, opening a bowling alley comes with some unique expenses you might not encounter in other businesses.

For example, you’ll need to invest in high-quality bowling lanes, scorekeeping systems, and shoes and balls for customers to use.

You’ll also need to consider the cost of maintaining and repairing your equipment over time and the cost of utilities like electricity and water.

The cost of a bowling alley can also depend on whether it’s a new construction or an existing facility that’s being renovated or updated.

Building a brand-new bowling alley from scratch will likely be more expensive than renovating an existing facility.

Estimated Cost of Bowling Alley Equipment

The estimated individual cost of bowling alley equipment can differ largely depending on the type and quality of equipment.

Below is a table with approximate prices for some common pieces of bowling alley:

Note: Some items, such as the pinsetter machine and scoring system, may be leased rather than purchased outright.

Bowling Alley Business Plan

If you plan to open a bowling business, let me tell you the estimated cost of starting a bowling alley business can range from $1.5 million to $3 million.

Try to understand it from the table below:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost
Real Estate	$400,000 – $600,000 annually
Equipment	$150,000 – $500,000
Renovation and Construction	$200,000 – $500,000
Staffing	$200,000 – $400,000 annually
Licenses and Permits	$5,000 – $50,000
Total	$1.5 million – $3 million

Tips To Run a Bowling Alley Business

As a bowling alley owner, your job is to create an atmosphere that is both inviting and exhilarating.

You want your customers to feel like they’re stepping into a world of fun and entertainment where they can forget their worries and let loose.

But running a successful bowling alley business isn’t just about providing a great atmosphere.

You also need a solid business plan that includes location, pricing, marketing, and staff management.

Perfect Location

First, you’ll need to find the perfect location for your bowling alley. Ideally, you want a spot that’s easily accessible and visible to potential customers.

You’ll also want to consider the surrounding area’s demographics to ensure your business caters to the right audience.

Competitive Pricing

Next, you’ll need to set competitive pricing that reflects the quality of your establishment.

You’ll want to balance affordability and profitability, so you can attract a wide range of customers without sacrificing your bottom line.

Good Marketing

Marketing your bowling alley is another critical aspect of your business plan.

You’ll need to reach out to your target audience through various channels, including social media, email marketing, and local advertising.

You might also consider partnering with local businesses or organizations to host events and promotions that attract new customers.

Capable Staff

Finally, hiring and managing your staff is essential for the success of your business.

You’ll want to find employees who are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the sport of bowling.

You must also create a positive work environment that encourages teamwork and communication.

Home Bowling Alley Cost

If you’re willing to shell out the dough, you can have your own bowling alley in your backyard or basement.

You can be the envy of all your friends and neighbors because, with a bowling alley in your house, you’ll never have to wait in line or worry about the shoes not fitting. So how much does a bowling alley cost to put in your house?

A basic home bowling alley can cost around $40,000 to $70,000. In contrast, a more high-end and customized alley with additional features like automatic scoring, ball returns, and electronic displays can cost upwards of $150,000 or more.

Here are some factors that can affect the cost:

Size

A regulation-size bowling lane is 60 feet long and 3.5 feet wide. However, you can customize the size to fit your space and needs. A larger lane will generally cost more.

Materials

The materials used for the lane, gutters, and pin spotter can affect the cost. Higher-quality materials will generally cost more.

Installation

If you need to do major renovations to your home to accommodate the bowling alley, the cost will be higher.

Additional features

You may want to add features such as scoring systems, lighting, sound systems, and seating, which can add to the cost.

What Is Bowling Alley Maintenance Cost?

The total cost of maintaining a bowling alley can differ widely depending on the size and complexity of the facility.

However, a rough estimate for a 16-lane bowling alley could be between $50,000 and $100,000 per year.

Maintenance cost is distributed as follows:

Equipment Maintenance

Bowling alley equipment, such as pin spotters, ball returns, and scoring systems, require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order. This can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per month.

Lane Maintenance

Bowling lanes require regular cleaning and oiling to prevent damage and ensure a smooth surface for bowlers. This can cost between $200 and $400 per lane per year.

Building Maintenance

The building itself requires regular cleaning and upkeep, including HVAC maintenance, lighting, and electrical repairs. These costs can range from $5,000 to $10,000 per year.

Staffing

Bowling alleys require staff to manage the facility, including mechanics, custodians, and front desk staff. Labor costs can range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year.

Bowling Alley Cost In Different Regions

A country-wise estimated cost of bowling alleys:

Country	Alley Cost
USA	$300,000 – $600,000
UK	£250,000 – £500,000
Canada	CAD $400,000 – CAD $800,000
Italy	€300,000 – €700,000
Australia	AUD $300,000 – AUD $700,000
France	€300,000 – €700,000

How Much Does a Bowling Alley Make?

On average, a bowling alley can generate anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 in revenue per lane annually.

For example, a bowling alley with 20 lanes can generate a profit of around $600,000 to $1 million per year.

However, this figure can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier.

Some bowling alleys also generate additional revenue by offering food and beverage services, arcade games, and hosting events such as birthday parties, corporate events, and league tournaments.

Additionally, alleys offer pro shops, selling equipment and accessories to bowling fans.

How Much Does It Cost To Go To Bowling?

On average, a game of bowling generally costs between $4 and $7 per person, and most bowling alleys charge for shoe rentals as well, which can be around $3 to $5 per pair.

In addition, some bowling alleys offer discounts for large groups or during certain times of the day, such as weekday afternoons or late nights.

Overall, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $20 per person for a few bowling games, including shoe rentals.

FAQs Of Bowling Alleys Cost

Is a bowling alley a good investment?

It can be a good investment with careful planning and management if done properly. It can fill your bank with 50k$ annually.

Do bowling alleys make a lot of money?

It depends on factors like location, size, management, and market demand. Some bowling alleys can be profitable, while others may struggle.

What is the price of a bowling structure?

The cost of a bowling structure is not specific and depends on several factors, such as size, spot, materials used, and luxuries. A full-scale bowling alley can cost several hundred thousand to millions.

How much investment is needed for a bowling alley?

To invest in a bowling alley, the required investment can go from tens of thousands to millions. So conducting a comprehensive feasibility study and developing a solid business plan is critical.

Final Thoughts

So how much do bowling alleys cost? As I mentioned earlier, the total cost is between 10,000$ and 2 million $ depending on whether you’re opting for a home or business alley.

Will you go for a classic, no-frills alley or seek a more luxurious experience with state-of-the-art technology and chic decor? Will you be bringing a group of friends or flying solo? These are all important factors to consider.

So, if you’re considering investing in a bowling alley, it’s important to do your research and consider the different aspects involved.

Don’t just focus on the upfront cost, but also consider the long-term maintenance and upkeep costs and the potential revenue that the alley could generate.