How much does a bowling alley cost to buy? | Insights by Flying
Establishing a bowling alley involves significant investment, with costs varying based on location, size, and equipment quality. This guide provides an overview of the expenses involved and offers insights into the latest industry trends.
Initial Investment
The cost of setting up a bowling alley can range from $150,000 for a small commercial setup to over $1 million for a full-sized facility. For instance, a 12-lane bowling center may cost between $480,000 and $720,000, excluding land and construction expenses.
Key Equipment and Costs
Bowling Lanes: Each lane, including installation, can cost between $20,000 and $40,000.
Pinsetters: Automated pinsetters range from $10,000 to $25,000 per unit, depending on the type and features.
Scoring Systems: Modern scoring systems with 3D graphics and dual keypads are priced between $4,000 and $10,000.
Ball Returns and Racks: These systems, essential for efficient ball retrieval, cost between $2,500 and $5,000.
Seating and Furnishings: Depending on the quality and design, seating and furnishings can add $1,500 to $4,000 per lane.
Ongoing Operating Costs
Maintenance and Upgrades: Annual maintenance for equipment ranges from $4,500 to $8,000 per lane.
Utilities: Bowling alleys consume significant energy, especially with traditional pinsetters and climate control systems.
Staffing: Labor costs vary based on center size and automation levels.
Industry Trends and Considerations
String Pinsetters: These offer lower initial and maintenance costs and are gaining popularity.
Boutique Models: Smaller, upscale venues are investing more per lane to provide a premium experience.
Diversified Revenue Streams: Integrating arcades, food and beverage options, or virtual reality can enhance revenue per square foot.
Conclusion
Establishing a bowling alley requires careful planning and substantial investment. By understanding the costs and staying informed about industry trends, you can make informed decisions. Partnering with experienced suppliers like Flying Bowling can provide valuable insights and quality equipment to support your venture.
For more detailed information and personalized assistance, visit Flying Bowling's official website.
Recommended
A comprehensive guide specifically for left-handed bowlers. This article debunks myths about 'left-handed' balls, explains critical technical factors like RG and Differential, and provides actionable advice on custom drilling and arsenal building for 2026.
This comprehensive guide explores the best bowling balls for spin in 2026, detailing the physics of hook, essential components like reactive resin coverstocks and core types, and top equipment recommendations. It also covers expert techniques to increase rev rate and how to choose the perfect ball for your style.
Bowling Equipment
How long is a mini bowling lane?
The length of the Mini Bowling Lane is about 13 meters. The fairway board area is about 7.6 meters. And the approach area is about 2.44 meters. The equipment maintenance area behind the lane requires a minimum of 1 meter.
Who buys used bowling equipment?
Usually, many of our Indian customers buy second-hand equipment because the price is relatively low. But in the end, they learned that Flying's prices were extremely competitive and the equipment was brand new and of very high quality. So finally, they chose to cooperate with Flying to purchase bowling equipment.
Where to find bowling equipment?
You can search for Guangzhou Flying Bowling Co., Ltd. on Alibaba International Station and Google, and you can see different types of high-quality bowling equipment on our website. All bowling equipment-related information can be found on the website. If you have any questions, you can contact us at anytime.
How many feet is a bowling lane?
We have a total of four different sizes of bowling lanes. The length of a standard bowling lane is 84 feet. The length of Duckpin Bowling Lane is 39.4 feet. The Mini Bowling Lane size is 39.7 feet. The size of the children's bowling lanes is 14.1 feet. In addition, the length of our standard bowling lanes and duckpin bowling lanes can be customized.
What basic equipment is needed for bowling?
Bowling needs lots of equipment, but the most important parts are the fairway boards and the string pinsetter equipment.
What are the equipment and parts used in bowling?
It is mainly divided into equipment and fairway board parts. The equipment part mainly includes a ball-return machine, ball-up machine, lane computer, string pinsetter machine, etc. The fairway board part includes the gutter, fairway board, etc. The most important sections are the lane management system and the lane scoring system. Please feel free to contact us for a detailed equipment configuration list.
How to maintain the mechanical equipment of a bowling alley?
Fairway boards and equipment require regular maintenance. Fairway boards need to be oiled every half month and cleaned daily to extend their service life. At the same time, the condition of the rope and ball return machine needs to be checked every period of time to ensure the normal operation of the equipment. Specifically, we will give you detailed maintenance manuals and videos to teach you how to maintain.
Let’s Build a center Together
Partner With a Trusted Bowling Alley Design, One-Stop Solution Manufacturer.
Flying has successfully built ideal bowling alleys for more than 3,000 customers.
Technical Expert
You may also like our products
Flying Smart Duckpin Bowling (FSDB) innovative design, standard 9.2-meter short lane, can be shortened in length, compact layout suitable for small spaces. The game rules are simple but challenging, attracting players of different ages to actively participate.
Suitable for social entertainment venues such as bars, billiard halls, and game centers, it not only enhances interactivity but also increases the popularity and consumption frequency of the venue. The fun and competitive nature of FSDB will make it a new focus of social activities.
Flying Classic Standard Bowling (FCSB) is designed according to international competition standards and equipped with an accurate automatic scoring system, providing bowling enthusiasts with a pure professional experience. Whether it is for competitions or leisure entertainment, FCSB can meet high-level needs.
Suitable for family entertainment centers, luxury resorts, private villas, or clubs, it is an ideal choice for customers who pursue high-end quality and professional experience. Its classic design and excellent performance will add lasting appeal to the venue.
Flying Cute Mini Bowling (FCMB) is a mini bowling experience designed for children and families. The lane length is fixed at 12 meters, equipped with lightweight balls without finger holes (only 1.25kg) and small pins, specially designed for children and family fun.
It can not only help children feel the fun of bowling, but also stimulate their interest and competitive consciousness. Suitable for children's playgrounds, theme parks and parent-child centers, it is the best choice for places focusing on the children's market.
Flying Social Medium Bowling (FSMB) is tailored for small venues, with flexible lane lengths (customizable from 9.6 meters to 18 meters), a small ball design suitable for players of all ages, and light pins that are easier to knock down, increasing participation and fun.
Whether it is a gathering of friends or a casual social, FSMB can easily create a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Its efficient space-utilization design is particularly suitable for cafes, bars and community entertainment venues, allowing people to fall in love with bowling in a relaxed interaction.
Contact Flying
Start Your Custom Bowling Alley Project
If you contact us now for more details, we can provide you with a custom bowling alley service. Our service team will get back to you within 24 hours normally!
© 2025 Flying BOWLING. Designed by gooeyun.
FOLLOW US:
Flying Bowling
Flying Bowling
Flyingbowling
Flyingbowling