Tuesday, May 13, 2025
How long does it take to build a bowling alley? | Flying Guide
Explore industry timelines for building a bowling alley, from planning to grand opening, with professional insights—courtesy of Flying.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Bowling Alley?

If you’ve ever searched “How long does it take to build a bowling alley?” you’re not alone. Timeline accuracy is crucial for bowling equipment professionals and investors, who must strategically plan construction, installation, and grand opening. Below, we outline clear, expert-verified timeframes and factors influencing project timelines.

Key Phases in Bowling Alley Construction

Project Planning & Design (2–5 Months)

- Site selection: Choosing location, conducting feasibility study.

- Design approvals: Architectural drawings, compliance reviews.

- Permits and licenses: Zoning, safety, and building permits.

- Key sources: (https://bowlingindustry.com), (https://bpaa.com)

Civil Work & Construction (5–8 Months)

- Groundwork: Excavation, concrete foundations.

- Structure erection: Framing, roofing, basic utilities.

- Specialty builds: HVAC, soundproofing, fire safety systems.

Installation of Bowling Equipment (1–3 Months)

- Lane installation: Precision placement of lanes by certified teams.

- Pinsetters and scoring systems: Aligning with latest bowling equipment standards.

- Ancillary items: Ball returns, seating, lighting.

Interior Finishing & Inspections (1–2 Months)

- Aesthetics: Flooring, wall finishes, themed decor.

- Safety & compliance: Inspections, testing of fire alarms, handicap accessibility.

- Grand opening preparation: Marketing, staff training.

Total Estimated Time: 9–18 Months

- Average timeframe (new builds): 12–18 months (source: Bowling Centers U.S.A.)

- Retrofit timeframes: Modernization of existing facilities may take 4–9 months.

- Delays: Weather, permits, and equipment shipping can extend project length.

Key Timeline Factors

Bowling Alley Size & Scope

- *Number of lanes:* More lanes add time for installation.

- *Amenities:* Restaurants, arcades, and bars require additional construction.

Local Codes & Permitting

- *Municipality requirements:* Vary greatly and impact timeline.

- *Safety checks:* Must pass before operation.

Availability of Skilled Labor

- *Bowling equipment installers:* Schedule certified professionals early.

- *Coordination:* Efficient project management minimizes downtime.

Equipment Supply Chain

- *Lead times:* Custom or imported bowling equipment can prolong construction.

- *Supplier capacity:* Work with reliable brands for timely delivery.

Authority References & Data

- (https://bowlingindustry.com)

- Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA)

- United States Bowling Congress (USBC): Facility guidelines

Quick Facts for Professionals

- New bowling alley builds typically take 12–18 months.

- Major factors: Design/permit processes and equipment delivery.

- Advanced planning and experienced contractors shorten project timelines.

For further guidance or consultation on bowling alley construction or equipment, Flying’s expert team is always ready to assist.

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FAQ
Product
How a bowling ball return machine works?

A bowling ball return system uses a combination of gravity, belts, and sometimes lifts to bring your ball back to you after your roll. Here's a breakdown of the typical process:

  1. Ball Exit: After rolling down the lane, the ball exits into a channel at the end. This channel might have a slight incline to help guide the ball towards the return mechanism.

  2. Transfer Tray: The ball rolls into a shallow tray or trough. This tray might have a diverter at the end to ensure balls from adjacent lanes don't collide.

  3. Elevator or Incline (optional): In some setups, the ball might be lifted to a higher level before entering the return system. This creates a steeper decline for the ball to travel down, helping it gain momentum.

  4. Belt Conveyor: The ball reaches a conveyor belt with a textured surface to prevent slipping. This belt carries the ball up an incline.

  5. Gravity Channel: Once at the top of the incline, the ball is released onto a long, U-shaped channel. Gravity takes over, pulling the ball down through the channel.

  6. Ball Deflector: At the end of the channel, there might be a deflector that diverts the ball slightly towards your lane. This ensures the ball ends up in the correct return slot.

  7. Ball Return Tray: The ball finally reaches a tray or cradle positioned in front of your lane, ready for your next roll.

Here are some additional points to note:

  • Modern systems might have sensors to detect the presence of a ball and activate the return mechanism accordingly.
  • Some higher-end systems use quieter materials and designs to minimize noise during ball return.
How many lanes does it take to open a bowling alley?

There's no strict rule on the number of lanes required to open a bowling alley. It depends on your business goals and target market.

Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

  • Small niche alleys: Some bowling alleys might focus on a specific audience, like a boutique bowling alley with just a few lanes catering to a high-end clientele. They might have other revenue streams besides just bowling, like a fancy restaurant or bar.
  • Traditional bowling alleys: These typically have many lanes, often around 8 to 24 lanes , to accommodate a larger number of bowlers and maximize revenue through lane rentals.
  • Mini bowling: Certain alleys might offer mini bowling, which uses lighter balls and shorter lanes. This could be a good option for a family entertainment center and wouldn't require a large number of standard lanes.

Ultimately, the number of lanes is a business decision based on your target market, budget, and the overall experience you want to create.

Bowling Equipment
​What is duckpin bowling equipment?​

Duckpin bowling equipment is a more adaptable bowling lane. Duckpin bowling has a smaller lane size, and the smaller ball has only two finger holes, whose pins are shorter and lighter than traditional bowling pins. Standard 9.2-meter short lane, which is more suitable for a variety of miniaturized sites. In addition, it can improve the hit rate of players in bowling, so that players can have more fun and fulfillment.

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.

​How much to put a bowling lane in your house?​

Building a bowling alley in your house may seem very expensive. But at Flying, you can get top-quality bowling equipment from us at very affordable prices. You can have the fun of bowling at home without requiring a lot of money or effort.

​Who makes new bowling equipment?​

Flying specializes in manufacturing brand new bowling equipment. All the equipment, fairway boards, balls, and pins we provide are brand new. Including the scoring and management systems of our bowling lanes, they are all unique and developed by ourselves.

Price
How much does it cost to put a bowling alley?

The cost of building a bowling alley can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including:

  • Number of lanes: This is obviously a big one. A single lane will cost much less than a whole alley with multiple lanes.
  • Location: Building costs are higher in some areas than others. Building in a more populated area will likely be more expensive than a rural area.
  • New construction vs. renovation: If you are adding a bowling alley to an existing building, you'll likely save money compared to building a whole new facility.
  • Features: Do you want a high-end bowling alley with all the latest technology and amenities? Or are you looking for a more basic setup? The more features you want, the more expensive it will be.

Here's a rough ballpark of what you might expect to pay:

  • Home bowling alley: A single lane for your house could cost anywhere from $75,000 to $175,000.
  • Small commercial alley: A few lanes in a commercial setting could run from $150,000 to $600,000.
  • Large commercial alley: A full-sized bowling alley with many lanes could cost millions of dollars.

If you're serious about opening a bowling alley, it's important to consult with a professional contractor or bowling alley equipment supplier to get a more accurate estimate for your specific project. They can take into account all of the factors mentioned above and give you a more realistic idea of the costs involved.

Flying Bowling - why us

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.

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Contact Flying

Start Your Custom Bowling Alley Project

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