Brunswick Corporation
06.28.2007
Bowling Continues as One of America's Favorite Pastimes; Brunswick Zone XLs Appeal to the Changing Needs of Casual and League Bowlers
When English, Dutch and German settlers introduced the game of bowling to the United States in the early 17th century, they probably had no idea the game would become one of America’s favorite and most beloved pastimes.
According to the Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA), more than 66 million people in the United States bowl at least once a year, making it the most popular sporting activity in the country. Over the years, casual bowling has certainly become an important part of the sport’s demographic, and league play is making a comeback among new types of bowlers.
"The popularity of bowling has skyrocketed over the past few years," Don Klackner, general manager, Brunswick Zone XL St. Peters, in St. Peters, Mo. "The sport continues to attract a wide variety of people, and the Brunswick Zone XL concept is helping meet the needs of all bowlers – from the casual bowler to the league bowler."
While league play used to consist of evening-only adult leagues, Brunswick Zone XLs now organize a wide variety of league groups, at a variety of times and with shorter seasons. New leagues are being formed by companies, local volunteer groups, senior citizens, and parent – child pairs, for example. Even the pro bowlers are joining in on the fun. Brunswick is currently hosting The Brunswick Clinic for Better Bowling at various Brunswick bowling centers during which world-renowned bowling instructors will help coach amateur bowlers. For more information, visit http://www.bowlbrunswick.com/clinics.
The popularity of bowling has even reached the younger generation. High school bowling is now the nation’s fastest-growing high school sport, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. During the 2005-2006 school year, more than 40,000 high school students joined a bowling team, and the number of participants and varsity teams has more than doubled from the previous five years, according to the United States Bowling Congress.
In addition, there are 29 Division I and 15 Division II NCAA colleges and universities offering varsity bowling programs, and more than 180 NCAA schools offering club teams.
And the game of bowling continues to grow and change, Brunswick Zone XLs will continue to breathe fresh air into the sport – literally. Brunswick Zone XLs are smoke-free entertainment facilities for families, bowling leagues, parties, corporate meetings and group events, and offer bowling, laser tag, bumper cars, video game arcades, Brunswick billiards tables, large screen TVs, spacious meeting rooms and much more.
To learn more about Brunswick Zone bowling centers, visit http://www.bowlbrunswick.com.
