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Flex Ten-Pin Bowling Lane Installation at Luxury, Custom Home in North Carolina
We are thrilled to announce the completion of a spectacular project in collaboration with Peters Custom Homes, a leader in crafting high-end residential masterpieces. At Funk Bowling, we've taken the concept of luxury entertainment to a whole new level with the...
Backpocket Brewery Adds Duckpin in Johnston & Dubuque, IA Locations
This piece focuses on the impressive expertise and creativity showcased by Funk Bowling in crafting an exceptional Duckpin bowling installation. After a successful installation in Dubuque, IA, Backpocket Brewery decided to bring Duckpin to another location in...
Duckpin Bowling Installation at Pizzeria in Tipp City, OH
This article highlights the remarkable skill and innovation demonstrated by Funk Bowling in designing a Duckpin bowling experience. Their expertise and commitment to pushing the limits of conventional bowling have culminated in a truly unique installation that brings...
Lanes Built Worldwide
Square Feet of Production Space
Years of German Engineering
Family Owned Since 1964
About Funk
Family owned and operated, Funk and sister company Spellman have over 130 years in the bowling equipment manufacturing and installation business. With 100+ employees and two production facilities combining over 100,000 square feet of production space, Funk is ready to take on any bowling project, big or small. Whether you’re starting a 24-lane bowling alley, or you are looking to design a personal, in-home bowling experience, we’ve seen it all.
The New Industry Standard
Upgrade to String
String pinsetters are simply more profitable and offer a faster, more enjoyable bowling experience for your customers. If you’re looking to update your pinsetters, it’s time to upgrade to string!
It is our mission to help our customers develop exciting and innovative bowling experiences that bring people together and we’ve been doing it for decades.
Funk Bowling Signs First Contract for USBC Approved String Pinsetter Installation at Lokay Lanes in Pennsylvania
Lokay Lanes, a bowling center and staple of the Monroeville, Pennsylvania community, has signed a contract to add new, USBC approved Funk string pinsetter machines to their center. This project is particularly special in that it’s also the first project to feature...
Duckpin Bowling Goes Mobile – Trailer Configured with 2 Duckpin Lanes to Bring Bowling Experience to Various Events
In this article, we will unveil the incredible craftsmanship and ingenuity that went into creating a fully functional Duckpin bowling experience on wheels. Funk Bowling's expertise and dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional bowling have resulted in a...
USBC Certifies String Pinsetters: Funk Machines Are One of the First to Get Approved
In major news in the bowling community, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) will now certify string pinsetters and string ten pin bowling, effective August 1, 2023 for the 2023/2024 season. Funk Bowling’s popular string pinsetter was one of the first machines to...
Bowling Business FAQs
What’s the most expensive aspect about running a bowling business?
Simply put, maintenance. The biggest contributor of these maintenance costs is the traditional free-fall pinsetter. Free-fall pinsetters can have thousands of moving parts, any of which can malfunction and cause a breakdown. This is why many bowling alleys that utilize free fall pinsetters have an on-site, full-time mechanic to make sure the equipment stays up and running.
Given that the free-fall pinsetter results in so much required maintenance and the associated costs, many bowling businesses are turning to the string pinsetter. Widely used in Europe, the string pinsetter eliminates the need for a full-time mechanic and the majority of the repairs and maintenance can be conducted by any of your existing staff.
How profitable is a bowling business?
Every business and market are different. Some bowling experiences focus on offering a broad range of entertainment options and diversify the revenue stream. Some focus just on bowling and food and drinks. Either way, Bowling.com offers some figures as to the financial impact each bowling lane can potentially have on a bowling business. The article says:
“A bowling center averaging 11,000 games per year generates about $36,750 per lane annually.”
How much space do I need for each bowling lane?
The average length of a bowling lane can be anywhere from 90 to 100 feet. The standard length of a lane from the foul line to the back of hte pin deck is 63 feet (1920 centimeters). The standard approach is usually 15 to 16 feet (457 to 488 centimeters). Additional length is needed for the pinsetter (Funk’s string pinsetter requires an additional 5 feet and 3 inches (160 centimeters). Finally, the seating area can vary but typically ranges from 8 to 12 feet (245 to 366 centimeters). All of these measurements are standard but everything is customizable.
In terms of width, two lanes with an above ground ball return usually comes to aboue 11 feet and 7 inches (354 centimeters). For two lanes with an underground ball return, expect to dedicate 11 feet and 4 inches (345 centimeters).
How much does it cost to build a bowling lane?
Every bowling project is unique. With so many options and customizations to choose from, it is difficult to offer general pricing information. From design to installation, there are many choices bowling business owners have, which is why we build custom quotes to fit your needs. Contact us today to request a quote for your bowling project.