Arlington-based Strike Ten Entertainment reports continued growth of bowling industry in 2007

by PegNews wire

ARLINGTON — Strike Ten Entertainment, the marketing arm of the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA), announced today the continued growth of the sport in 2007. For the second year in a row, participation increased with more than 67.2 million people having bowled across 5400 centers, enabling bowling to maintain its status as the nation's number one participatory sport. Strike Ten Entertainment also announced that bowling is generating more revenue than ever before, making a $10 billion impact on the U.S. economy. The sport's resurgence has been fueled by new interest from younger bowlers and the advent of entertainment bowling centers.

"We are very pleased to report that 2007 was a great year for the bowling industry. Centers are enjoying increased profitability and seeing a broader consumer demographic," said Jim Sturm, Chairman of Strike Ten Entertainment. "From The Wall Street Journal to Good Morning America, the media is reporting on bowling as an industry that is on the rise with trendy young consumers. More young people and young families are bowling and centers across the country are selling more food and beverages than ever before."

Strike Ten Entertainment reported that in 2007 the number of traditional bowling centers decreased. Many of these centers are either being reopened as completely remodeled facilities or replaced by larger "entertainment" bowling centers offering amenities including lounge areas and enhanced entertainment, technology and food/beverage offerings.

"These new entertainment bowling centers are generating quadruple the revenue of traditional venues and many longtime centers are stepping up their game and undergoing renovations to tap into surging interest from young adults and young families," added Sturm. "While the misperception still exists that bowling is a sport enjoyed by older males, the average bowler is now 29 years old with 49 percent being female."

The past year also saw increased growth for bowling on the high school and collegiate levels. Bowling maintained its status over ice hockey as the nation's fastest growing high school sport and more than 45 states now recognize bowling on the high school varsity or club level -- up from 20 states, six years ago. Additionally, collegiate bowling is reaching unprecedented levels of popularity, showing a consistent participation increase of one to two percent nearly every year for the past decade.

Strike Ten Entertainment did report a decrease in the number of league bowlers, which was countered by strong growth from recreational players. Recreational players, who now make up half of all bowlers, spend four to five times more per visit contributing to the increased profitability of the sport.

Source: BPAA