What is the bigget threat to bowling's popularity in Wisconsin?

[Kris10]

With the U.S. Bowling Congress moving from Greenfield to Texas, many people feel that bowling's popularity is declining in Wisconsin. What do you think?

[livinginwoods]

I love to bowl, but my boyfriend hates it and there is no place in my area to go!

[draxthedestroyer]

Originally Posted by Kris10

With the U.S. Bowling Congress moving from Greenfield to Texas, many people feel that bowling's popularity is declining in Wisconsin. What do you think?

Yes, it has declined sharply. I have only lived in Wisconsin for five years, but I have seen 2 bowling alleys close since I moved here. Like the survey shows so far, I think one of the problems is the "I'm in a bar" feeling most people get when they go into a bowling alley. It won't be a family activity (for the majority of families) if every lane is smoke filled rather than smoke free. Simply move the smoking to the bar (most bowling alleys I have seen have a separate bar) and make sure the exhaust fans are pulling the smoke away from the lanes. A separate or at least segregated entrance would help as well so non-smokers and kids don't have to navigate through the cloud to get to the lanes.

[Kris10]

I love to bowl but the smoking is the #1 reason I don't go. The other is lack of open bowling. My husband and I aren't late-night people; midnight bowling doesn't work for us. When we do have time, mostly evenings and Saturdays, the lanes are booked with leagues. I know leagues are profitable for the alleys, but it doesn't give space for new bowlers to explore the sport.

The most pleasant bowling experience I've had in recent years was at Knuckleheads in Wisconsin Dells. No smoking!

[giants73756]

I think The U.S. Bowling Congress moving from Greenfield to Texas did it in for bowling.