jeaukool,

If it was technically feasible, which it isn't, who is going to pay for it?

Knowing the temperature and the thoughts of most proprietors this would be the final nail in the coffin for league bowling. They're just not going to be able to justify the expenditure to themselves or their banks and creditors.

I see and speak with a lot of other proprietors and managers all over the US and most of them (myself excluded) are starting to believe (or at least wondering if) they can make more money with open bowling and parties because open bowlers ARE willing to pay over 3 bucks a game and over 2.50 for shoe rental without blinking. The statistics show that open bowlers also turn the lanes over faster and spend much more per hour than league bowlers.

The open bowlers could also careless about lane conditions and are not going to give the manager and the desk person a migraine with moronic and uninformed whining about them. Most of the bowlers who complain can't hit the same mark twice, but, I digress. The predominant thought is the center will be able to spend less on lane care since they don't need the $20 to $30 large machine every 3-5 years, the expensive lane conditioning oils with all the additives so the condition doesn't move and carry down, the new set of pins each season, or have the more qualified (higher paid) mechanic/pinchaser in the center as often. Also keep in mind that league bowlers demand these benefits at a lower price.

Since open bowlers don't have knowledge about the these other things they don't care about having them. To make them happy all you need is a clean center, open lanes, a high school kid in the back, what ever lane oil is on sale that month, and a set of recoated pins. Most centers also have automatic scoring, bumper lanes across the house, sound systems, and disco lights and the general public is getting to know this now. They're not intimidated to go out on a weeknight or on the weekend to bowl and meet new people and have a fun time.

Ten years ago most centers were lucky if they could fill 1/2 of the center with open bowling when they had lanes available. Today most centers are turning people away during open bowling times because they're always full or close to it. This is especially the case if their center is sized to the population and they are in an area that's economically viable. The few centers across the country that have told all their leagues to get lost are doing very well, much better in fact!

Making the proprietors invest in new oil-less lanes to bring back the Sport would really make proprietors question, "why should we put up with the league bowlers?" Unfortunately there is just not enough benefits from league bowling anymore. Most proprietors don't have the luxury to care about the Sport aspect because they only want to survive to put food on the table. It's a sad state, but, this is what's on the minds of most proprietors now.

FWIW, I care about the Sport and league bowling and that's why we still have 2 full shifts of leagues almost every night. It's a lot of work keeping league bowlers happy but I think it's still worth it.