Question

Topic: Advertising/PR

Bowling Center Grand Opening Ideas

Posted by Anonymous on 4/23/2008 at 2:45 PM ET 125 Points
Help! We are currently finishing a renovation on our bowling center. We have 40 traditional lanes and have just added an additional 16 VIP lanes, an indoor go kart track, and a 4,000 sq ft redemption game room. We're bringing a whole new look to traditional bowling as we have 12 ft video screens over every lane so bowlers can watch their favorite videos or for large sporting events. We have some ideas for Grand Opening events, but looking for more. The VIP side is upscale and has sophisticated lighting. We're wanting to show people that bowling can be cool.
Thank you for any and all ideas.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by k.pohlman on 4/23/2008 at 3:18 PM Accepted
    I would suggest invitations to businesses and schools to hold 'discounted' gatherings. Treat the people like they are the most important customers to visit your facility.

    After each event, the word of mouth marketing will bring new and repeat business.

    Word of mouth is the best return on your investment.

    Sounds like a great place, good luck with it!
  • Posted on 4/23/2008 at 3:31 PM Author
    You are right on with the word of mouth. We have so many groups wanting to reserve already and we haven't even advertised yet. Thanks for the response.
  • Posted by jcasalou on 4/24/2008 at 11:20 AM Accepted
    Get in touch with the popular local radio station and have them do a satellite broadcast from your location. Have the afternoon drive show be there.

    Get in touch with your alcohol distributors. There should be a Miller Lite, Captain Morgans rep in your area for example.

    For the VIP area you should get in touch with businesses to hold events in the VIP area. Car dealerships etc...can have a corporate outing there. I would also tie in any kind of alcohol promotions to the VIP area as well. Guys might pay a little more for VIP if the Miller Lite girls are there in addition to the deal they would get on Miller Lite or whoever the company is.

    The big screen idea is key to traffic. Have all of the major sporting events including every local pro event broadcasted. You can even charge an extra $5 per person for a big boxing event or a UFC event.

    Cheers
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 4/24/2008 at 1:44 PM Member
    For grand opening - how about a dance party (in the VIP area)? Contests (based on age ranges): highest score, fastest time, longest drive, etc. Classes (with local pros, also age-specific). Chair massage (after all the strenuous activity). Fashion shows (latest golf, bowling, etc.). Latest gear shows.
  • Posted on 4/25/2008 at 5:46 PM Accepted
    Sounds like quite the operation! Everyone has given you great ideas.

    How about having a charity event where you have some of the proceeds for the day go to The local hospital, Juvenile Diabetes, or Susan Koman, or ?????

    Set aside some free bowling time for nursing home residents - or special needs kids. That'll help get some pr.

    Good luck! Great to hear somebody is investing in this type of an endeavor!

    CVN
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