Bowling is kind of a big deal in Reno. While most cities have bowling centers, we have a stadium. That's right - a stadium. The only facility of its kind in the world, the National Bowling Stadium (referred to as the "Taj Mahal of Tenpins" by The Los Angeles Times) is dedicated to the classic sport of bowling. Living up to its name, the Stadium was elegantly designed with the tournament bowler in mind.
As bowlers and visitors enter on Center Street, they are greeted by an impressive four story lobby. Right inside is a bronze sculpture presented by the Brunswick Corporation to the Stadium which depicts the family on their way to bowling. The whimsical statue is a favorite picture backdrop for visitors. Two glass elevators and an escalator provide easy access for the bowlers and their equipment to reach the fourth floor Tournament Level. The 78 championship lanes beckon competitors to try their luck. The National Bowling Stadium boasts the longest video screen in the world which is capable of projecting video images as well as state-of-the-art scoring graphics across its 440 foot length.
The Tournament Level is also home for the Lane 81 Pro Shop where the latest and most sophisticated bowling equipment can be purchased. The Computer Aided Tracking System (C.A.T.S.) Lane provides the bowler with a computer accurate evaluation of their game and recommendations for improvement.
Right near the C.A.T.S. lane is the Stadium Club. This wood and copper decorated turn-of-the-century room hosts many gatherings and has a full service bar, large screen TV, pool table and a spectacular view of the downtown corridor.
On the fifth floor is a 172 seat I-WERKS theater. The four story screen can accommodate 70 millimeter films and has a six channel digital surround sound audio system and is available to be rented to groups.
The open and versatile design of many areas of the National Bowling Stadium allows it to be transformed into several configurations to suit any event. The National Bowling Stadium is available for private parties, business meetings and bowling functions. Any event held in such a venue would certainly be memorable.
