Cosmic bowling 'glows' to next level

By Jenny Duong; Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; U.S. Army Garrison-HawaiiNovember 23, 2011

Bowling
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- Bowling in the dark never looked so good at the newly remodeled bowling center, here.

Cosmic bowling or "glow bowling" combines the typical bowling alley with black lights, flashing graphics and party music to match.

"Over the years, bowling became more attractive to the younger market, for birthday parties, and for family/company get-togethers," said Don Yonamine, manager, Fort Shafter Bowling Center. "To accommodate this trend, we have upgraded our cosmic bowling to improve the outdated and failing sound system and lighting."

Renovations started in September for the new cosmic bowling system, here.

Among the renovations are two new big screens with LCD projectors, three new LCD flat screen TVs, the latest Brunswick scoring system and new Brunswick Synthetic Pro Lanes.

"The cosmic bowling program is a perfect venue for Fort Shafter since the installation does not have a facility such as the Tropics Warrior Zone on Schofield Barracks," said Rhonda Hunter, chief, Business Operations Division, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii.

Bowling has been an entertainment staple at most Army installations. It provides convenience in space, cost and is available to all age groups.

"Bowling is a game that the whole family can enjoy together," Yonamine said. "Whether you're a serious bowler or just a novice, the new upgrades and improvements will benefit both types of bowlers."

With the new cosmic bowling system in place, Soldiers and families are already enjoying their new bowling experiences.

Cosmic bowling

Cosmic bowling is 3 p.m.-midnight, Saturdays and 1-5 p.m., Sundays at Fort Shafter; call (808) 438-6733. Call (808) 655-0573 for bowling at Schofield Barracks.