Popular Metro Detroit Bowling Alley Being Sold

ALLEN PARK, MI — A corporation is buying a popular Wayne County bowling alley that has hosted multiple national events.

The owners of Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, the largest privately owned bowling center and second-largest bowling center in the country, are selling the bowling alley to Bowlero Corp.

Bowlero Corp. is the largest owner and operator of bowling alleys in the world and also owns the Professional Bowlers Association. The multibillion-dollar group owns more than 350 bowling centers across the nation.

The Strobl family, who has been the majority owner of Thunderbowl Lanes since 1997, announced the sale last week on FaceBook. The transaction is expected to be finalized in June 2024.

"For over the past 80 years , the Strobl family has been involved in all aspects of the bowling, starting in 1942 the Strobl family owned three bowling centers over the years and became the majority owners of Thunderbowl Lanes in 1997," the Strobl family said on Facebook. "The family would like to thank the bowling community, the City of Allen Park, the staff and the management of Thunderbowl lanes for all wonderful memories and we wish for many more to come with Bowlero."

Thunderbowl Lanes, which opened in 1962, has hosted numerous collegiate and professional events over the years, including the PBA World Series of bowling, the USBC Masters and the NCAA Women's Finals. The 90-lane bowling alley hosted the PBA World Championship twice.