How to Start a Football Bowling Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
How I Started My Football Bowling Business
I’ve always loved bowling, football, and finding new ways to entertain people. So when the opportunity came up to open my own football bowling alley, I jumped at the chance. Here’s how I got my unique business up and running.
Crafting My Game Plan
The first thing I did was deep research on the industry and other local entertainment venues. I visited a few football bowling places in nearby cities to see their setup and offerings. This helped me identify what was missing in my area — we had bowling alleys but nothing with a football twist yet. I put together a business plan covering all my goals, costs, and projections. Having a roadmap was critical for turning this dream into reality.
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Securing the Funding
Starting any new venture requires major capital, and football bowling was no exception. Between the specialized lanes, balls, pins, big facility, equipment and more, I had over $750K in startup expenses. I explored my options for funding and ended up combining an SBA loan, personal savings, and investments from family and friends. It took some time to pull the money together but I knew solid financing was essential.
Finding the Perfect Location
I scouted leasable spaces all around town before settling on an empty warehouse style building near our minor league football stadium. It had great visibility and access, and room to add more lanes later if needed. I negotiated a 5 year lease with the landlord and made sure the space was properly zoned for a bowling establishment. Location was key — I wanted somewhere convenient for families and sports fans to easily visit.
Building My Bowling Haven
With the space secured, I focused on designing the interiors to create a killer football bowling experience. I installed turf-like carpeting, stadium style seating, and football memorabilia on the walls. I also had plenty of TVs added so customers could watch games while bowling. For concessions, I contracted with a local pizza spot to feature their signature pies and wings. The setup took a few months but soon enough, my football bowling oasis was ready for action!
Spreading the Word
I heavily promoted our new bowling alley on social media and with print ads, flyers, and coupons around town. I also partnered with our minor league football team to offer discounted bowling on game days and bring their mascot in for special events. My staff and I would talk to everyone about the business to generate buzz. Our location near the college also brought in students looking for a study or date night break. Slowly but surely, word spread about our distinctive twist on bowling.
Rolling Out the Fun
We’ve now been open for 6 months and business keeps growing. Leagues and tournaments have been a huge hit — our Saturday night bowling battles pack the place. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve, like fine-tuning our menu and speeding up shoe rentals when crowds swell. My staff and I are also rolling out football-themed party packages, merchandise, and live entertainment to keep things fresh. It’s so rewarding to see kids and families having a blast at my alley. With some smarts and grit, this football bowling business is scoring big!
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Football Bowling Financial Forecasts
Startup Expenses
Monthly Operating Expenses
Revenue Forecast
Football Bowling Business FAQ
Q: How much space do I need for a football bowling facility?
A: A good rule of thumb is you need at least 5,000 square feet for a 4–6 lane facility. Make sure to factor in space for seating, concessions, restrooms, etc. Larger facilities with 10+ lanes may require 10,000+ square feet.
Q: What are the startup costs for a football bowling business?
A: Startup costs can range from $500,000 to over $1 million depending on size. Key costs are building lease/purchase, bowling equipment, decor, insurance, staffing and operating expenses until revenue ramps up.
Q: How much revenue can a football bowling alley generate?
A: Revenues can vary widely depending on location, size, and popularity. Many football bowling businesses generate $500,000 to $1 million or more per year. Maximizing food and drink sales is key for profitability.
Q: What expertise is needed to run this type of business?
A: While bowling industry experience is helpful, you mainly need general business management skills, customer service orientation, marketing ability, and a passion for recreation. Familiarity with food & beverage is a plus.
Q: How many staff members are required for daily operations?
A: For a small 4 lane alley, you may only need 1–2 staff working at a time. Larger venues require a larger team — manager, front desk, technicians, servers, etc. Scale your staff size to match demand.
Q: What tips do you have for attracting customers?
A: Marketing across social media, Google, and group platforms is crucial. Run promotions and loyalty programs. Offer corporate packages. Host events and tournaments to drive traffic. Partner with local brands and restaurants.
Q: How can I make my football bowling business stand out?
A: Offer unique food and drink menus, create VIP lanes, sell merch, host live events, partner with sports teams, leverage a strong brand identity through design — get creative!
Q: What are the biggest challenges with this business?
A: Managing costs, maximizing food/drink revenue, competing with other entertainment options, hiring/retaining good staff, responding to changes in consumer preferences.
Q: Is a liquor license required?
A: If you plan to serve alcohol, yes — you’ll need to apply for a liquor license through your city or county clerk’s office. There is often a licensing fee as well.
