48 Bowl Blog

For those of you who like to geek-out on all things bowling (and hey, we LOVE it when you geek-out on bowling), here's our
Top 5 Things To Do When Prepping For a Tournament:

1. Know The Rules.
Every tournament has a different set of rules about valid averages, handicaps and formats. Know each tournament's rules before going in so you're not surprised when your total scores are compiled. All rules are supposed to be attached to every entry blank, but if they are not, ask for a copy from the tournament coordinator before you register.

2. Check Your Equipment.
We've heard stories about customers who have 15 bowling balls under their bed, in their basement, in the trunk of their car...that's great! But now is the time to do an inventory of your equipment. We recommend you build yourself a 3-ball arsenal. (Click to read just what we mean, or go to your favorite Pro Shop Professional & have them help you.) Once you get that done, then clean them and bag them! (Also, do not store in the trunk of your car in extreme weather conditions!)

3. Take A Brush-Up Lesson
You can find certified coaches in your area by visiting the "Find A Coach" section of bowl.com. While we don't recommend that you make drastic changes in your game before a tournament, it would be a good idea to have someone check your timing, your release and your swing plane. Also, there is a TON of great information on the web. One of our favorite articles comes from bowlingball.com on the mechanics of a great push away. If you read and follow this article, it will be about as close to magic pixie dust as you can get to instant results in your game.

4. Check-In Early
If you have the luxury of extra time and you are not the first squad of the day, check-in early (most tournaments want you there 1/2 hr to an hour ahead of time anyway). Find a bowler whose game style is close to yours. Observe where he/she is playing the lane. Make note of what equipment is having a good reaction and try to find something in your bag that matches it.

5. Use Your Warm-Up Shots Wisely
A famous coach around here always used to say (and probably still does) that he thought bowling competitions have about one of the worst warm-up practices in all of sports. We agree. Often times you get only 2-3 shots before you are asked to begin competition. Compare this to basketball where players come out shooting, performing drills and warming their muscles for at least 15 minutes. We suggest you stretch your arms, wrist, legs and back before beginning. Then, when you do get to throw a ball, have 3 shots in your mind. Use the first ball to test the pocket. Throw something around the second arrow and watch your ball reaction. Use your second shot to test the lane pattern from left to right (shooting a 10-pin) and again, watch your ball reaction & adjust your right-side spare shooting methods accordingly. On the third shot, test the lane pattern from right to left (shooting a 7-pin), and you guessed it, adjust your left-side spares accordingly. If you get more more warm-ups, then just get dialed in to the pocket!

We wish you all good luck in your bowling endeavors & please let us know if there is something we can do to help you ready your A-Game.

Have a question or comment about our centers? Just write us at askus@48bowl.com and we'll answer you!

The high school bowling season is here and 48 Bowl staff and ownership would like to welcome students and parents into our buildings. We're glad you're here!

High school bowling and the Nebraska High School Bowling Federation is something that 48 Bowl strongly supports. Since the formation of the NHSBF, thousands of high school students across the state have been given a chance to participate in bowling at the varsity level. Not only has this increased the general level of bowling competition in Lincoln and throughout the state, but more importantly, students are developing skills in teamwork and problem solving, building a strong work ethic as they practice, and learning etiquette and poise in moments of adversity. We find these life skills to be the most compelling reason to bowl. Even more compelling than winning matches and scholarships.

We'd like to take a moment to thank the volunteers coaches and team managers who give of their time and skills generously. It is because of them that these student athletes are becoming great stewards of the sport. As much as we support the NHSBF, we support our coaches.

Students, Parents and Fans, please take a moment to thank your coaches for their dedication to teaching you the game and imparting these valuable life skills. Also, please urge your High School Principals and Athletic Directors to make bowling an officially recognized and fully supported sport by the Nebraska School Activities Association. You can contact the NSAA through their website at http://www.nsaahome.org.

48 Bowl plays host to Lincoln Southeast, Northeast, East, and Waverly teams, and we'd like to wish all student athletes a fantastic high school bowling season.

Good luck and we'll see you on the lanes!

As the cold weather makes it's way into Lincoln, NE this week, please remember that it brings everyone indoors to participate in their favorite group activity...bowling! This means that waiting lists will soon form for lanes on popular date and and family nights like Friday and Saturday evenings. You can avoid the line by simply making a 48 Bowl Lane Reservation. Lane reservations at our centers are easy, but do require a little thinking ahead. For complete lane reservation instructions, visit our Reservations page.

If you are thinking about a holiday party for your family, company or sports team, we are a great spot to get everyone together. We'll host your party whether or not bowling is included--remember, we have great bar/lounges at both locations for gatherings. Reservations in advance are required and the sooner you make them, the better. Our winter weekend availability will fill fast as the holidays approach. We are happy to handle your bowling, food and beverage service and can help you put together a package that meets your budget and expectations of all around fun. Give the center you would like to host your event a call and ask to speak with a manager about booking a party.

If you'd like to tour our facilities to see if it suits your group atmosphere expectations, remember our virtual tours are available by clicking either the Parkway or Hollywood logos on the right side of this page and then click on a "View Virtual Tour" button.

If you have a question about 48 Bowl centers you'd like answered, please email us at askus@48bowl.com. We'll respond and maybe even turn your question into a blog post.

See you in our centers!

Welcome back to another season of league bowling at 48 Bowl, Inc. centers! We hope you've struck out every tenth frame so far. And have you checked out our new food and beverage items like the 120 ounce Beer Towers at Parkway or the Philly Cheese Fries at Hollywood? If our staff don't already know your name, they soon will. When they stop by your lane, let them know if there is anything we can do to improve your time in our centers.

We want to make sure you're taking advantage of the Husker Tailgate at Legends Lounge inside Hollywood Bowl. Tailgates are open to everyone, but only 48 Bowl League members get a FREE domestic draw beer or fountain soda. The Husker Tailgates begin one half hour before game time, feature all the Husker games and other college football games on our flatscreen tvs, complimentary nacho bar, and seating for you and your friends to watch & cheer. All league members attending any Husker Tailgate get a chance to win a Husker prize package to be awarded during the Big Ten championship game. If you don't have your FREE drink coupons/prize entry, show your 48 Bowl League VIP card at the Hollywood Bowl front desk and receive your packet today!

In October, we'll be rolling out our new Bowler of the Week awards (we think you'll LOVE them) so keep your high scores coming and it might be you. If you are not a 48 Bowl League Member, but want to join, let us know & we'll get you started in one of of our leagues.

See you in our centers!