Spare-time fun: Bowling center has something for everyone

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Benjamin Rojek
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Does work stress have you feeling pinned down? Do you sometimes feel like going on strike? Well, don't split just yet - the 51st Services Squadron has something that may be right up your alley. 

The MiG Alleys Bowling Center offers respite from the daily grind for everyone at Osan. In fact, bowling centers have been a source of fun at Air Force bases for decades. 

"There are 92 bowling centers around the Air Force," said Mr. Jim Williams, MiG Alleys manager. "They have been a source of off-duty recreation basically since the Air Force started." 

With 24 lanes, a full-service pro shop and equipment rentals, the bowling center here caters to all players, from novice to expert. They also have 15 different open-play programs per month in which people can participate. 

One of these programs is Bargain Basement Bowling. Every Wednesday after 6 p.m., bowlers can pay just $7.50 to play as many games as they want. Shoe rental is included in the cost. 

Another program is Lunch-N-Bowl. Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., military in uniform who purchase lunch of $3 or more at the bowling center snack bar can bowl for free. 

For bowlers who want a little more competition, there is the intramural league and the upcoming base bowling championship. 

"The base championship is scheduled for May," said Mr. Williams. "This is an all-scratch tournament and is open to all people at Osan Air Base." 

Intramurals are played Mondays and Tuesdays beginning at 6:30 p.m. People can sign up with their squadron team, but the team must submit a letter of participation to the Fitness Center. Competition can be fierce, as there are 26 teams participating this year.
It's not just all spares and strikes at MiG Alleys, though. They have a full-service snack bar that's open seven days a week, and many squadrons choose to have functions there. 

"We have an average of 200 squadron functions per year," said Mr. Williams. "There are award ceremonies, meetings ... and they bowl." 

There are special prices for functions, so anyone interested in bringing their squadron to the bowling center should call ahead for more information at DSN 784-4229. 

However, the bowling center is not just for Airmen; they also cater to children of all ages. For example, with April being the Month of the Military Child, the bowling center is allowing children 18 and under to pay just $1 per game. There is also Extreme Bowling on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to midnight. 

"Some people call it Black-Light Bowling," said Mr. Williams. "We turn on the strobe lights, turn up the music and let them go and have fun." 

The cost for Extreme Bowling is $20 per person, including shoe rental, and everyone can bowl for the full three hours. 

It doesn't matter what age you are, MiG Alleys gives everyone a place to get out and have a good time. 

"This is just a fun activity for everyone, regardless of how big they are," said Mr. Williams.