Whether you're the kind of bowler who has a coronary after missing a spare, or the person who's simply satisfied with avoiding the ominous gutter ball, there are plenty of locations to bowl that are right up MSU's alley.
Lansing and East Lansing are home to a half-dozen bowling alleys, and among them is Marvelanes & Lounge. Located at 2120 E. M-78 Highway, the alley offers 24 lanes and sports a full bar overlooking the bowling alley and features big screen TVs, pool tables and dart boards.
"Even if you walk in for the first time ever, by the time you leave, you'll feel like you've been bowling here for years," assistant manager Tootie Dennings said.
"It's just an overall friendly atmosphere."
Monday is "Bonus Night," where all games are $1.35 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesdays are "College Nights" from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., where students can rent shoes and play three games for $6.
On Friday from noon to 5 p.m., students can pick any three hours of bowling for $7, not including shoes. Friday is "Nite Moves," with glow-bowling after 9 p.m.
Dennings said one of the best things about Marvelanes is the customer service it provides.
"We want people to have a good time, not just give us their money," she said.
For students who want to bowl but don't want to go far, Spartan Lanes, located in the basement of the Union, is home to 16 lanes of manual scoring fun. It's also the only nonsmoking bowling alley in the area. The lanes specialize in catering packages and holiday and private parties.
Anyone interested in starting up a league should check out the 40 lanes and automatic scoring of Holiday Lanes, 3101 E. Grand River Ave. in Lansing.
The alley offers "trio leagues," where any three-person group can form a team and play regularly to hone their skills.
Typically 10 to 20 teams assemble for the leagues, manager Pat Cochran said.
"It's a place where you can get friends together in the same area to talk and have a good time," she said.
"It's a very sociable atmosphere."
Next to Royal Scot Golf Course is Lansing's largest bowling alley, Royal Scot Bowling Lanes on 4722 W. Grand River Ave., in Lansing, which showcases 60 lanes with automatic scoring.
Night manager Randy Hull said the scoring machines and other equipment work well and the place looks clean.
"The owners have consistently put money into upgrading our facilities, from automatic scoring to synthetic lanes," Hull said.
"Customers tell me it's one of the best facilities they've ever seen."
The alley also has a full kitchen serving food and drinks, as well as bar and a sports lounge. Fridays, $8 will buy students "all-you-can-bowl" from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
