Glow bowling draws young crowd

Everyone shouts to be heard, the air smells like smoke and the black lights shine among pitchers of beer.

No, it's not another weekend party.

It's bowling.

"We have black lights near the pins and it creates more of a night-club atmosphere," said Frank Pepp, general manger of Colonial Lanes Bowling Center on South Industrial Highway.

Pepp said the black lights are being installed in bowling alleys around the country.

PAUL TALANIAN/Daily At Colonial Lanes Bowling Center, Marcus Zilo, a student in the University's MBA program bowls with friends.

"It's part of the 'National Presentation of Bowling,'" Pepp said. "We're going to more of an entertainment presentation."

Many students said they would not bowl if it weren't for the atmosphere at the bowling alley, which is located one block south of Stadium Boulevard.

"We come to drink, and it's fun with the music," said Eastern Michigan University senior Amy Coffey. "Otherwise, maybe I'd bowl once in a while."

Karen Fujii, who graduated from Michigan State University in 1992, was with Coffey and agreed that the atmosphere is what draws them to the lanes.

"We all work together," Fujii said. "This is a good way to meet people."

Pepp said the black light bowling helps draw in the 18- 30-year-old crowd.

"We get a lot of college-oriented groups. It's probably one of the best social activities around," Pepp said.

LSA sophomore Heather Linch said she heard about the special bowling nights from friends.

"This is the first time I've come here," said Linch, who added that she hasn't been bowling in many years. "I'm not very good at (bowling) but it's just for fun, so that doesn't matter."

Some bowlers said the sport is a good way to relax.

"It's geared toward a younger crowd. It's laid back and fun. We have a good time with it," said Ann Arbor resident Richard Dunahoo.

However, not all the bowlers enjoy the low lighting and loud music.

"You can't really see the (guides) on the lane," EMU junior Tony Elam said.

Elam added that although the black light bowling is fun, he prefers to bowl in regular lighting.

EMU senior Matt Ernst said he enjoys bowling in normal conditions but finds the black lights "entertaining."

"It's a nice place to come and relax - to hang out with friends," Ernst said. "I think the music could be toned down a touch."

Saline resident Hal Ceronsky and Livingston County resident Lorraine Hale were in the minority of those over college age at the alley last Sunday evening.

"We like how (his hat) glows," said Hale, who said she had black light bowled once before.

Ceronsky said he enjoyed the bowling, but that the lack of lighting makes "you try to concentrate more" than normal.

Shouting above the music, Hale said, is the only thing she didn't like.

"They have to turn the music down," she said.

Colonial Lanes started to install black lights in July, and should have the process completed by Jan. 1, Pepp said.

"We'll have two big screen televisions and a complete light show," Pepp said. "Right now (black light bowling) is priced at regular rates, some (bowling centers) charge up to a 25 percent premium."

The televisions will either show some form of musical entertainment, or cameras may be installed so bowlers can see themselves on the screen, Pepp said.

The black light bowling nights take place Thursdays during College Night starting at 10 p.m. and during Service Night on Sundays starting at 9 p.m.

10-15-97