Losing bowling centers in our region seem to be almost a common occurence lately. In late March we learned of the closing of AMF Timber Lanes in Vancouver, WA. There last day is on the 18th of May and you can read about it in this months Vanport Bowling Newspaper by clicking here.
This afternoon while dropping of our banner and supplies for the May Tournament at Cascade Lanes, we learned that they too will suffer a similar fate. Matt was shown the press release which has the center closing on June 1st.
Our May event will go on as planned, we will have a modified oil pattern and will bid our farewell to another large center that we have held multiple tournaments in.
I will be doing some additional investigation into the cir****tances but find it odd that nearly all but 2 of our high priced AMF Centers have fallen in the past 18 months.
Here is a press release from AMF I have just seen for the Atlanta Georgia area. Sounds like it will apply to just about every state and country they have bowling centers in.
Cklamer_____________________________________________
ATL AMF BOWLING CENTERS CLOSING
Well it’s confirmed that Atlanta area bowling centers; AMF Union City, AMF Gwinnett, Embassy Row, and Village Lanes will all be closing. AMF has also sold many centers in the UK and in Australia (October 19, 2004) . In all, there will be over 30 centers closing throughout the USA. Basically - AMF is introducing a new bowling center concept.
Initially, AMF has targeted the Richmond, Atlanta, Dallas, San Jose, Austin and Long Island markets for conversions of existing centers. While the company has not finalized a list of new center locations, a company spokesman confirmed that AMF is in discussions on possible locations in both the Atlanta and Phoenix markets. The company also confirmed that it plans to re-brand its new concept centers.
05:35 AM PST