Amarillo, TX is home to three different bowling alleys. Eastridge Lanes and Cinergy are two of these, but the city’s oldest bowling alley is Western Bowl. This bowling alley is located near Interstate 27 in south Amarillo at 5120 Canyon Dr, Amarillo, TX 79109. As an entertaining pastime, bowling has become popular among almost everybody. Birthday parties are regularly thrown at bowling alleys because it is such a versatile activity anyone can participate in. If you have little ones who are struggling to throw the ball, you can consult the front desk for a bowling ramp to assist in their throw. Anyone can use these ramps, not just children, so if you want better accuracy, a ramp could be beneficial.
Western Bowl has grown and developed into much more than just a bowling alley today. All the different activities offered make it an excellent place to hold birthdays, family nights, or go on a date. Alongside bowling, the facility offers laser tag and arcade games. Some people aren’t too big of fans of bowling so these extra ventures serve as a great way to include everyone.
Western Bowl was opened in 1958 with 32 lanes. The Hoinke family opened, owned, and operated the establishment until 2009 when the alley suffered financially from the recession and sold the lanes to Larry Schmittou. Two years after the bowling alley opened, an additional 16 lanes were added and in 1970, 20 more lanes were added. The Hoinke family also owned a bowling alley in Ohio in which they originated the Hoinke Classic in 1942 to raise funds for war bonds. The Hoinke Classic turned into a yearly event and after shutting down their bowling alley, the Hoinke Lanes, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Western Bowl became the primary place the tournament was held.
With the opening of Western Bowl came the rapid expansion of the popularity of the tournament. Before being closed down, the tournament was held at both Western Bowl and the Hoinke Lanes. Western Bowl was transformed into a state-of-the-art bowling alley in the 70s after expansion and the closing of the Hoinke Lanes. The 80s brought even more fame to the Hoinke Classic and entries were up to nearly 15,000 at the beginning of the decade. More than 20 years after its formation, entries were only at 1,915 so the jump in popularity in the 80s was a huge success. The tournament only further expanded and bowlers from all around the world and across the country would sign up to compete in the Hoinke Classic.
At 84 years old in the year of 1980, Erwin Hoinke Sr., the pioneer of the Hoinke Classic, passed away. Following his passing, he was posthumously inducted into the Ohio State Bowling Hall of Fame. The Hoinke Classic lives on today at Western Bowl. You can also visit the lanes for some late night, glow bowling. If you’re hungry, meander on over to the diner for a quick bite. The lanes open at 9:00 AM everyday and close at varying times throughout the week.
To learn more about the area, follow this link.
Map from Western Bowl to Connie’s Alterations & Dry Cleaners:
Map from Western Bowl to Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport: