The reception desk is situated centrally to view the bowling center and to welcome and greet the bowlers as they enter the facility.

This is the first initial contact the bowler has with the center and the attendants are well trained in customer service. The staff wears name tags and uniforms with center logo. Efficient service for transactions, payment of fees and telephone inquiries are standard. Their focus is to make the customer feel welcome and to provide information about:

• Lane fees
• Rental fees
• Leagues
• Tournaments
• Special events
• Open bowling
• Specials the center is offering
• Play area and schedule

• Management reporting
• Inventory management

House balls and rental shoes are purchased from the Air Force Non-appropriated Fund Purchasing Office (AFNAFPO) and are part of the Essential Products Program.

House balls are stored behind the bowler and out of view from the rest of the center. There are ball cleaners strategically located along the concourse for the convenience of the customer. All sizes of rental shoes are available, for both men and women, at the reception center. Shoes are kept in good repair, cleaned weekly, deodorized and sanitized after each use. Shoelaces are checked after each use and replaced as needed.

Synthetic lanes are used to reduce maintenance requirements and increase lane life expectancy. They are inspected and certified by the American Bowling Congress (ABC)/Women’s International Bowling Congress (WIBC) once a year. The lanes are reinspected and recertified if any of the following occurs:

• Synthetic overlays installed
• Lanes added
• Lanes, lane sections, pin decks or pinsetters replaced

Lane markings are used to mark the approach and to serve as a guide for targeting. At the approach there are 2 rows of dots. The back row is 15 feet away from the foul line and the front is 12 feet away. There are seven arrows or sighting targets embedded in the lane, which help the player align the starting position on the approach with the ball path to the pocket.

New bowlers are given a copy of the ABC/WIBC “Bowlers Guide” pamphlet. In addition to a manners and common sense section, the pamphlet provides a section on the history of bowling, Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA) and ABC/WIBC. The pamphlet also provides some good basic knowledge for the beginning bowler as well as sections for lefthanders, juniors and seniors. This pamphlet is provided in the beginner lessons, all clinics, and available for league members.

• Food and beverage sales
• League events
• Advertising sponsorships
• Birthday parties
• Game room activities
• Equipment sales
• Playroom
• Tournaments
• Other MWR activities

A wide variety of leagues is offered. There is a league with common elements to fit everyone’s interests such as mixed, senior, junior, bumper, and late night high-energy leagues. Since it is becoming increasingly difficult for bowlers to commit to long league schedules, in addition to summer and winter leagues, short season leagues are offered. To attract more league participants and generate revenue, value added packages are used. Packages may include:

• Food Items
• Shoe rentals
• End of season parties
• Prizes
• Merchandise items geared to the league members interest such as:
  
  • CDs or software for junior league bowlers
  • Bowling balls for adult leagues
  • Awards and/or trophies

• Contacting league officers to obtain new contracts for each season
• A call-back program developed from current and prior league rosters
• Contacting schools for participation
• Encouraging units to compete against each other
• Lane-to-lane solicitation
• Solicitation from the:
  • Retiree association
  • Wives clubs
  • Authorized DOD tenant organizations

• Special Olympics
• Regional, State, and Local Tournaments
• YABA Tournaments
• Army Bowling Trials

There is a range of both group and individual lessons available for beginner through advanced bowlers. To introduce more bowlers to the sport of bowling, a heavier concentration of lessons is given in the beginner and youth market.

A USA Bowling certified coach, silver level and a Junior Olympic Certified Level II coach are on staff.

The sales mix is consistent with market demand.

Sales Mix:

• Balls
• Apparel
• Shoes
• Bags
• Other

Additionally these services are available in the pro shop:

• Ball drilling
• Ball fitting
• Ball plugging
• Ball resurfacing
• Individual or group lessons with the centers certified instructors

The pro shop manager is certified by the International Bowling Pro Shop Instructor Association. The staff is informed and able to answer questions about equipment, apparel, equipment maintenance, leagues, tournaments and lessons. Employees are schooled in greeting each bowler or guest with a smile and addressing them by rank and name.

The Strike Zone is counter service, however during the busiest play time a server is provided. Also, food or beverage may be ordered from the console. Food and beverage service is quick, efficient and selection is based on market demand. Concentration is on the fast-paced needs of the bowler.

In-center parties may be catered with food service being provided from the Strike Zone.

Coin-operated billiard tables are a popular addition for the enjoyment of the patron who is an avid billiard player or just passing time waiting for a bowling lane to become available. Other amusement machines include:

• Electronic dart boards
• Juke box
• Bar top video games

This area contains the latest video games which are rotated quarterly. The mix of action videos, pinball, and cranes is carefully monitored for amount of play and revenue generated. A contract between a local electronic machine vendor and the Installation Morale Welfare and Recreation provides state-of-the-art equipment for Patriot Lanes.

The game room is easily monitored from the reception center with security video cameras.

On-site child care services are available through the Child Development Services, (CDS) Short Term Alternative Child Care Program operated by the Supplemental Programs and Services Director or the CDS coordinator. The CDS ensures that service is in accordance with AR 608-10 and monitored by CDS management personnel. This service is for parents who are on site participating in bowling and is paid by the parent. Paid care-giving personnel are provided through CDS and are available for league play.

Lockers are heavy duty construction measuring 30” wide by 24” deep and 78” high. They have a durable mar-resistant finish. There are 76 locker units with 5 individual lockers per unit which provides 380 lockers for the 52-lane center. Lockers are rented on a yearly or monthly basis. An area near the lockers is provided for the bowler to change shoes. Rest rooms are well lighted, with ceramic tile floors and walls. All fixtures are recessed for durability.

The janitor’s closet and equipment is clean at all times. There is a deep sink and adequate shelves for storing paper supplies and cleaning products.

Information regarding upcoming events, tournaments, leagues, center specials, rates, hours of operation, policies, etc., is prominently displayed. All advertisements, signs and promotional materials are current, of high quality and produced by the Marketing Division. An electronic message system displays information about the center and other MWR activities. An intercom, with an auxiliary music system, is used for communicating with the center's bowlers.