Joe Tusa

Bowling may be on the decline in North Georgia, but bowlers are turning out in record numbers across the state line in Tennessee, according to managers of two Chattanooga bowling alleys.

“Our business is up tremendously,” said Joe Tusa, 50, manager of Holiday Bowl on Brainerd Road.

Last week, the Times Free Press reported the May 25 closing of Fort Lanes bowling center in Fort Oglethorpe. The company’s corporate parent, AMF Bowling Centers, said it isn’t making enough money.

Mr. Tusa credits the success of his bowling facility to an increased emphasis on promotion.

“We have a dedicated sales staff out in the community passing out free games and packages to businesses, and that’s what it takes for us to make it today,” he said. “For those who have been in the business for a long time, it’s no longer just opening the doors and collecting money. We’re competing with a lot more today than 25 years ago, and the way to compete is through good public relations.”

Blake Curtis, 23, manager of Holiday Bowl in Hixson, said his Hixson Pike location also has picked up business, mostly in league bowling.

“The bowling industry in itself is hurting a bit right now thanks to the economy and the cost of gas,” he said. “But we get a lot of dedicated repeat business, especially with senior bowlers.”

Senior bowling is big in Chattanooga, he said.

“I have an average of around 95 seniors bowl on Friday,” he said.

“We have a good senior base as well,” Mr. Tusa added, noting that a three-day Senior Olympics bowling competition took place last week at Holiday Bowl in Brainerd.

Forty bowlers, ages 50 to 89, competed, he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for the seniors. It gives them an opportunity to earn some medals and show off their skills,” Mr. Tusa said, noting that Felix Abel, 89, bowled 279, the event’s high score.

Mr. Tusa and Mr. Curtis said it’s also important to get young bowlers.

“We’re marketing all age groups, but the important age group is younger kids — they’re the future of the game,” he said.

Mr. Curtis said he got hooked on bowling as a child.

“I started bowling at this center (in Hixson) when I was 8, and I’ve been bowling ever since,” he said. “I used to be really good, but my game as slacked since a lot of my time is spent here working. I still enjoy the sport. It’s rewarding.”

It’s important to get first-time bowlers into a bowling alley, Mr. Tusa said.

“Once you put a ball in your hand and get good service from the business, you’ll come back,” he said. “Our leagues have doubled in the last year, and it’s because when we get you in the door, we’ll treat you right. We have a modern facility and good service. We’ve been here for 40 years, and we’re dedicated to the sport.”