In the heart of the club district in downtown Toronto lies a unique combination of some very popular hobbies. The Ballroom, which opened in January of 2011, offers patrons an opportunity to enjoy restaurant-like food, bar-like beverage selections, and an entirely unique bowling experience.
Upon arriving guests are given a beeper which sounds when their lane is ready. While waiting they are encouraged to head upstairs, where they are welcomed by 47 LED flat-screen TVs displaying whatever sporting event is taking place that evening. After finding a seat on one of the lush leather couches patrons have 16 on-tap beers as well as a variety cocktails to choose from. There is also a menu with extravagant takes on typical bowling-alley foods, such as pulled pork nachos and the 1/2 lb. house ground burger.
While enjoying the offerings of the upstairs it's easy to forget about the bowling lane which awaits down below, until the buzzer sounds and you make your way back downstairs. At the end of the 10-pin lanes a series of projectors show a variety of programs, in case the two TVs that sit above the leather couches behind each lane weren't enough. This unique take on a classic sport has already turned quite a few heads in it's opening few months, and may very well be an indication of the next step in the evolution of the bowling alley.
Implications - While the classic bowling alley as we know it may have had its day, these new lanes might be just enough to revive the classic sport, specifically with the younger generation.
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