Spotlight on MWR
YOUR FAMILY FUN CENTER by Jessica Ryan
As the summer came to a close last month, I could not help but reminisce about my childhood summer memories. Like many military children, I spent my summers at the Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) camps. One of my fondest experiences was going to the on-post bowling centers. At these bowling centers, I bowled my first strike, bonded with my friends over cosmic bowling and held my most memorable birthday parties. Needless to say, Army installation bowling centers were a big part of my childhood.
When I first learned about Fort Campbell’s Hooper Bowling Center, I immediately connected with its slogan – “Your Family Fun Center.” Hooper’s General Manager, Tim Stancil, strongly believes in this slogan and strives to make Hooper an affordable and friendly environment for the Soldiers, Retirees, Civilians and their Families. “I understand that Families have a limited budget,” Stancil says, “I’m looking to give the most bang for their [the Families] buck.” Equipped with 32 modern Brunswick lanes, GSX pinsetters and Vector Scoring, 32” flat screen monitors, full service snack bar, cosmic bowling room, and Pro Shop, Hooper is a superior bowling facility. Luckily, the Fort Campbell community can enjoy Hooper without paying a big price. Hooper has several specials throughout the week. On Sundays, from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m., patrons can bowl up to three one dollar games and
www.fortcampbellmwr.com
pay only a dollar for shoe rentals. Likewise, on Mondays, bowlers can take advantage of dollar bowling and dollar shoe rentals from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesdays, patrons can enjoy two very popular specials – Red Pin Bowling and Pizza and a Lane. Red Pin Bowling is an incentive for patrons to win free games. The bowler gets two virtual red pins (as indicated on scoring monitor) per game and if the bowler strikes on the red pin the in the head position, they receive a free game for a future visit. Bowlers can win up to three games per night. From 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., Hooper also offers the Pizza and a Lane special. For twenty dollars, patrons receive one lane for one hour, up to four pairs of rental shoes, one large one topping pizza and one pitcher of soda or tea with one free refill. “The prices are less than what is offered in downtown,” Stancil claims. “We are always going to be very affordable to the Family.” In addition to its unique specials, Hooper also has other services and programs for its customers. The center hosts both adult and youth leagues throughout the year. Starting in September, Hooper’s United States Bowling Congress (USBC) youth league gives children, from
ages 5 to 17, bowling lessons and an outlet to have organized fun. Even though the term “league” has a serious connotation, Stancil and his staff ultimately want the children enjoy the sport at their comfort level. Stancil states, “If they [the children] want to become better bowlers, then we will help them. If they want to just have fun with their friends, that is good too.” Hooper is also a great venue for children (and adults) to host their next birthday parties. According to Stancil, Hooper is one of the leading military bowling centers in hosting birthday parties. This is probably due to the fact that Hooper offers excellent birthday packages which can accommodate any party size. By selecting from Hooper’s four birthday packages, Families can relax and celebrate someone’s big day while the Hooper staff takes care of their party needs. For dedicated bowlers, Hooper’s Pro Shop, which was established in 2009, has a wide selection of balls, bags, shoes and other bowling accessories. Bowlers can purchase a bowling bowl and get it custom drilled for an optimal fit. They can also have their bowling balls restored with the shop’s Storm Surface Factory Ball Refinisher and Ball Reviver. With its array of services, awesome specials and friendly atmosphere, Hooper truly embodies its slogan – “Your Family Fun Center.” A Senior Professional Bowling Association (PBA) Member himself, Stancil is very passionate about the sport. His passion transcends into turning Hooper Bowling Center into a top bowling facility and inspiring others to pick up a bowling ball and learn the game. “I have been managing bowling facilities since 1979. This is one of the best facilities I’ve had,” Stancil remarks. “Anyone in the Fort Campbell area who does not take advantage of having a great bowling center like this is losing out.” Hooper Bowling Center is located on 5380 Tennessee Avenue. For more information, call (270) 798-5887 or visit their website at www.fortcampbellmwr.com/dining/HooperBowling.
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