Sproul Lanes Reinvents Itself...Again!

Business Profile by Liz Burnett

Photos courtesy of Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

If you haven’t been to Sproul Lanes in awhile, head on over for a very pleasant surprise: Delaware County’s largest bowling center has had renovations inside and out. This local favorite entertainment destination is now more entertaining than ever.

The three Marple-area brothers who founded Sproul Lanes in 1961 would also be surprised, delighted and very proud of how their vision has made so much fun possible for so many. During the 1950s, Tom, Woody, and Dan Abbonizio had seen bowling become a very popular team sport and pastime in the US, especially in Pennsylvania. They owned multiple properties and multiple businesses, including a construction company, and were always looking to expand. So they combined their building know-how and business expertise with some land they owned, and built Sproul Lanes and its connected Grand Plaza Shopping Center on S. Sproul Road in Springfield.

(left to right) Sproul Lanes Managing Director Steve Abbonizio, Ass’t Mgr & Marketing Mgr Sheila Biddle, and General Manager Fred Conaway

Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

Sproul Lanes, still owned and now managed by the second-generation Abbonizio family, has outlasted other Marple Newtown area bowling centers because its owners have continuously reinvested in the business.

We make sure we put people in the right positions to run this business so that our customers are satisfied," said Steve Abbonizio, part Owner and Managing Director. "I represent the family’s interests and intentions for our center’s future. Our 58-year history has been possible because we’ve always done our best to change and modernize with the market, and accommodate our customers with what they want today.

Another sign of long-term commitment is Sproul Lanes General Manager, Fred Conaway. Since 1998, Fred has ensured that the center’s equipment and environment are maintained and ready for customers to experience the fun they expect. In his 21 years there, Fred has faithfully demonstrated his excellent ability to manage a very complex operation.

What Sproul Lanes' customers have always wanted — and so it's a top priority — is a clean, well-run full-service bowling center. League bowlers account for 60% of the center’s customers, so Sproul Lanes has a pro shop staffed by people who actually know what they’re doing.

Green’s Pro Shop at Sproul Lanes

Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

Sproul Lanes provides hundreds of local folks an affordable way to experience competitive camaraderie and build friendships every week by joining one of their many leagues for men, women, men and women (mixed), and youth. Bowlers of all ages and all skill levels are sure to find an evening or daytime league they’ll enjoy.

Sproul Lanes 36 new synthetic lanes and Philadelphia murals

Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

The makeover includes new synthetic lanes as well as upgraded ball returns and machinery behind the pins. Everything in this 36-lanes center has been modernized; bathrooms are updated; and major cosmetic improvements have been made throughout.

Murals of Philadelphia span the lanes down by the pins, reminding bowlers of the many great things about the center’s extended community. It’s a perfect place for birthday parties, private parties, fundraisers, corporate events and any gathering you’re hosting when you want your guests to have an enjoyable and memorable time.

Sproul Lanes iconic Bowling Pin now lights up!

Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

The iconic bowling pin outside, a local landmark, has been totally renovated, and retrofitted so that it now lights up. Look for it on the building, between the two Ls in SPROUL LANES.

You’ll understand just how serious Sproul Lanes is about modernizing and planning for its future when you experience their new Escape Rooms! Over the past six months, they converted their game rooms into two Escape Rooms, each with a different theme: Choose the "Book of Secrets" or "Prison Break," and your group gets an hour to solve the puzzles and riddles in the room so you can find the final clue that will let you out of the room.

A national Escape Rooms Designer was engaged to help make it the only bowling center in Delaware County that offers this exciting and challenging interactive entertainment. Experience this for yourself and you’ll understand how this family owned and operated business continues to serve and adapt to the dynamic needs of their marketplace. Sproul Lanes history proves they’re a long-term entertainment destination; their new Escape Rooms prove they intend to maintain that reputation.

Sproul Lanes new Escape Rooms entry

Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

The center’s Assistant Manager and Marketing Manager, Sheila Biddle, is another loyal Sproul Lanes staff member. She takes care of setting up leagues, and markets and coordinates reservations for parties, the Escape Rooms and the new meeting room (formerly a nursery). Sheila’s 13 years there make her the perfect person for connecting with businesses and other groups who want to hold meetings there, optionally combined with bowling and/or using the Escape Rooms for a team-building/ bonding experience.

Sproul Lanes Snack Bar is now a full-service Eat ’n Grille that offers a variety of foods and seating. They’re BYOB-approved for beer and wine, and plan to have a liquor license in the near future.

Sproul Lanes offers the best of both worlds: It’s a business that can proudly look back at its history and decades of contributions to the Marple Newtown community. It’s also a forward-looking business managed by a family committed to maintaining the legacy that the three Abbonizio brothers created in 1961. A fun community doesn’t happen unless people do what it takes to make it happen. Sproul Lanes is about as happenin’ a place as you’ll find for a frequent fresh dose of fun!

Sproul Lanes new outside digital sign

Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

745 S Sproul Rd, Springfield

610-544-4524

League Bowling • Open Bowling • Green's Pro Shop • Parties • Grill & Eatery

www.SproulLanes.com

The Escape Rooms at Sproul Lanes

Two Themes: "Prison Break" and "Book of Secrets" • Escape Rooms are not just the latest trend, but can help improve cognitive functioning as well as teamwork and communication skills. • Great fun for Birthday Parties, Corporate/Group events, Fundraisers • Private event room and Escape Room + Bowling Packages available

Book online today at www.EscapeSproul.com

Questions? Call us at 610-544-4524 ext. 2.