Travis Bowling Center to undergo renovations

  • Published
  • By Nick DeCicco
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In a few months, the Travis Bowling Center will sport a new look. 

Departing are the familiar hard, plastic chairs in the pit area. It's out with the swivel-seated chairs at the bar area, too, which also will fashion a new countertop.
It's all a part of a transformation planned for early May spearheaded by the facility manager at the bowling center, Rob Collins. 

One exciting part of the $130,000 upgrade for die-hard pin-punishers is the addition of eight 42-inch televisions which will hang from the ceiling above the lanes. 

There is currently no such installation, simply a television at one end of the alley. A number of bowlers are avid sports fans, said Mr. Collins, speaking as both. He said this weekend's NCAA "March Madness" men's college basketball tournament will prove particularly maddening for bowlers thirsty for updates. 

"This has been going on off-base for 10 to 15 years," he said about the televisions. 

These will not replace the scoring screens above the pit area, though other changes are in store there. Soft, vinyl couches will supplant the plastic seats, changing the chairs surrounding the scorer's desk. 

Retired veteran Richard Evans, who bowls with fellow vets in a senior league held Monday afternoons, said the seats "aren't very comfortable." 

"We usually stand around," he said. "I prefer to sit on the swivel stool and drink my coffee." 

But Mr. Evans' favorite spot is changing, too. The stationary swivel seats will give way to new bar stools and the tables are set to shrink six inches on each end so bowlers don't lean on them or smack them with their arms when passing by. The number of seats at each bar station will drop from four to three with the change. 

Also, "bigger, thicker and better quality" chairs are set for the dining area tables nearest the entrance, Mr. Collins said. 

"You'll know the difference between who is here to eat, who is here to hangout and who is here to bowl," he said. 

Upgrades also are in store for the front counter, added to include a new countertop with rounded corners. 

The changes are just a few of the type Mr. Collins has brought since taking over as manager last year. He followed Lou D'Eramo, who retired in January 2008 after managing the center for more than 30 years. 

When asked what it's like to replace such a visible and well-known fixture in the alley's history, Mr. Collins drew from his love of sports, comparing it to the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching change in the 1990s. 

"He was Chuck Noll. People ask me, 'what is it like replacing him?' I say, 'I'm trying to be Bill Cowher,'" he said. "Lou was unbelievable." 

Mr. Collins high praise for his predecessor means his goals as manager have been to tweak rather than overhaul operations. 

Some changes include being "ridiculous" about cleanliness as well as staying focused on customer service, he said. 

To demonstrate, Mr. Collins pointed to a group of regulars near the far end of the lanes who don't like the overhead fans running and want to have space to themselves. 

"We're happy to accommodate them," he said. "We have a great clientele. ... We know what we offer whether the economy's good or bad." 

The weakened financial market has affected many people, including the Travis Bowling Center. Though profits are down, the center remains No. 1 in Air Mobility Command, outpacing the No. 2 venue by three times, Mr. Collins said. 

"We know what we do and we do it well," he said. "I'm not going to worry about (the things) I can't control." 

For more information, visit www.travisfss.com or call 437-4737.