Cosmic Bowling Sessions At Brunswick

Cosmic bowling is a fun, special nighttime event held at some bowling alleys. The first cosmic bowling night was held in 1997, and the name was coined and trademarked by Brunswick Corp. Although the term has since been adopted by various other bowling alleys, the Wii game Brunswick Zone Cosmic Bowling was released in 2010. Cosmic bowling nights usually take place from mid-evening to late at night on Fridays or Saturdays, with some alleys hosting sessions into the early morning. During these events, the lights are dimmed and unique lighting options such as black lights, coloured laser lights, and flickering lights are used to create a fun atmosphere.

The first cosmic bowling night

Cosmic bowling is a special event that takes place at some bowling alleys in the evening or at night, usually on Fridays or Saturdays. The first cosmic bowling night was held in 1997 at an alley now known as Boulevard Bowl. The name "Cosmic Bowling" was coined and trademarked by Brunswick Corp, but the term is now used by various bowling alleys.

The Setup

During cosmic bowling, the lights are dimmed to create a nearly pitch-black environment. Black lights, coloured laser lights, flickering lights, and other unique lighting options are then turned on. Fog machines are sometimes used to create a foggy and eerie atmosphere. The regular bowling equipment is often switched out for black light-reactive gear, such as glow-in-the-dark balls and pins.

The Experience

Cosmic bowling is like regular bowling but with a fun twist. The atmosphere is typically more relaxed, with a focus on the unique environment and less on the game itself. Dance-friendly music is played, and food and drinks are usually available. The experience is often compared to being in outer space, with bright lights contrasting the dark room to create a galaxy-like setting. Some alleys incorporate space-themed decorations, such as stars, aliens, and planets.

The Crowd

Cosmic bowling is a family-friendly activity that attracts a diverse crowd. While it is often hosted to attract a younger audience, it is also popular for couples' date nights and groups of friends or coworkers. It is a fun and stimulating experience, perfect for those looking for a unique nighttime activity.

What to Wear

There is no specific dress code for cosmic bowling, but it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing. As most alleys use black lights, wearing light-coloured or neon clothing that glows in the dark can enhance the experience. Don't forget to bring socks if you plan to rent bowling shoes!

Get ready to roll some strikes and have a cosmic bowling experience out of this world!

What to wear

While there are no special requirements for what you should wear to a cosmic bowling night, you'll probably want to wear something that stands out under the ultraviolet black lights. Cosmic bowling is a fun, relaxed environment, so feel free to express yourself with your outfit!

White clothing is a great option as it will glow brightly under the black lights. You can also go for bright neon colours like orange, green, yellow, pink, purple, and blue. These colours will pop under the lights and make you visible in the dark. Avoid wearing red or black, as these colours won't glow at all.

To add some extra flair, consider glow-in-the-dark clothing, accessories, or makeup. You can find glow-in-the-dark nail polish, lipstick, and even hair dye. Get creative with your outfit and don't be afraid to stand out!

Remember, you'll need to wear socks if you plan on renting bowling shoes. Other than that, just focus on comfort and having a good time. Cosmic bowling is all about enjoying the atmosphere, so wear something that makes you feel ready to bowl and dance the night away!

How to play

Cosmic bowling is a special nighttime event that some bowling alleys host. It's like regular bowling but with added fun! The lights are dimmed, and black lights, coloured laser lights, flickering lights, or other unique lighting options are used to illuminate the alley. The regular bowling balls and pins are often switched out for black light reactive equipment.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to play cosmic bowling:

Understand the Basics

Before you start bowling, it's important to familiarise yourself with the bowling lane and the game rules. A bowling lane is 60 feet long, and there are gutters on either side. The approach area is 15 feet long, and the bowler must not overstep the foul line during their approach, or their shot won't count.

Each frame of bowling consists of ten pins arranged in a triangle formation at the end of the lane. The objective is to knock down as many pins as possible, ideally all of them. You get two chances to knock down the pins in each frame.

Choose the Right Equipment

Finding the right bowling ball and shoes is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable game. The bowling ball should feel comfortable in your hands and be the right weight for you. The average weight for adult men is 14 pounds, and for women or smaller men, it's 13 pounds. Children usually start with 12-pound balls. Make sure your fingers fit snugly into the holes without getting stuck.

As for bowling shoes, it's best to get a pair that's a half size bigger than your regular shoe size for comfort. Renting shoes at the alley is an option, but having your own pair ensures a better fit.

Perfect Your Stance and Approach

Start with an athletic, upright bowling stance. Hold the ball at chest height, with your fingers in the holes and your wrist strong so that the ball appears like a natural extension of your arm. Position yourself with your knees slightly bent, shoulders relaxed, and your non-dominant foot on the centre dot of the lane.

For your approach, take four steps towards the lane, pushing the ball forward with your dominant hand on the first step. On the third step, bring the ball back behind you, and on the fourth step, swing it down as you plant your dominant foot by the foul line.

Aim and Release the Ball

As you approach the lane, aim for the arrows just right of centre if you're right-handed or just left of centre if you're left-handed. This will help you hit the "pocket," the space between the front centre pin and the next pin behind it, which is ideal for strikes.

Release the ball by flicking your wrist and fingers up towards your head as you pass your planted leg. Follow through by continuing your arm's arc towards your head to protect it from injury.

Keep Score

Bowling scoring can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to strikes and spares. A strike is worth 10 points, plus the total of your next two rolls. A spare is worth 10 points, plus the total of your next roll. The most a bowler can score in one game is 300 points, achieved by bowling 12 strikes in a row.

Adjust Your Strategy

As the game progresses, pay attention to how the lane conditions affect your throws. Lanes are oiled to control how the ball hooks, and these conditions can change throughout the game. Adjust your starting position and aim accordingly to improve your strikes and spares.

Enjoy the Atmosphere

Cosmic bowling is not just about the game; it's also about the experience. Enjoy the music, food, and drinks that the bowling alley provides during the event. Embrace the relaxed environment and have fun with your friends or family!

Who goes

Cosmic bowling is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages, but the event is usually hosted to attract a younger crowd. It is also a popular date night activity for couples. The event is often held on Friday or Saturday nights, with some bowling alleys hosting sessions into the early morning.

Cosmic bowling is a special nighttime event that some bowling alleys host. The lights are dimmed, and black lights, coloured laser lights, flickering lights, or other unique lighting options are used to illuminate the alley. The atmosphere is more relaxed, with a focus on the atmosphere rather than just the game. Music is played, and food and drinks are usually available.

The environment is designed to be stimulating and galaxy-inspired, with the dark room and bright lights creating the illusion of being in outer space. The black contrasts with the bright colours to recreate the look of a galaxy. Some alleys incorporate stars, aliens, and planets into the decorations, enhancing the cosmic theme.

There are no special requirements for what to wear to a cosmic bowling night. However, it is important to remember that you will need to rent bowling shoes or bring your own, so wearing socks or bringing a pair with you is essential. The alleys usually use black lights, so brightly coloured clothing, makeup, nail polish, and accessories that glow under black lights can add to the fun.

Cosmic bowling is a great option for friends, families, or coworkers looking for a fun night out. It offers a unique and stimulating environment that transforms the typical bowling experience, providing an enjoyable and memorable time for all attendees.

The atmosphere

Cosmic bowling is a special event that takes place at some bowling alleys in the evenings, often from mid-evening until the early morning. The atmosphere is designed to be fun and relaxed, with a focus on creating a party vibe. To achieve this, the bowling alley will dim the lights and use black lights, coloured laser lights, flickering lights, strobes, and other unique lighting options to transform the space. Fog machines are also sometimes used to add to the atmosphere.

The bowling balls and pins are often switched for black light reactive equipment, and the lanes themselves may be decorated with space-themed items such as stars, aliens, and planets. The music played is typically dance-friendly, with the aim of encouraging bowlers to dance as well as bowl. Food and drinks are usually available to purchase, adding to the party atmosphere.

Cosmic bowling is a great activity for friends, families, and coworkers, and it is often used by bowling alleys to attract a younger crowd. It is also a popular date night activity for couples. The dress code is casual and comfortable, with bowlers encouraged to wear neon colours that will glow under the black lights.

Frequently asked questions