Southern Bowl, Greenwood’s only bowling facility, will close on June 3.
The alley, owned by parent company Royal Pin, made the public announcement on the Royal Pin Southern Facebook page and through email on Monday. Royal Pin made the decision internally last week, Southern Bowl supervisor Keegan McCarthy said.
The bowling facility, which has been around for more than 40 years, were slated to undergo major renovations that would have turned the center into a premier entertainment complex with a variety of activities. When cost estimates were completed, they far exceeded the original estimates, and Royal Pin didn’t see the project as profitable, according to a statement from Royal Pin.
Further attempts to add activities to the building without expanding its structure also proved to be financially unfeasible, and keeping the bowling lanes open as is was no longer profitable, McCarthy said.
“Our seniors are taking it a lot harder,” McCarthy said. “They’re extremely disappointed. Many are saying they’ve been coming here for 30 years, bowling in leagues. They hate to see it go, many don’t know where they’re going to bowl in the future. This is the only bowling between Franklin and (Interstate) 465 where Expo (Bowl) is.”
Royal Pin does not have plans to replace the lanes, but said all activities that took place at Southern Bowl, including leagues, group events and open play will be welcome at Expo Bowl, according to the statement.
Royal Pin is looking at potential buyers for when the building is vacated. So far, Ray Skillman Auto Group and Hubler Chevrolet have inquired, Keegan said.
