It started out innocently enough. Faced with a dismal Thursday night television line up, friends and I headed to Panmure Superbowl. Three games, several strikes later, and I was hooked.
At $8 a game (or three for $20), bowling is an affordable addiction. Panmure Superbowl also has an exceptional value-for-money bar attached, which sells $5 Heinekens and $5.50 glasses of Montana Sav.
With 24 lanes, you’re nearly always guaranteed a spot, though advance reservations are available and recommended for Friday nights and weekends.
Personally, I’d try to avoid weekend bowling, unless you like the squealing raucous of high-on-sugar, over-excited eight-year-olds.
Birthday party packages are Panmure Superbowl’s specialty. $18 gets each child a round of bowling, a game of laser tag, and a meal of chicken nuggets or hot dogs and fries.
Adding to this child-friendliness, every lane has electronic bumpers which can be activated for small or particularly uncoordinated children.
The centre also houses MegaZone laser tag, a games arcade and pool hall—so there’s plenty for the non-bowling inclined as well.
But, for those who do appreciate the fine sporting pursuit of bowling, Panmure Superbowl is home to more than 20 ladies, junior, senior, mixed and men’s leagues. These operate on a round-robin system from February to November and spaces are available for new recruits.
Should you find yourself becoming disturbingly enamoured with this sport, I recommend you purchase a Superbowl annual membership for $25. This entitles you to $5 games and discounted drinks and bar snacks. Trust me; it will quickly pay for itself.