Rink

Transforming an Ice Rink into a Bowling Alley The event setup is an impressive operation in itself. A total of 18 bowling lanes are constructed across half of the ice sheet using custom-built wooden lane frames and ball returns. Hay bales serve as lane backstops, and the full setup process takes multiple days to complete, including removing several sections of the dasher boards and glass. Unlike traditional bowling centers, the lanes are entirely manual. Every lane requires volunteer pin setters, many of whom are local youth hockey players. In addition, 8 to 10 adult volunteers serve as scorekeepers and officials to verify scores and strikes throughout the event. Overall, Ice Bowling requires between 60 and 75 volunteers each shift, with or over 200 volunteer time slots to operate successfully each year. A Successful Fundraiser Ice Bowling generates between $25,000 and $30,000 annually for the Lakers Ice Center, with approximately 90% of the revenue coming from beer sales during the event weekend. There is no admission or cover charge for spectators or people coming to watch the bands, helping create a welcoming and accessible atmosphere for the community. Teams pay an entry fee of $32 for four frames of bowling and can sign up for as many game as they want. The event also features an extensive prize structure supported by donations from local businesses. Bowlers can win prizes for individual strikes, while the top five individual bowlers compete for larger cash payouts, including a $500 grand prize. Additional team prizes and random drawing prizes help keep less experienced teams engaged and involved throughout the event. In total, the event distributes between $15,000 and $20,000 in prizes each year. Bringing the Community Together Ice Bowling typically offers more than 400 available game slots during the weekend event, which runs approximately four hours on Friday evening and ten hours on Saturday. Teams can register and pay using cash, checks, or Venmo. Attendance regularly exceeds 2,000 people each day, with an estimated 80% of attendees coming from outside the regular user groups of the Lakers Ice Center. This makes the fundraiser not only a financial success, but also a major community outreach opportunity for the facility. Beyond the bowling itself, the event includes carnival- style games and activities for children, creating a family- friendly environment that encourages new families to visit the facility and connect with local youth hockey programs. More than just a fundraiser, Ice Bowling has become a longstanding community tradition that combines creativity, volunteerism, entertainment, and local partnerships into one unforgettable weekend. J k Ice Bowling generates $25,000- $30,000 for the arena every year, with roughly 90% of the revenue coming from beer sales. USICERINKS.COM JULY.AUGUST.2026 / 51 k The Ice Bowling event distributes $15,000-$20,000 in prizes each year.

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