Planet bowl steps up its game with new entertainment system

  • Published
  • By Lori B. Alves
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs volunteer
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB, N.C --  Planet Bowl has thrown a strike. The on-base bowling alley recently received a more than $100,000 entertainment system upgrade that includes new LCD screens, keyboards and automatic bumpers.

"This is a really cool system, and we've needed it for a long time," said Barney Mashburn, the operations clerk for Planet Bowl. "Our old keyboards and screens were installed in 1998. They just weren't reliable anymore. The keyboards only worked about a third of the time."

The new Qubica AMF system includes 16, 32-inch flat screen monitors, one for each lane, and new keyboards for each lane for bowlers to input their information. The monitors are equipped with 3D graphics, 18 different background themes that can be personalized for each bowler and more options to create a personal score sheet for each player.

"You can now add options such as if you're male or female or left-handed or right-handed," Mr. Mashburn said. "This is important because when you're trying to pick up pins on the second roll; the computer will guide you in picking up those pins; which is different for a left-hander or a right-hander."

Ed Benner, a retired Air Force master sergeant and the coach for the alley's Junior, Senior, Major Youth League, is an avid bowler and is impressed with the new system. The new monitors replaced 28-inch screens that had lost their brightness.

"The clarity of the screens is amazing, and it's very user-friendly. Overall, it's a great addition to the bowling alley," he said. "And families are going to love the automatic bumper system."

Although Mr. Mashburn is proud of the new monitors and computer system, he's most proud of the installation of the automatic bumpers to each lane. Bumpers help beginner bowlers stay out of the gutter and protects against the dreaded gutter ball. Before, bowling alley staffers would have to manually install the bumpers for bowlers who needed it, taking time away from the bowlers and the staffers.

"Basically, if parents were bowling with their kids, the entire family had to either play with the bumpers or play without them," Mr. Mashburn said. "Now, since the bumpers are air-powered, we can program the system to pop the automatic bumpers on for one player; even if the bowler switches lanes. So now, mom and dad and the kids can bowl in one lane instead of two, but still be able to have the bumpers for the little ones."

Also included in the new additions, was the installation of a second 42-inch flat screen television, providing sports or news shows for both sides of the alley.

Lib Watson, a retired Army spouse, and Robin Russell, a retired Air Force spouse, bowl on the Wednesday Morning Ladies League at Planet Bowl. The Goldsboro residents have been using the new system for a couple of weeks.

"With anything new, there is always a learning curve," said Mrs. Russell, a member of the Ladies 'N' Motion team. "But we really needed the system. The old monitors and keyboards were so worn out. This seems to be a lot more reliable and easier to see."

Ms. Watson agreed as she bowled a strike. "It's nice to be able to choose your own background and personalize the screen for you. Now we just need new pins."

Mr. Mashburn has more improvements in the works. He's currently looking for funds to replace and remove some of the benches and chairs in the pit area.

"It's something I would like to see happen, but right now I'm just pleased with the automatic bumpers and new monitors. It's been needed for a long time," he said.

For more information about Planet Bowl or to see pictures of the installation of the new system, visit their Web site at www.sjfss.com or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/planetbowl.