A long-standing tenpin bowling centre has made a striking comeback, becoming an ‘Australian first’ venue that is attracting international attention.
The first national High Performance and Community Centre is spinning into action and set to become a hub of the sport, bringing with it a series of world class events to the region.
This includes events such as the IBF and the IBF World Cup happening next month.
The new centre is located at the reinvigorated Suncity Tenpin, which has been part of the Alexandra Headland landscape since 1979.
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It came as welcomed news for the iconic bowling alley after its future hung in the balance when in 2021 it was announced the original owner would retire and sell.
There was speculation the centre would be demolished to make room for high-rise units but Tenpin Bowling Australia since took over the lease.
Speaking with Sunshine Coast News TBA CEO Rohan O’Neill said Queensland was the “heart” of tenpin bowling as a league sport.
“We identified the need for a high-performance centre for the sport, it’s the first of its kind in Australia.” Mr O’Neill said.
“This centre is a combination of providing the best athletes in Australia the opportunity to train and develop their games, but it also remains open to the public as a bowling centre and for the 450 league bowlers who bowl every week.”
Mr O’Neill said it was “opportunistic” to establish the centre on the Sunshine Coast at the ready-to-go facility.
He said it was also important for the retention of Suncity’s local bowlers.
“We are wrapped about this because (the centre is) ultimately their community and when it was potentially closing done it would have meant they would have had to relocate or potentially not continue with their chosen sport.”
Mr O’Neill said in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government, TBA was working to bring a slew of events to the region, including a shot at becoming an Olympic sport.
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He said nationally around 1.1 million Australians went bowling every year and that there were about 22,00 league bowlers nationwide.
“Queensland is the heartland of tenpin bowling. It has the most league bowlers that any other state or territory.
“We’ve got ambition to be an Olympic sport one day and for the Sunshine Coast to be a hub ahead of the Brisbane 2032 games.”
Some 20 countries are expected to take part in the upcoming world cup events, with bowling having a large presence across Asia and the United States.
Tickets to the event and more information on the league are available via Tenpin Bowling Australia.
Suncity Tenpin is located at 8 Mari St, Alexandra Headland and open daily. Bookings are recommended.
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