JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Imagine taking a lunch break with no idea where to eat and a limited amount of time. Fortunately for people at Langley Air Force Base, the solution comes at the touch of a button, when they text their food orders to the Langley Lanes bowling center snack bar -- the King Pin Kafe.
Food isn't the only thing available at Joint Base Langley-Eustis bowling centers. Patrons looking for a safe, affordable and entertaining place to enjoy a few frames of bowling don't need to scour Hampton Roads for low-cost activities, because both centers offer Service members and their families many options for a fun evening out.
Langley Lanes, a 24-lane center, is open seven days a week and has something for everyone, said Dave Meador, 633rd Force Support Squadron Langley Lanes bowling center manager.
"Langley Lanes is a clean, safe environment available year-round," said Meador. "There is always something going on."
The newly renovated facility features a game room, two activity rooms and a snack bar, said Meador. It also offers a full-service pro shop and bowling lessons, in addition to catering to both open play and league bowling.
As an avid league bowler, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Gregory Styer, 633rd Communications Squadron acting first sergeant, said Langley Lanes offers a convenient and low-cost option for his team.
"The location is close to work so it makes it easy to get on over to the lanes on days that run a little longer than normal," said Styer. "I also choose to bowl there because our team enjoyed Wednesday night league games last season, so we wanted to make another run at finishing higher in the standings this year."
Styer and Meador agreed Langley Lanes offers Service members interested in league bowling an opportunity to experience friendly competition every week.
"It's a lot of fun for all the teams," Meador said. "If you have a league or are looking to joint one, we encourage you to come in and speak with us. In addition to league play, Langley Lanes also hosts several events throughout the year that everyone can enjoy."
Among those events is a visit from Santa Claus, Meador said. On Dec. 14, Service members and their families can bowl with Santa for $5 per person, which includes "glow bowling" - a music and lightshow-themed game - and a picture with "Saint Nick."
Following Santa's visit, patrons can enjoy a New Year's Eve party from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Dec. 31. For $35 per person or $50 per couple, patrons can bowl, enjoy food from the King Pin Kafe, and share a bottle of champagne while they enter drawings for door prizes.
"Everyone will get something out of the party," Meador said. "It's a good 'bang for your buck,' and a great way to ring in the New Year."
For those seeking a fun family outing, Meador said both Langley Lanes and the Strike Zone Bowling center at Fort Eustis offer a "Family Fun Pack." Two hours of bowling for up to six people costs $35. The deal includes a lane, rental shoes, a pitcher of soda and a large pizza.
"We're the best-priced centers on the peninsula," said Al Virgilio, Strike Zone Bowling center manager. "We also offer the best service."
Offering family-friendly bowling across 24 lanes, Virgilio said the center was designed to accommodate bowlers of all skill levels.
"Our lanes have bumpers for bowlers who need assistance," Virgilio said. "We also host youth and adult leagues, as well as a variety of special events."
Every Friday and Saturday night, Strike Zone hosts "Extreme Bowling." Similar to "glow bowling," the event allows Service members and their families to play a few games while enjoying popular music and vividly-lit games, Virgilio said.
Strike Zone is available for various holiday parties, office outings, birthday celebrations and team gatherings. These functions can also be catered by the center's quick-service snack bar.
"We want our families to come out and see what we have to offer, without breaking the bank to do it," Virgillio said. "There is really something at both centers that everyone can enjoy."