High-tech bowling alley coming to former Bruno's site

A high-tech bowling alley and arcade is coming to the 53,000 square-foot building on McFarland Boulevard that has sat vacant since Bruno’s Supermarket closed there in 2014.

The Bowlero Corp., the nation’s largest operator of bowling centers, announced plans this week to bring Alabama’s first Bowlero-brand bowling alley to Tuscaloosa.

The corporation already owns and operates AMF Bama Lanes on 15^th Street, but the planned Bowlero center will have little in common with that facility. At AMF, the company aims to deliver a classic, family-friendly, league-ready bowling alley atmosphere. The Bowlero brand, on the other hand, is described as a "hipster-inspired hangout," that combines bowling, dining and nightlife for an all-in-one entertainment experience.

A spokeswoman for the company said the new center is slated to open in the old Bruno’s building at 2001 McFarland Boulevard in early 2019.

"Bowlero will be a one-stop entertainment destination complete with signature black light bowling lanes, lane-side lounge seats and hi-definition video walls that bring bowling to an entirely new level," the representative said. "The new Bowlero will also feature a giant arcade and the brand’s impressive menu that includes upscale food and beverage offerings."

The new center will be open seven days a week, with hours, pricing and promotions to be determined at some point nearer to its grand opening.

Tuscaloosa City Councilman Kip Tyner said he is thrilled to see the large and highly visible Bruno’s lot leased to someone committed to bringing entertainment and excitement to the city.

"I can’t tell you how many people have come to me about that building, wanting to build trampoline parks or indoor hockey rinks, all sorts of great ideas, but nothing has ever really materialized," Tyner said Wednesday. "Obviously we’re excited to finally have a new form of entertainment there and I think at that location, what they’re planning to be will be extremely successful and very welcome."

Bowlero will open less than three miles from both AMF Bama Lanes and from Leland Lanes bowling alley in Alberta, but Tyner said he believes there’s room for all three to survive and thrive, with each attracting a different kind of customer than the others.

Tyner said when he talks to his constituents about what they want to see come to empty spaces such as the Bruno’s lot or at the McFarland Mall, entertainment options are almost always at the top of their lists.

"This is definitely filling a need for our citizens and I look forward to seeing it open," Tyner said. "I’m ready to welcome them not only to my district but into the heart of our great city."

Reach Stephen Dethrage at stephen.dethrage@tuscaloosanews.com or 722-0227.