Bowling to return with new entertainment center

The return of a full-size bowling center would be cause for celebration enough in a city still feeling the loss of 10 Pin Alley bowling since it closed in 2018.

But a pair of developers have much more than that planned for the vacant Kmart building on Bataan Memorial West.

Kevin McGrath, who is partnering with Michael Parker, told the Bulletin an ambitious plan for a 92,000-square-foot family entertainment center is on track to open this summer. The city Planning and Zoning Commission approved a minor zoning change this week and the interior of the building, including the former 99-cent store, has been cleared with work to begin on what McGrath promises will be the biggest center of its kind in the region.

A brand-new Burger Time restaurant is planned for the old 99-cent store location, while the rest of the facility will house Elite Family Entertainment Center.

Developers say the bowling center will consist of 30 lanes, including six for children. Additionally, the campus will include the first indoor pickleball courts in the city, a laser tag arena, 5D cinemas, bumper cars and virtual reality theme parks and sports simulators. Design plans also include a sports bar and restaurant and community facilities.

The complex will share a shopping plaza with the Telshor 12 cinema. The Kmart once located here closed in 2017.

The partners say their business plan will include tournaments and community events intended to bring visitors in from other communities and neighboring states, with Parker stating the size and scope of the facility will rival other large entertainment centers in New Mexico and west Texas.

McGrath told the Bulletin he expects the center to produce an annual economic impact of $2.5 million for the city once it is running.