Splitsville Bowling Franchise Aims to Score Big with Edmonton's 10-Pin Enthusiasts
The bowling franchise Splitsville is rolling into Edmonton with ambitious plans to attract local 10-pin players, marking a significant shift in a city historically dominated by the Canadian-invented 5-pin bowling format. With one location already open in the northeast and a second planned for South Edmonton Common, this expansion represents the largest injection of 10-pin lanes Edmonton has seen in years.
From Gateway Lanes to Splitsville Leadership
Chad Hubbs, who began his bowling career at age 15 working at Gateway Lanes on Edmonton's south side, now finds himself leading this new wave of 10-pin bowling as center manager for Splitsville's first Edmonton location. After spending time away from the local bowling scene, Hubbs has returned to witness what he describes as a growing phenomenon.
"It seems to be a growing phenomenon again," Hubbs observed. "Kids these days aren't drinking much anymore, so that's taking that down a bit. They want experiences and places to go."
A Modern Take on Traditional Bowling
Splitsville represents a departure from the traditional bowling alley experience many Edmontonians grew up with. Unlike the dark, basement-level venues of the past, Splitsville's northeast location features bright lighting, large windows, and an above-ground setting that creates a more contemporary atmosphere.
"When people usually think of bowling, they're downstairs, they're dark, you don't have open windows like this," Hubbs explained. "I think we've got a treat with this location."
Technological Advancements Behind the Scenes
The bowling experience at Splitsville incorporates cutting-edge technology, featuring new, fully automated Brunswick machines that are programmable to different game settings with simple touch-screen controls. This technological upgrade represents a significant advancement from traditional bowling alley equipment and allows for more versatile gaming experiences.
Edmonton's Bowling Evolution
Historically, Edmonton has been primarily a 5-pin bowling town, with legacy alleys like Plaza Bowl, Bonnie Doon Lanes, and Bronx Bowl specializing in this Canadian-invented sport. The introduction of 10-pin bowling gained momentum with venues like the Rec Room and Banquet downtown, but Splitsville's expansion represents a more substantial commitment to this bowling format.
Attracting a New Generation of Bowlers
Inside the new Splitsville location, visitors like Zeel Patel, a master's student at the University of Alberta, were enjoying the venue's amenities, including dancing arcade machines. Patel, who hadn't bowled in years, found the location appealing for its recreational rather than competitive atmosphere.
"I'm not a crazy competitive person, I just like to have fun overall," she said.
Krithik Harindranathan, a former MacEwan University student, noted the growing popularity of bowling among younger crowds, particularly through university events and social gatherings.
"Universities are focusing on it; there are so many events," Harindranathan remarked. "I think when I came to Canada for the first time, everybody was just taking people bowling."
Future Expansion and Local Impact
With plans already underway for a second location at South Edmonton Common, Splitsville is positioning itself as a major player in Edmonton's evolving entertainment landscape. The franchise's approach combines modern design, technological innovation, and a focus on social experiences rather than purely competitive bowling, aligning with changing consumer preferences toward experiential entertainment.
The opening comes as Edmonton prepares for additional bowling developments, including a new 21-lane bowling locale scheduled to open next fall at Christy's Corner, indicating a broader resurgence of interest in bowling as both a recreational activity and social destination.
