The FINANCIAL — Family entertainment centre – Bowling Central – is to be opened in Tbilisi Central by the end of April.
There will be 12 bowling lane facilities of the high class of AMF, a global manufacturer and marketer of bowling products. AMF is the owner and operator of more than 500 bowling centres in 11 countries. Their mission in the bowling industry is to provide the bowling proprietor customers with the highest quality products, to make the experience of their consumers as enjoyable and successful as possible.
Tbilisi Central Railway Station, founded by two of Georgia’s leading business institutions GRDC and GMC Holding located on Vagzali Square, is transforming into a modern shopping mall.
“According to our motto – We work for your entertainment – people have the opportunity to relax in our centre after working hours,” says Mako Jaoshvili, Managing Director of Bowling Central.
“Bowling has become a popular hobby worldwide. What’s special about the game is that it is quite easy and is available for all gender and age groups, even for disabled people.
Moreover, bowling has its health benefits. It helps the body exercise. The arrows on the lane surface help improvement and concentration of both mind and vision,” says Jaoshvili.
“Bowling Central will start functioning at full capacity from May. The initial investment for the project is approximately GEL 500 000. The project is financed by private individuals.
According to the forecasts it will need 3-3.5 years to generate the investment, as we are facing some additional costs associated with the marketing activities to be conducted for popularization of Bowling Central.
We will see a difference in the days. According to our predictions the centre will serve on average 700-1,000 visitors a day. Moreover, we will have corporate clients who themselves will increase the number of visitors,” says Jaoshvili.
“This will be a wonderful place not only for entertaining the whole family, but also, it will support deepening corporate relationships between company members. If you need some fun, come bowling with us. It just feels good to knock stuff down.
Bowling is the ideal way to entertain your family, friends and co-workers. It’s a sport, a recreation or a night out. Everyone can do it. You can throw a bowling party to celebrate a milestone in life, generate friendly competition, or just bring together a group for pure entertainment.
The bowling centre can accommodate any group event, provide just the right food and beverages for your group, and take care of any special needs. The staff will help to plan an unforgettably enjoyable event,” says Jaoshvili.
“You can choose one of our standard packages or customize a party package that suits your group’s individual needs. We’ll do all the work while you have all the fun.
Besides the local population we expect lots of foreigners to visit Bowling Central, as these types of centers are quite popular abroad and have become part of people’s lifestyle the world over,” she adds.
Jaoshvili believes that the Ministry of Education and Science, Tbilisi City Hall or other Governmental bodies will assist in popularization of bowling as a health way of life.
As well as bowling, the entertainment centre offers 6 billiard tables, including Snooker, Pool and Russian Billiard, a café and bar, cinema room for a maximum 8 people, karaoke and darts.
Bowling Central will work the whole day long. The prices are different in the morning and late at night. There will be three flexible types of tariff systems, the prices per lane start from 14 GEL and go up to 38 GEL per hour. It is possible for up to 5 people to play together on one lane.
Another type of offer is to pay 4 GEL for 1 game per player. In this case the play is not limited by time and lasts till the bowler ends the whole game including 10 frames.
“As well as fixed tariffs during the day the privilege system gives special bonuses to frequent visitors. During Happy Hour our visitors can get several gifts or other surprises,” explains Jaoshvili.
On weekends Bowling Central plans to arrange various live performances of bands and DJs to help the cozy atmosphere.
“One novelty for children and beginners is that two of the bowling lanes have a special facility, so-called borders, which makes the width of the lane narrower and is better for rolling the ball. As well as that instructors will support clients in explaining the rules of how to play. Moreover, for those who would like to train and study how to bowl there will be a Bowling School” added Jaoshvili.
Bowling Central will be actively involved in organizing competitions and different entertaining activities as well.
“Recently the Georgian Federation of Bowling was formed. The main goal of it is to promote bowling via tournaments and championships. 12 lanes give the opportunity to hold mass-competitions between professional bowlers or beginners,” says Jaoshvili.
Clients have the chance to buy bowling accessories and other souvenirs at the centre.
There will be special lockers for frequent visitors to store their equipment at Bowling Central.
“A future perspective is to create a chain of bowling centres operating in different parts of Tbilisi or other large cities of Georgia,” says Jaoshvili.
The first Bowling centre in Tbilisi was opened in 1999 on Kazbegi Av. and operated only 4 years.
“Since that time lots of amateurs have been waiting for a new one. So everyone will soon be able to fulfil their wishes and have fun. The dream is coming true. The 12 lane bowling alley with modern design interior will work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” says Jaoshvili.
At present, the only bowling centre is in Kopala, located in Tskneti, a 15 minute drive from Tbilisi.
The prices per person vary depending on the day and time. The least expensive times are morning hours during working-days – 20 GEL per surface per hour. The highest prices are on Friday and weekend evening times – reaching 45 GEL per surface per hour.
There are 8 surfaces at Kopala bowling centre.
“The highest number of visitors will be over the weekend from the morning till late at night,” says Alex Midelauri, General Manager of Kopala entertainment centre. The bowling centre has been operating since March 2009.
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