IOWA GOVERNOR PUTS RESTRICTION ON LEAGUE BOWLING

Bowling center operators across the country have been impacted in various ways based on the mandates of the governors in their states.

In a new coronavirus restriction announced by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, centers were allowed to be open, but league competition was prohibited.

“If the science or if the idea is that league bowling is contributing to the spread of the virus, we probably shouldn’t do it,” said Bryce Smith, President of the Iowa Bowling Proprietors Association. “And I think our industry is willing to take that step. But we also will need some sort of relief.”

With so much of the population unwilling to venture out for recreation in enclosed spaces such as bowling centers, league play is more important from a business perspective than it has been in years. With league play now restricted, many of the state’s 130 bowling centers are in danger of closing their doors for good.

UPDATE: The governor’s emergency proclamation runs through Dec. 10.