I'm a fan of bowling alleys on military installations for two reasons. The first is that it is much cheaper to bowl, rent shoes, and get food. The other is that, unless you are at a base that is overflowing with sailors (like San Diego), you usually have a good chance of getting the place to yourself. Most military alleys are PBA sanctioned as well.
Sparetime has just ten lanes, but it's a decent alley. I bowled in a league here a few years back on Friday nights. It wasn't too bad. It was around $10 weekly for dues and it went for about two-three months. The only thing that makes bowling in a league difficult is doing so on a military installation. After the first month and a half, we lost two teammates to Individual Augmentee deployments. Our team kind of fell apart after that as we couldn't find anyone willing to sub.
If you are just getting into bowling and need some tips, the two Local Nationals that run the place are both pretty excellent bowlers and usually take part when there is some league action. They have the machines in the back to drill the holes for your fingers, and will even give you pointers if you ask. There are lockers for rent as well, but don't be like me and PCS without your ball, bag, and shoes because you left them in the locker. One of my biggest *facepalm* moments ever when I realized it about six months after I PCS'd from Sicily.
I have been here a few times for office outings and just fun with friends. While you can buy drinks and food from Piazza Pizza, Sparetime has their own drinks for sale including beer and wine coolers. You won't find any heavy liquor here, just basic alcohol. You're on base, so don't be stupid. read more
