After more than 60 years of operation, a Danville institution is sadly shutting down at the end of March.
Danville Bowl has served as the Tri-Valley’s favorite bowling alley—and a popular meetup place for generations of teenagers—for over half a century.
Located at 200 Boone Court, just off I-680, Danville Bowl has kept up with the times, adding projector screens, a sports bar, and dining to its 24-lane bowling alley.
Danville Bowl has long been a popular destination for kids, birthday parties, bowling leagues, and people casually coming to watch NFL games on Sundays.
Now, this institution is closing permanently. In a Facebook post, Danville Bowl’s management announced that the last day will be Monday, March 31.
The post states that “the property has been sold to developers who intend to start right away.” It’s not yet clear what will replace it, but the site of the bowling alley has been included in plans for housing developments in Danville.
Danville Bowl’s management took the opportunity to thank the community, saying, “Thank you for the wonderful memories and fun times we all shared. We couldn’t have dreamed of being part of a greater community.”
They also highlighted other bowling options in the area, including the new Pinstripes bowling alley in Walnut Creek.
Management added, “We hope that you continue to bowl, as bowling brings joy and happiness into your lives.”
Locals React to the Closure
The announcement of Danville Bowl’s closure has sparked a wave of reactions from community members, with many sharing memories and expressing disappointment over the loss of a long-standing local gathering spot.
Scott E. voiced concern over increasing development in the area, stating, “Sad, with all the housing pushing out businesses in town, it won’t be long before it’s another overdeveloped housing community like Dublin.” He speculated that other businesses could also be replaced by housing projects in the coming years.
Craig S. recalled Danville Bowl’s stance during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, “I remember when Danville Bowl refused to make customers wear a mask. They stood up, when many cowards stayed silent.”
Others reflected on the personal and family memories created at the bowling alley. Katy P.R. shared, “Thank you for the memories, Danville Bowl. My friends and I created some great ones to remember there back in the early 2000s.” Jennifer B.Y. added, “My memories of Danville Bowl span 50 years! My entire family were in leagues back in the day… Still have the phone number committed to memory—classic number. 837-7272.”
Longtime patrons, like Chris W., reminisced about the alley’s deep roots in the community. “This is sad news… I grew up going to the Danville Bowl (in the late great Earl Anthony’s name for many years). I even took the bowling class at SRV when I was a sophomore. The classroom was the Danville Bowl.”
For some, the closure represents a broader shift in the town’s landscape. David K. lamented, “Oh man! This is a bummer! We need more bowling and similar family activities, as opposed to more condos.”
Former employees and league bowlers also shared their sentiments. John C., who worked there in 1999-2000, wished the owners well in their next endeavor. Luke L. called Danville Bowl his first “home” for league bowling, adding, “It was a pleasure and an honor to bowl on a team with Justin Oertel for a few seasons.”
For others, the closure brings an end to cherished traditions. Donald V., a former local teacher, reminisced about taking his eighth-grade students there weekly for a bowling elective. Steve A. fondly recalled a special evening with his granddaughters, noting that it was his first and last time bowling at age 74.
As Danville Bowl prepares to close its doors, the community continues to reflect on its impact, remembering the friendships, family outings, and decades of fun it provided.
It’s a sad end for a place that has played a big role in the lives of so many locals.
With Danville Bowl’s last month approaching, make sure to stop by and throw one more ball down the lanes.
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