Battlefield Lanes adding entertainment complex

Battlefield Lanes owner Andy Bartholomy is breaking ground Thursday on a multimillion-dollar addition and renovation to his bowling alley to make room for an underground laser tag arena and private bowling lanes.

With completion expected by December, the 1127 E. Battlefield Road bowling alley will be renamed Andy B’s Luxury Bowling and Multi-Tainment Complex, according to a news release.

Bartholomy already has converted two of his bowling alleys to the entertainment complex model, one each in Tulsa, Okla., and Bartlett, Tenn. Andy B’s in Tulsa opened in 2008, and the concept came on-line in Bartlett 18 months ago, said Mary Guccione, director of marketing and communications for the bowling centers, via email.

“We believe the bowling centers are part of the American heritage, and we want that heritage to remain the core of our foundation while adding other venues to our offering,” Bartholomy said in the release.

Operating under Andy B’s and Bartholomy Bowling, he also owns seven bowling centers in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee, a well as Starlite Lanes in Lebanon and Buckhorn Lanes in Waynesville, the release said.

The conversion in Springfield is designed to create 21 traditional bowling lanes each with food and beverage service; 10 lanes of “VIB luxury bowling” for private groups with flat-screen TVs, music and new scoring software; 2,700 square feet underground for up to 20 laser tag players; a game room and prize center; full-scale restaurant and bar with catering service; and corporate meeting and party rooms downstairs.

Bartholomy’s office headquarters also will operate on site.

According to the release, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m. May 29. DeWitt & Associates Inc. is serving as general contractor, Guccione said.[[In-content Ad]]