Xtreme bowling = Extreme fun

When college students think about bowling, two things may come to mind: children's birthday parties and old men in bowling shirts drinking beer.

Few are likely to think of neon lights and rock music.

Many bowling alleys in San Antonio are open late on Friday and Saturday nights in hopes of attracting a college crowd who are looking for an alternative to the bar scene.

On the north side, AMF Country Lanes, 13307 San Pedro, is open until 2 a.m. on weekends.

Manager Gabe Gonzales said the weekend promotion was originally Rock n' Bowl in 1996, and in 1999, it turned into Xtreme bowling.

Xtreme Bowling begins at 11 p.m. with the lights dimming, black lights glowing and disco balls shining.

Opposed to sitting at a bar drinking, people can hang out with friends and bowl a couple of games while having a few beers.

Frank Ponze, computer science sophomore at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, said he and his girlfriend regularly frequent Xtreme Bowling.

"I just like to bowl; I'm competitive with my girlfriend," Ponze said.

Another reason bowling may be more popular than going to bars is because bowling alleys allow in people who are under the drinking age.

Dani Peña, prelaw sophomore at the University of Texas at San Antonio, said she enjoys attending Xtreme bowling with her friends, especially because she can hang out with friends who are younger than 21.

Gonzales said Xtreme Bowling is popular among college students, adding that the bowling alley gets packed from 12:30 a.m.-1 a.m. "Some people don't like the bar scene."

But for those who do, Country Lanes has a bar that serves cocktails and beer.

For the hungry college student, Country Lanes offers a food court packed with nachos, burgers and popcorn.

All include shoe rental and unlimited games, unless otherwise noted.

AMF Country Lanes 13307 San Pedro Xtreme Bowling 11 p.m.-2 a.m., $18 per person.

AMF Wonder Lanes 1948 Austin Highway Xtreme Bowling 10 p.m.-2 a.m., $15 per person.

AMF Ponderosa Lanes 2118 Goliad Road Xtreme Bowling 10 p.m.-2 a.m., $14 per person.

Bandera Bowl 6700 Huebner Road Night Bowling 10:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Fridays 9 p.m.-midnight Saturdays, $3.75 per person per game, plus shoe rental.

Oak Hills Lanes 7330 Callaghan Road Cosmic Bowling 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Fridays 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Saturdays, $13.95 per person.

Brunswick Thousand Oaks Bowl Night Bowling 11:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, $11.99 Fridays and $14.99 Saturdays.

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