Teens flock to local bowling alleys to mingle, bowl and unwind

Albert Saldaña wasn’t at all ashamed to show everyone at Flamingo Bowl some of his best dance moves.

He glided to the left and shimmied to the right while DJ Unk’s “Two Step” spilled out of the speakers.

Saldaña, surrounded by half a dozen of his closest friends, lit up the McAllen bowling alley with plenty of smooth moves and banter during the weekly Rock ‘N Bowl festivities on a recent Saturday night. For the last decade, bowling alleys across the country host the same event every weekend.

On the same night, further west, Valley Bowl hosts Wednesday Teen Fever. Similar to Rock ‘N Bowl, where $12 will get you unlimited bowling from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., said Kathy Basham, day manager at the Valley Bowl.

However, Fridays and Saturdays continue to be their busiest nights, she said, adding it’s probably wise to reserve a lane before heading out.

Following a renovation two years ago, Valley Bowl stepped up their Wednesday Teen Fever, becoming a stiff competitor for rockin’ bowling nights.

Every Friday and Saturday nights, teenagers (even some adults) flock to the local bowling alley to mingle, bowl and unwind from the hectic school week — all while surrounded in a semi-dance club atmosphere. Here you’ll find all 40 Flamingo lanes in action — complete with glowing pins — while those more interested in scoping out the scenery relaxing on any of the high-round tables to the rear.

Once the clock strikes 11 p.m., house lights dim and the strobe lights come out in full force. The sounds of bowling balls and crashing pins are muted by the pulsating beats of a nationally syndicated radio show playing Top 40 hits. “Now this is fun,” said the 16-year-old Economedes High School sophomore, wiping the beads of sweat from his brow. “We get to show off our Jaguar power.”

For $12, bowlers can enjoy three hours of unlimited bowling until 2 a.m., said Ronnie Diaz, manager. Children 12 and under pay $6. Teenagers like Saldaña also take full advantage of the snack bar, famous for its cheese fries and other mouth-watering treats.

Marco “Picachu” Reyes, 15, can’t miss a Rock ‘N Bowl, because that’s a missed opportunity to scope out the girls and impress them with his super sleek bowling skills.

“We get to see new ones from other towns,” Reyes said. “It’s so much better than going to the movies.”

His good buddy Rollie Espinoza loves the fact he is allowed to stay out past midnight — but only on the weekends does he go to the bowling alley.

“We don’t get in trouble here,” the 15-year-old Edinburg resident said. “We can stay out late, have fun with our friends and our parents know exactly where we are.”

Security is tight around the bowling alley on any given night but beefed up on the weekends, managers said, with extra help from the McAllen Police Department. Outside, a security guard roams the perimeter until closing.

Although the weekends are the busiest, Diaz says, the bowling alley also features Quarter Mania from 8 to 11 p.m. Wednesday nights. With a $6 cover charge, games are 25 cents per person.

“It’s all about the music,” said Ramiro Ochoa, 16, who used the slick floors at Flamingo Bowl as center stage. “I listen to rap and they play that a lot here. It’s awesome.”

Miriam Ramirez covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4468.