October 3, 2011
Worcester Bowling Opportunities
There are bowling alleys all over the country, but something very specific that Worcester, Massachusetts offers is candlepin bowling. Though it is played primarily in the New England states, it was developed in Worcester, so it remains particularly popular in the town.
Candlepin Bowling vs Ten-pin Bowling
Candlepin bowling was developed in 1880, before the standardization of ten-pin bowling and the invention of duckpin bowling. Like other forms of bowling, bowling balls roll down a wooden lane to knock down as many pins as possible. In candlepin bowling however, the player uses three balls per frame, and the balls are much smaller (11.43 cm in diameter) and do not have holes. Another difference is that the pins re not cleared away between balls during the player’s turn, and they are thinner and therefore harder to knock down. This makes candlepin bowling more difficult than ten-pin bowling.
The Bayberry Bowling Center
A popular candlepin bowling lane in Worcester is the Bayberry Bowling Center. It offers 16 lanes, a complete arcade with prizes, and an eight table pool room. It was the first candlepin bowling center in Massachusetts to incorporate automatic scoring. Some more recent technological advancements have been twelve-foot projection televisions to watch sports teams, as well as video camera that allow bowlers to watch their individual bowling style. The center also offers leagues, which include the men’s league, the mixed league, the senior citizen’s league, and a variety of kids’ leagues.
In a town like Worcester where bowling is part of the local history, the sport is regarded much more highly than elsewhere. It is because of that reason that bowling, specifically candlepin bowling, in Worcester is definitely an experience to be had, and it is one that no bowling enthusiast will want to miss out on.