Pin & Cue ready for a busy season

When Mac McCracken purchased the Pin & Cue in 1998, he described the facility as being “tired.”

He said it was old, outdated and required major repairs.

In other words, in need of some TLC — tender, loving, care.

Well, the former commodities trader at the Chicago Board of Trade has followed through since his arrival in the Flathead Valley, making it one of the top bowling centers in the state.

“It’s a little different, but it’s been great,” he said of his switching careers.

Brunswick automatic pin setters were installed last August.

Five years ago, 16 Brunswick synthetic lanes replaced the old wooden ones.

Fixing the roof was another massive undertaking.

“This is like a house,” he said. “You have to take care of it.”

Last year McCracken added a fun center for youngsters.

A spacious conference room was completed in 2011 along with the addition of a laundromat.

The sports bar, he said, “has been a work in progress for 15 years.”

The restaurant remains a popular stop before, and after, bowling.

He said all the changes were necessary.

“We do it because we are driven by our leagues,” he said.

“We want it to be a great experience where they bowl.

“This is for the public,” he added. “We want to make it a nice environment for families, an entertainment center.”

And “family friendly” is a phrase he uses often.

“Everyone seems to be pretty happy with the changes,” Bryan Anderson, the bowling center manager said. “We’re doing something a little different every year.”

League action is set to begin following Labor Day Weekend. McCracken said bowlers can still register.

Mixed leagues are held Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.

Men’s league is Tuesday evening, women have leagues on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday evening, and senior bowling is Thursday afternoon.

Juniors, ages 6-18, can bowl Saturday morning.

The typical league now runs 28 weeks. That’s five weeks fewer than several years ago.

McCracken said the shorter season has helped keep the bowling numbers steady.

He said open bowling, however, “is up.”

One area he has focused on is youth bowling.

“We’re letting them bowl for free,” he said.

“We have several good instructors to work with them.”

The youngsters are also treated to hot dogs and potato chips. This program is available from October until the end of the year.

Junior leagues form in January. McCracken said the cost to participate in those “is very minimal.”

Last year the program attracted 35 to 40 youngsters.

In the summer, kids in grades K-12 get one game free from June 15 to August 15.

He actively promotes this with all area schools.

Special attractions at the Pin & Cue include Thunder Alley for adults on Saturday’s from 10 p.m. to midnight with glow in the dark pins, laser and rope lights, a fog show and music. Thunder Alley for youngsters is Friday from 4-6 p.m.

There is discount bowling Monday and Thursday after 9 p.m.

Live music is scheduled for Friday nights.

“There is a lot of interest,” Anderson said of the upcoming season.

“We have new people asking about (league play).”