TUCSON, Ariz — Golden Pin Lanes, which first opened in 1960, will be closing its doors on Friday after the property was sold to Pima County, which will convert it into office space.
Th lanes hosted a PBA Tour event for 27 years, and most recently hosted the PWBA Tucson Open.
"I get choked up," said Golden Pin Lanes general manager Caryn Bustos.
Bustos has been with the lanes for 24 years. WIth recreational play in decline due to increased competition from other entertainment venues, 85-year-old owner Don Allan put the lanes up for sale, but no local investor stepped foward to spare the bowling alley. It was then purchased by the county.
"The saddest thing is that we are losing a community center in our area," said Bustos.
The lanes hosted events like the Special Olympics and state tournaments. Its history is not lost on current professional bowlers.
Upon winning the Tucson Open, Shannon O'Keefe said, "Being the last champion at Golden Pin Lanes is incredible."
However, on Friday night, bowlers at Golden Pin will have to take their ball and go home.
"It's going to be hard when we shut the doors for good," said Bustos.
