Galimore Lanes, the campus bowling alley which offers seven operating bowling lanes and seven pool tables, looks to get more students involved by offering free bowling lessons and billiards classes.
Ralph Coleman Jr., student affairs coordinator, who oversees Galimore Lanes and the Rattler’s Den, is in the process of implementing several ideas he said will generate more business.
Students can look forward to the possibility of Galimore Lanes hosting pajama jams, cosmic bowling nights and a Halloween special event.
Coleman also said that the hour long bowling and pool classes will bring more students into the bowling alley. “People don’t come because they don’t know how to play, it’s embarrassing,” said Coleman, who is also a FAMU alumnus.
He recognizes that students have busy schedules filled with academic classes and involvement in campus clubs and organizations. “Most of our activities will work around your schedule,” Coleman said.
A bowling/billiard tournament is also being planned for students for the end of the semester.
These plans come a semester after rumors spread of a possible closure to Galimore Lanes.
Besides implementing plans to make more money, Coleman and his staff are working to fix other problems to attract more students.
“We will be doing a walk through and inventory with all the lanes to see what it will take,” Coleman said. “Our goal is to have everything operating for our students.”
Initial steps have already been taken to ensure the future success of the campus facility. As of Aug. 31, Galimore Lanes is certified by the United States Bowling Congress.
This means that Galimore Lanes can host tournaments and bowlers’ scores will be accurate. A perfect score at Galimore is the same as a perfect score at any certified facility.
“I think that this facility is a rewarding facility for our students,” said Melverton Walters, a 24-year-old mathematical science graduate student from Miami, who works at Galimore Lanes. “If we generate more programs, then students will come visit us.”
Coleman also has activities for students who prefer a more calm environment and want to relax.
The Rattler’s Den is located directly across from the bowling alley and is open for students to play card games, table tennis, or watch TV. The Rattler’s Den is good “for commuters to have somewhere to relax in between classes,” Coleman said.
“It’s fun, it’s a good environment. The people and staff are friendly,” said Rokeisha Gloster, a 22-year-old senior health care management student from Miami.
Student clubs and organizations can utilize the Rattler’s Den for seminars and open forums. Groups are invited to host their own events on Saturdays and Sundays. DJ Sean-D from WANM-FM hosts Monday nights at Galimore. The campus radio station’s DJ entertains students as they bowl, play pool, eat and drink.
The bowling alley is open seven days a week: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-10p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Bowling cost $2.25 per game and Billiards cost $3.25 for students with their Ratter card. Coleman is open to both suggestions and volunteers.