From left, David Schnibben, Jake Moffatt, Greg Meyers and Graham Young mug for the camera during a birthday party for Greg on Wednesday at the new Galaxy Bowling and Entertainment Center on Panzer Casern in Stuttgart, Germany. The center hosted 56 parties during November, its first month in business. (Charlie Coon / S&S)
STUTTGART, Germany — Business is booming at the new Galaxy Bowling and Entertainment Center.
“We had 56 parties during the month of November,” said Stacie Mathis, the facility manager. “This is what Stuttgart has been looking for. It’s the only place to have parties for children without doing it at home.”
The 24-lane facility on Panzer Casern opened Nov. 5. Half of the facility includes a bar and slot machines and caters to adults. The other half features a playroom and video arcade and caters to children. That way, parents and children can keep an eye on each other.
Kids’ party packages cost $6.50 to $11.95 per child, depending on extras, and include bowling, pizza and invitations.
“Just bring the cake and children,” Mathis said.
For serious bowlers such as Patch High School junior Derrick Hamilton, 17, there are lockers for rent to store balls and equipment.
Hamilton, who said he carries a 196 average, said the lanes are much better than those at the nearby Kelley Barracks bowling alley, which recently closed and is going to be torn down.
The atmosphere is better, too.
“When you take a break from bowling, this is a good place to kick back and relax and watch Sportscenter or the ballgame that’s on,” Hamilton said.
“It’s a good family center,” said Stephanie Meyers, wife of Cmdr. Brian Meyers of the U.S. European Command and mother of four. “There are few places here where you can have your children go and feel like they are in a safe environment and having wholesome fun.”
