Review: Dundee Culture Visits Tenpin Dundee
Bowling has made a comeback in Dundee after 12 years — but has it lived up to expectations? Dundee Culture finds out!
One of the many things that I loved when I was kid was going to the Megabowl, it was situated in the Stack Leisure Park and it meant so much to Dundonians who walked through the doors and into a world of fun for a few hours.
It was a real shame when those doors shut in 2011 following what was a hard economic time for not only the country, but the world as the globe was reeling from the shock of the 2009 financial crisis — and sadly, the Megabowl was affected heavily.
Over the course from 2011 up until now, Dundee went without a bowling venue and for years, it was something that Dundonians cried out for — and unfortunately, there was no sign that bowling would be making a comeback to the city any time soon.
That changed when Tenpin stepped in and announced plans to open up a new centre in Dundee.
Once the announcement was made in August of last year that there were plans being lodged to bring Tenpin to Dundee, the reaction was unbelievable and the feedback was very good from those excited to see bowling potentially make a comeback to the city.
Writing in my column in the Evening Telegraph and the Courier last year, I said this new venue would be a place for the next generation of bowling lovers in Dundee to practise their skills.
And for me, the chance to relive my memories of the Megabowl.
So to be invited to be one of the first people to try out the bowling in this new gaming complex was an honour.
Tenpin Dundee officially opened on Friday at the former Toys R Us site at the Kingsway West Retail Park. To see this unit be used again after sitting empty for many years was something I longed to see.
I invited some friends and family to try the new gaming complex out: there was me, my brother Ross, my mum Gillian and two family friends, Karen and Callum.
I named our bowling group: The DC, for Dundee Culture! Thought it had a good ring to it!
When walking through those doors, it was a humongous atmosphere, and to me, it felt like a TARDIS, although it looked small on the outside, the inside was unbelievably huge!
We were met with a kind reception and got directions to the main desk where I was greeted by two of the new workers, Emily and Izzy who were so kind and friendly and were swift in answering questions.
I was talking to Emily, who happened to follow Dundee Culture, and she was telling me about how the process was, there was four days training before the big VIP launch — and I was very impressed at how the staff handled the pressure of such a big event.
Because the bowling was chock-a-block, Izzy booked us in for a game at 8pm which gave us time to explore other parts of the venue.
I have to say that these two staff members were amazing, thank you to Emily and Izzy!
Exploring the arcade
We explored the arcade area and some of the arcade games were impressive and it was great to see that there was something that visitors could enjoy before bowling.
For me, the air hockey was a highlight, I played a game with Callum — and for the majority of the game, I was leading but Callum came back in the end and won by one point extra.
Afterwards, we also tried out the basketball hoops whilst Ross and Callum played Ball Madness and Hungry Hungry Hippos! Hilarious time and it definitely passed the time.
Although there was a bit of a wait for our food which lasted about an hour, it is completely understandable as this was the first time for the staff as they were being put under pressure for the VIP event.
The food though was tasty. We had nachos and cheese, others had a cheeseburger and fries as well as cola. And the fact that you can eat as you bowl was a bonus.
Bowling time
8pm came and we were ready to go bowling — and let me tell you, the set-up is just absolutely fantastic. Every lane has their own booth with two screens, one a TV, the other for the scoreboard for the games.
When entering the booth, you can create and modify the information of the bowlers playing and you can also create a group photo with individual photos alongside which would be displayed whenever a bowler was about to play their shot.
I definitely didn’t see the different options you could have. I took a picture of me for the group photo, thinking it was for the individual photo, but we were in a rush to get started.
Once I realised this, we just laughed and decided to keep the photo on.
For the first game, well, it’s fair to say that I (kind-of) missed a few times! But no matter the result, we still had a fab time!
Having the QR code at the booths to order drinks and food was a brilliant idea although it did take a wee while for it to work. I know it just opened and the place is getting used to people coming in and using it, but the Wi-Fi was a bit slow at times — that might just be because there was a lot logged in to it.
But the Wi-Fi is free and useful to have if you want to post your photos and videos on social media or check updates online which is very good when you’re taking a break from the bowling.
But the bowling was amazing. If you only book one game, you can go back down to the reception and try to book another, but it is recommend you book in advance online — but the staff on hand are great and very helpful if you need any assistance or help!
I also loved the futuristic LED lighting on the roof of the lanes. Although Tenpin has 29 lanes compared to Megabowl which had 36 lanes, it still accommodates so many people, and it shows the huge size of the unit that Tenpin occupies.
The fact that you could fit 29 bowling lanes, a soft play area, escape rooms, karaoke rooms and an arcade area in the one unit was quite something. It was huge!
And if you’re disabled like myself, the accessibility is fabulous and it tailors to those with disabilities. The accessibility to the lanes was good, and there is a ramp to get up to the bowling as well.
I never thought I would be bowling in the city again — and yet here we are! I’m so happy that I got to do so — and as I said earlier, to be one of the first Dundonians to try the new place out was an honour!
Overall Thoughts
Tenpin Dundee is exactly what Dundee needs.
As Dundee continues to be a serious contender as a growing city with more visitors coming to visit the City of Discovery, the need for leisure and entertainment has to be there and with Tenpin arriving, that is an excellent choice for Dundonians and visitors alike.
I do have to say that this will mean a lot to young Dundonians, who for a while, went without a place where they could enjoy a whole host of fun in one place.
I’m definitely thinking about returning for my birthday in October — but who knows, a quick visit might be coming next month too!
But to answer the question: has Tenpin Dundee lived up to expectations? Well, early signs indicate that yes, it has lived up to it! It was fun and amazing.
I can’t wait to come back! Thank you to Tenpin for inviting me, it was a privilege!
