About Lucky Strike Entertainment
Where unforgettable moments come to life. Lucky Strike Entertainment blends bowling, dining, nightlife, and immersive attractions into experiences designed to bring people together.
Our History
Lucky Strike Entertainment’s story begins with a bold vision to transform traditional bowling into a modern entertainment experience. In 1997, Founder, Chairman, and CEO Thomas Shannon reimagined the original Bowlmor Lanes in Manhattan, turning it into a vibrant nightlife destination that blended bowling with elevated design, dining, and social energy. This innovative approach sparked rapid national expansion and redefined what a bowling center could be.
As the brand evolved, Bowlmor continued to grow through strategic acquisitions, including AMF Bowling Centers in 2013, bringing hundreds of locations nationwide under one umbrella. In 2014, the company launched Bowlero and acquired Brunswick Corporation’s bowling center business, uniting major industry leaders and accelerating the shift from traditional bowling to immersive entertainment venues.
In 2019, the company further expanded its influence by acquiring the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and partnering with FOX Sports to bring the sport to a new generation of fans. In 2021, Bowlero Corp went public on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol $BOWL.
Today, operating as Lucky Strike Entertainment ($LUCK), the company has grown beyond bowling to include amusements, waterparks, and family entertainment centers—continuing its mission to innovate and deliver unforgettable experiences for guests nationwide.
Our Brands
Lucky Strike
Lucky Strike transforms bowling into a vibrant, high-energy social experience where nightlife, food, and entertainment meet. Known for its upscale design, signature cocktails, and immersive atmosphere, it redefines the bowling experience. As the flagship brand under Lucky Strike Entertainment, it attracts creative, service-driven associates who love bringing unforgettable experiences to life. Careers here span from operations and hospitality to marketing and events, offering a fast-paced environment full of opportunity.
AMF
AMF is a classic name in bowling, built on tradition, community, and a love for the game. Its centers offer a friendly, approachable experience where families, leagues, and casual bowlers come together to connect and compete. Associates enjoy a welcoming, service-oriented culture with plenty of room to grow into leadership and management roles. AMF is perfect for those who value consistency, teamwork, and the joy of classic bowling.
Bowlero
Bowlero brings bowling to life through bold design, retro-modern vibes, and nonstop energy. With lanes, arcades, and an elevated food and beverage program, Bowlero is where guests come to celebrate everything from birthdays to casual nights out. Associates thrive in a lively, guest-focused environment that rewards personality and hustle. It’s the perfect place for those who love fun, teamwork, and making every night feel like a party.
Professional Bowlers Association (PBA)
The PBA is the leading professional bowling organization, showcasing the sport’s top talent through live events and national broadcasts. Now part of Lucky Strike Entertainment, the PBA combines sports, media, and entertainment in a dynamic way. Careers here offer the chance to work behind the scenes in event production, marketing, and operations. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity for those passionate about competitive bowling and live entertainment.
Boomers Parks
Boomers Parks delivers family fun at every turn with attractions like mini golf, go-karts, arcade games, and bumper boats. Every day is different, filled with energy, laughter, and excitement. Associates thrive in a fast-paced environment that emphasizes safety, hospitality, and guest satisfaction. It’s an ideal place for anyone who loves making memories and wants a career that’s all about fun.
Raging Waters Los Angeles
Raging Waters Los Angeles is a beloved Southern California waterpark destination featuring thrilling slides, splash zones, a winding lazy river, and refreshing wave pools that draw guests throughout the warm season. Set in a vibrant outdoor environment, the park offers a fun, fast-paced atmosphere that’s perfect for energetic associates who enjoy making summer memories come to life. Whether you’re working as a lifeguard, ride operator, food & beverage associate, or in guest services, every role plays a part in delivering safe, exciting experiences for families and visitors alike.
Raging Waves Waterpark
Raging Waves is Illinois’ largest waterpark, known for its thrilling slides, relaxing rivers, and family-friendly atmosphere. The team here makes warm-weather memories happen for thousands of guests each season. It’s a fast-moving, high-energy environment ideal for seasonal and returning associates alike. Working at Raging Waves means being part of a team that values safety, teamwork, and the joy of summer fun.
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
Big Kahuna’s is Florida’s ultimate tropical water and adventure park, offering slides, wave pools, and dry-land attractions. The park’s lively, outdoor environment is perfect for energetic associates who love being part of the action. Whether working in lifeguarding, food service, or guest operations, every role helps create unforgettable vacation-style experiences. It’s a great fit for those who want their workday to feel like summer all year long.
Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Waterpark
Wet ’n Wild Emerald Pointe delivers high-energy fun in a dynamic waterpark environment filled with thrilling slides, wave pools, and family attractions. Known for its seasonal excitement and guest-first approach, the park offers associates a fast-paced, outdoor workplace where safety, teamwork, and hospitality come together. Careers range from lifeguards and ride operators to food & beverage and management roles, making it an ideal place for those who thrive in energetic, guest-focused settings.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Located in Panama City Beach, Florida, Shipwreck Island Waterpark delivers classic family-friendly fun in a laid-back, pirate-themed setting. The park features a variety of attractions for all ages, including high-speed body slides, tube rides, a relaxing lazy river, wave-style splash areas, and dedicated zones for younger guests. Associates enjoy working in an energetic, outdoor environment where teamwork, hospitality, and creating memorable moments for families are at the heart of every day.
Castle Park
Castle Park combines classic amusement park charm with modern family fun, featuring rides, mini golf, arcade games, and seasonal events. Associates are at the heart of the experience, helping create moments of joy for guests of all ages in a lively, fast-moving setting. Careers at Castle Park span operations, attractions, food & beverage, and management, offering growth opportunities for those passionate about entertainment, hospitality, and guest satisfaction.
Strikingly Different Than the Rest
While at any of our bowling, family entertainment centers or waterparks, you can expect:
Elevated, thoughtfully designed spaces that blend style, comfort, and modern appeal
Curated food and beverages crafted for both casual fun and elevated dining experiences
A lively, entertainment-driven atmosphere filled with music, energy, and social vibes
Conveniently located destinations that bring premium entertainment experiences closer to home
Our Story
From humble beginnings to today’s dynamic entertainment destinations, our timeline highlights the moments that have shaped Lucky Strike Entertainment.
1900: AMF Is Founded
THE UNLIKELY BEGINNINGS OF AMERICAN BOWLING
Bowling’s biggest name gets its start in New Jersey as American Machine & Foundry (AMF), a machinery-producing subsidiary of the American Tobacco Company. At its start, AMF manufactures sorting, packaging, and weighing equipment.
1912: AMF Splits from American Tobacco
AN INDEPENDENT AMF EMERGES
The newly independent AMF develops cigar-making machines and patents and leases the machinery, charging royalties, revolutionizing the industry, and establishing a business model that will resurface with the automatic pinsetter.
1938: Bowlmor Begins
BOWLMOR OPENS IN UNION SQUARE
The original Bowlmor Lanes opens in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Riding the wave of America’s “golden age of bowling,” Bowlmor plays host to some of the nation’s most prestigious tournaments and notable figures throughout the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, including President Richard Nixon.
1946: AMF Introduces the Automatic Pinspotter
THE SPORT IS TRANSFORMED
After securing patents and developing prototypes, AMF unveils the first automatic pinspotter at the American Bowling Congress Tournament in Buffalo, NY. It’s a watershed moment for bowling and for AMF.
1969: AMF Acquires Harley-Davidson
AMF TAKES THE WHEEL
In 1969, AMF acquires Harley-Davidson, investing in modernized manufacturing, expanded production, and nationwide dealer growth. New models and innovations help scale the brand globally before AMF sells Harley-Davidson in 1981 to a management-led group.
1997: Thomas Shannon Purchases Bowlmor Lanes
BOWLING IS REBORN
Tom Shannon acquires Bowlmor Lanes and turns the Union Square bowling center into one of NYC’s most successful venues, transforming the bowling experience with blacklight lanes, video walls, and gourmet dining. Shannon’s upscale bowling model is a hit—and Bowlmor becomes a celebrity hotspot.
July 2013: Bowlmor Acquires AMF
A NEW ERA IN BOWLING BEGINS
After opening an additional five highly successful venues throughout the U.S., Bowlmor purchases AMF Bowling Worldwide. The deal rescues AMF from bankruptcy and forms the world’s largest bowling entertainment company, with more than 270 centers and 7,500 employees in the U.S. and Mexico
May 2014: Bowlero Is Born
A RETRO-COOL SPIN ON BOWLING
Bowlmor AMF opens the first Bowlero in The Woodlands, T.X. The quirky, edgy, retro-inspired bowling phenomenon combines blacklight lanes and arcade games with inventive eats and old-school décor. Debuting to rave reviews, the brand quickly expands in Texas, California, and select U.S. markets.
Sept 2014: Bowlmor AMF Acquires Brunswick Bowling
THE BIGGEST PLAYER GETS BIGGER
Bowlmor AMF acquires the Brunswick Corporation’s bowling centers business, expanding its North American presence, absorbing the only other major industry competitor, and ending a decades-long marketplace rivalry.
June 2017: Bowlmor AMF & Atairos Join Forces
NEW PARTNER; NEW POSSIBILITIES
Strategic investment firm Atairos strikes a deal with Bowlmor AMF and acquires a substantial ownership position in the company, focusing on long-term growth and continued expansion.
Jan 2018: Bowlmor AMF Becomes Bowlero Corp
THE NEXT CHAPTER BEGINS
On January 4, 2018, Bowlmor AMF kicks off the new year by adopting a new corporate identity, officially changing its name and brand to Bowlero Corporation.
Sept 2019: Bowlero Corp Acquires the PBA
A NEW ERA IN PRO BOWLING
Bowlero Corp purchases the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and continues its multiyear television partnership with FOX Sports to bring bowling to millions of fans throughout the US and across the globe.
Dec 2021: Bowlero Corp Begins Trading on the NYSE
BOWLERO CORPORATION GOES PUBLIC
On December 16, 2021, Bowlero Corporation announces that its Class A common stock and warrants will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbols “BOWL” and “BOWL WS”, respectively.
May 2023: Bowlero Corp Acquires Lucky Strike
A STRIKE FOR THE FUTURE
On September 18, 2023, Bowlero Corporation completes the acquisition of Lucky Strike, adding 14 upscale bowling and entertainment venues to its growing portfolio. The acquisition expands Bowlero Corporation’s presence in major metropolitan markets and strengthened its position as the global leader in location-based entertainment.
April 2024: Bowlero Corp Acquires Raging Waves Waterpark
SLIDING INTO THE WATERPARK BUSINESS
On April 29, 2024, Bowlero Corporation acquires its first-ever waterpark, Raging Waves Waterpark, Illinois's largest waterpark known for its thrilling slides and family-friendly attractions. This milestone expands the company’s entertainment portfolio into the waterpark segment, bringing even more dynamic experiences to guests across key leisure markets.
Sept 2024: Bowlero Corp Acquires Boomers Parks
THE FUN EXPANDS TO FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
On September 29, 2024, Boomers Parks joins the Bowlero Corporation family, marking the company’s first family entertainment center brand acquisition. This milestone expands Bowlero Corporation’s footprint in location-based entertainment, adding a beloved collection of family-focused venues to complement its portfolio of bowling brands.
Sept 2024: Bowlero Corp Acquires Big Kahuna's Water Park
MAKING A SECOND SPLASH
Just one day after acquiring Boomers Parks, on September 30, 2024, Bowlero Corporation acquires its second waterpark, Big Kahuna’s Water Park, marking the company’s second waterpark purchase. This tropical-themed destination added thrilling slides and family-friendly attractions, further broadening Bowlero Corp’s presence in the waterpark segment.
Dec 2024: Bowlero Corp Rebrands to Lucky Strike Entertainment
A BOLD NEW CHAPTER IN LOCATION-BASED ENTERTAINMENT
On December 2, 2024, Bowlero Corporation officially rebrands as Lucky Strike Entertainment, debuting the NYSE ticker $LUCK and uniting its bowling, family entertainment center, and waterpark brands under one modern identity. The rebrand reinforces the company’s mission to deliver high-energy fun across bowling centers, FECs, and waterparks—bringing play, food, and entertainment together under one powerhouse brand.
April 2025: Lucky Strike Entertainment Purchases Shipwreck Island Waterpark
A THIRD WATERPARK JOINS THE FAMILY
On April 7, 2025, Shipwreck Island Waterpark joins Lucky Strike Entertainment's portfolio of brands. Long knowns as a premier family waterpark featuring high-energy rides, expansive pools, and resort-style amenities, Shipwreck Island Waterpark diversifies the company’s entertainment offerings and enhances its footprint in high-demand leisure destinations, providing guests with even more opportunities for fun-filled experiences.
July 2025: Lucky Strike Entertainment Acquires Wet 'n Wild Waterpark Emerald Pointe & Castle Park
BROADENING OUR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATIONS
On July 30, 2025, Lucky Strike Entertainment acquires Wet 'n Wild Waterpark Emerald Pointe, a premier regional waterpark in North Carolina, and Castle Park, a long-standing family entertainment destination in Southern California. Together, these additions reflect the company’s commitment to expanding its presence across key leisure markets, offering guests even more diverse entertainment experiences.