Lucky Strike is throwing a retirement celebration for the penny
It’s official. The penny is having its moment.
After decades of loose change, forgotten jars, and pockets weighed down by copper coins, the penny is finally being retired. And because this is a moment almost everyone recognizes, Lucky Strike is turning it into something worth celebrating.
On January 25, Lucky Strike locations across the country will throw a celebration for penny retirement, a one-day event with a simple, clever twist: buy two games of bowling at full price, and get a third game for a penny. If the penny is going away, we should probably use it one last time.
Why is the penny being retired?
For years, the penny has been a running joke in everyday life. It costs more to make than it’s worth, it slows down transactions, and most of us leave it behind without thinking twice.
As conversations around the penny’s future continue to pop up everywhere from news headlines to social feeds, it felt like the perfect cultural moment to lean into something familiar, a little nostalgic, and very shareable.
Instead of letting the penny quietly fade away, Lucky Strike is giving it a proper sendoff.
What is the Penny Retirement Celebration?
The Penny Retirement Celebration is a one-day, in-center celebration happening January 25. It’s designed to be easy to understand, fun to talk about, and memorable for guests who stop by.
At its core, the event gives guests a reason to actually use a penny again, even if just once. It’s a small gesture with a big wink, the kind of thing that feels clever, timely, and very of-the-moment.
No long explanations required. Just show up, join the fun, and be part of a moment everyone instantly gets.
A reason to stop in, bowl, and make a night of it
Lucky Strike has always been about creating experiences that bring people together. The Penny Retirement Celebration fits right into that spirit.
Guests who stop by on January 25 can enjoy their third game of bowling for a penny after buying two games, arcade play, food, drinks, and a little extra fun tied to the penny sendoff. If you’re making it a full night out, you can preview the Lucky Strike menu ahead of time and plan your favorites before you arrive.
And if you’re bringing a group, this is exactly the kind of night that’s easy to turn into a low-lift hang. Lucky Strike offers social event options that make it simple to gather your people in one place.
Why moments like this matter
Some of the best brand moments are the ones that feel organic. They tap into something people are already talking about and give them a reason to engage in real life.
The Penny Retirement Celebration is designed to do exactly that. It creates a shared moment that feels current, a little funny, and very human. It invites guests to participate rather than just observe, which is what makes it memorable.
For Lucky Strike, it’s another way to turn everyday entertainment into something worth showing up for.
Join us on January 25th
If you’ve ever joked about the penny, ignored it, or wondered why it still exists, this one’s for you.
On January 25, stop by your local Lucky Strike to take part in our Penny Retirement Celebration, enjoy a game of bowling for a penny when you buy 2, and say goodbye to the penny in the most Lucky Strike way possible.
Pick your center using the Lucky Strike location finder and come celebrate the penny’s final moment in the spotlight.
Because if the penny is going out, it deserves a proper sendoff.