Community gathers for grand opening of Carson Lanes

After 18 months of construction, Carson Lanes owner Gene Burger says he couldn't be more pleased with the outcome of his project.

"I'm ecstatic it's done and we've been very well received by the community, so we're having a great time today," Burger said during the grand opening Saturday.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony with Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell and members of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce provided a welcome start to the day which included music, booths, food and contests.

Burger, who purchased the 34-year-old bowling alley in 2002 for $2.5 million, said the cost for the expansion was around

$5 million.

As part of the expansion, 16 of the 44 bowling alleys were removed while the lounge and bowling center received makeovers. Burger also added the hamburger restaurant, Johnny Rockets, which opened almost a year ago.

The complex also includes the Genoa Candy and Coffee Co. shop, a daycare center, a pool hall dubbed Classic Billiards, an arcade, Kernel's Popcorn and Wally's Pizza.

The last phase of the project, which will connect Aloha Discount Wine and Liquors to the Carson Lanes building via a land bridge, will add 11,000 square feet of retail space and another 12,000 square feet of office space.

Burger said there will be room for more expansion once the freeway is connected to Highway 395, which will add two more acres of land from Snyder Avenue and the frontage road that runs along the western edge of the property.

Part of the festivities Saturday included Carson Lanes' participation in the U.S. Bowling Congress' World Record Day, where more than 3,200 bowling facilities throughout the country are attempting to bowl an accumulated 1 million lines.

Other Saturday activities included a dance-off between Carson City's Country Kickers dance group and the Johnny Rocket dancers.

"We're calling it a tie, but it was a spirited competition," Burger said, laughing.