Bowling a recreational sport all year round

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Patrick R. Hyde
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The Magic Carpet Bowling Center can be a place to let off a bit of steam after a hard day's work. Many Incirlik Airmen come to the bowling center not only to play, but to order food from the service line. Others come to hook-up to the Internet and connect to their separated loved ones.

Whatever the reason for stopping by the bowling center, one thing is for sure fresh prepared food and games of bowling are but a few steps away. Bowling has been a long time revered sport dating back to 300 A.D in Germany. Bowling has lasted the test of time and is one of the largest participation sports activities in the world.

The Incirlik bowling Center is located adjacent to the Sultan's Inn Dining Facility and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner service. Within the bowling Center there is an After Six Club with pool tables and play station game tables, as well as, dart boards and lounge seating.

"The bowling center employees are very helpful and courteous," said Aytac Kozan, 39th Services Squadron assistant bowling center manager.

Turkish Nationals run most of the duties associated with the daily operations of the bowling center, to include a small pro-shop with bowling balls, shoes and bags for sale.
"I run everything in the bowling center, I'm a mechanic, food service, slot machine attendant and cashier," said Mr. Kozan. "There are many menu items that are very good and I personally guarantee 100 percent satisfaction with the bowling center food and if you are not satisfied I will give you something else to make up for it."

There are many August promotions going on at the bowling center. Cosmic Bowling continues every Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. throughout the summer. Cosmic bowling is a combination of black lights and disco lights that flash making it more of a challenge to bowl a good game against your opponents.

"I like to get a few friends together on a Friday night and have a few beers and play a few games of Cosmic Bowling, it's a fun time," said SSgt William Taylor, 39th Communications Squadron Official Documents Center custodian of postal effects.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays the Magic Carpet bowling center holds a nine-pin, no-tap money night. A $10 entry fee covers three games of bowling and shoe rental. The bowling center takes half of all the money for overhead costs and the remainder is split into first, second and third place prizes. Bowlers compete for the prize money through a series of three games.

Need practice improving your game? Mondays would be one of the least expensive days to improve a new technique or a different throw. Every Monday is $1 a_game_day and shoe rental is not included in the discounted price.

Let's not forget Wingman night on Wednesdays starting at 7 p.m. until closing. Two people can bowl for the price of one.

"Saturdays are most popular for birthday parties. We have anywhere from two to four birthday parties every weekend," said Mr. Kozan.

Lastly, on Sundays buy any meal more than $4 and receive two free games of bowling and shoe rental. For more information on specials or hours of operation, call the bowling center at 676-6789.