Posted by Charlotte Morse, '17
Saratoga Strike Zone is an entertainment facility located in Saratoga Springs, New York. Within this building, visitors find a sports pub, arcade, “Ballocity Play Area”, bumper car arena, and bowling lanes. Saratoga Strike Zone acts as a hub for students, families, city residents and visitors to come together. The alley is open every day from 8am until Midnight and until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Even though bowling as an activity is the same for everyone, different groups of people view and engage in the game differently, which they express through their bowling shoes. A strong connection can be noticed in the playing ability and the type of bowling shoes worn and where they wear them. In this communal environment, these shoes differentiate different “levels” of bowlers. Through these objects we see an unspoken rank and observe it though the rituals in the bowling alley.
Even though bowling as an activity is the same for everyone, different groups of people view and engage in the game differently, which they express through their bowling shoes. A strong connection can be noticed in the playing ability and the type of bowling shoes worn and where they wear them. In this communal environment, these shoes differentiate different “levels” of bowlers. Through these objects we see an unspoken rank and observe it though the rituals in the bowling alley.
For my project, I explored the differences between customers who rent bowling shoes and customers who own their own pair. By focusing on these two types of shoes, I saw trends in social grouping and movement within the bowling alley, as well as different implications of rank and skill level.People come to the bowling alley in groups, each having their own norms in regards to the activity. These group dynamics vary, affecting how competitively these factions are. This engagement can be seen through their bowling gear, whether renting or owning bowling shoes. Everyone in a group will either all rent or all own their own bowling shoes.
Purchasing bowling shoes shows a greater investment in the sport. During interviews, I found that the more skilled bowlers invested in better bowling shoes. Professional bowling shoes appear very different from rental shoes. With professional shoes, the bowler can change the soles, allowing for different techniques. In order to learn these techniques, it takes time and practice. Everyone who is a member of a league at Saratoga Strike Zone owns his or her own bowling shoes. A new pair of bowling shoes can be bought for anywhere between $40 and $200. To make this purchase worth the value, a customer plans to go a certain amount of times. Renting bowling shoes for $3.50 shows a much more casual mindsets towards the pastime -- indicating the person does not come enough to make the purchase worth it, or does not have the technique.
The movement patterns within the facilities also relate to the type of bowling shoes. People who rent shoes move anywhere, getting food, going to the bathroom, and stepping outside. The movement of people who own their shoes is more limited. Bowlers with their own shoes will stay by the lanes, and if they move anywhere else, they will either put shoe protectors on their shoes or take the shoes off. This movement shows the different levels of value surrounding the two types of equipment and the perceived need to care and protect the shoes.
Purchasing bowling shoes shows a greater investment in the sport. During interviews, I found that the more skilled bowlers invested in better bowling shoes. Professional bowling shoes appear very different from rental shoes. With professional shoes, the bowler can change the soles, allowing for different techniques. In order to learn these techniques, it takes time and practice. Everyone who is a member of a league at Saratoga Strike Zone owns his or her own bowling shoes. A new pair of bowling shoes can be bought for anywhere between $40 and $200. To make this purchase worth the value, a customer plans to go a certain amount of times. Renting bowling shoes for $3.50 shows a much more casual mindsets towards the pastime -- indicating the person does not come enough to make the purchase worth it, or does not have the technique.
The movement patterns within the facilities also relate to the type of bowling shoes. People who rent shoes move anywhere, getting food, going to the bathroom, and stepping outside. The movement of people who own their shoes is more limited. Bowlers with their own shoes will stay by the lanes, and if they move anywhere else, they will either put shoe protectors on their shoes or take the shoes off. This movement shows the different levels of value surrounding the two types of equipment and the perceived need to care and protect the shoes.