Funk Powers Award-Winning Duckpin Bowling Alley as Old Route 69 Wins “Best Small-Ball Venue” in 41st Annual BCM Design Awards

Funk Bowling is proud to celebrate a major industry achievement as Old Route 69 Brewery in Ada, Ohio has been named “Best Small-Ball Venue” in the 41st Annual Bowling Center Architecture and Design Awards, presented by Bowling Center Management (BCM) magazine. The recognition highlights the venue’s innovative duckpin bowling alley concept and reinforces the growing role of compact bowling experiences in modern entertainment venues.

The BCM Design Awards, founded by longtime Bowlers Journal publisher Mort Luby Jr., recognize outstanding bowling center architecture, modernization, and creative venue design. Today, the competition is conducted by Bowling Center Management, the official publication of the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, and celebrates projects that push the boundaries of what bowling venues can be.

Old Route 69 Brewery’s award-winning duckpin bowling alley is a standout example of how bowling can successfully integrate into hospitality environments such as breweries, restaurants, and social venues.

Celebrating Innovation in the 41st Annual BCM Design Awards

Each year, the BCM Design Awards recognize bowling venues that demonstrate exceptional creativity, design excellence, and operational vision. The 2025 awards honored eight venues across seven states in categories ranging from new tenpin centers to modernized facilities and entertainment-driven venues.

Old Route 69 Brewery earned top honors in the “Best Small-Ball Venue” category, a division that celebrates bowling environments built around compact formats such as duckpin bowling. These venues often blend bowling with food, beverage, and social entertainment to create dynamic destinations that appeal to a wide range of guests.

Leading the judging panel for the third consecutive year was James Nowak, AIA, LEED AP (retired), a veteran architect with more than 50 years of experience. Nowak has contributed to major projects including Chicago’s 900 North Michigan mixed-use skyscraper, Rush University Medical Center, and Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios.

Winning projects from the United States will be featured in the April issue of BCM, with international winners to be announced in the May edition.

A Duckpin Bowling Alley Built for Social Entertainment

At Old Route 69 Brewery, bowling plays a central role in the venue’s guest experience. The brewery’s duckpin bowling alley brings together craft beer, casual dining, and interactive entertainment in a setting designed to encourage social connection.

Duckpin bowling is particularly well suited for venues like breweries because it offers the excitement of traditional bowling while requiring significantly less space. The smaller balls and shorter lanes make the game approachable for guests of all skill levels, allowing groups to jump into the action quickly and keep the energy high throughout the evening.

For Old Route 69 Brewery, the duckpin bowling alley serves as both a signature attraction and a gathering place where guests can relax, compete, and enjoy the venue’s welcoming atmosphere.

The Growing Popularity of Duckpin Bowling Alley Concepts

Across the entertainment and hospitality industries, duckpin bowling alleys are gaining traction as operators look for ways to differentiate their venues and create memorable guest experiences.

Because duckpin bowling requires a smaller footprint than traditional bowling lanes, it can be installed in a variety of non-traditional locations, from breweries and restaurants to resorts, apartment communities, and entertainment centers. The format’s fast-paced gameplay and approachable design make it especially appealing for social environments where guests want an activity that complements food, drinks, and conversation.

The success of Old Route 69 Brewery’s award-winning venue demonstrates how a thoughtfully designed duckpin bowling alley can become the centerpiece of a modern hospitality concept.

Funk Bowling’s Role in Modern Bowling Innovation

With over 130 years of manufacturing expertise and more than 100,000 installations worldwide, Funk Bowling continues to lead the industry in developing compact, innovative bowling solutions for today’s evolving entertainment landscape.

Projects like Old Route 69 Brewery showcase how Funk’s duckpin bowling systems help venues transform underutilized space into vibrant social attractions that drive engagement and repeat visits.

As duckpin bowling continues to grow in popularity across North America and beyond, Funk Bowling remains committed to helping operators create unforgettable experiences, whether in breweries, entertainment complexes, resorts, or community-driven venues.

The recognition of Old Route 69 Brewery in the 41st Annual BCM Design Awards is not only a celebration of great design, but also a testament to the power of the duckpin bowling alley concept in shaping the future of entertainment.