Lucky Strike Entertainment, one of the world’s premier owner-operations of location-based entertainment destinations, today announces that Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, Michigan will officially become AMF Thunderbowl Lanes – uniting two of bowling’s most storied names under one roof. The announcement arrives ahead of the 2026 AMF PBA World Championship finals, airing live on CBS and Paramount+ on Saturday, June 13 at 1:00 PM ET.
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The finals will take place at the rebranded AMF Thunderbowl Lanes, a 90-lane facility and PBA Tour staple. The PBA Tour has experienced unprecedented growth this season, surging to over 6 million viewers and ranked as the #4 sport across linear TV. Blending its championship heritage with a new visual identity-featuring updated signage, refreshed interiors, and a bold Americana palette-the center offers a glimpse into AMF’s larger summer evolution.
AMF has been an American institution since 1900, the brand that engineered and brought the automatic pinsetter to the world and launched the modern era of bowling. Thunderbowl Lanes has hosted the USBC Masters and stands as one of the PBA Tour’s most storied and celebrated stops. Together, they form AMF Thunderbowl Lanes: one of bowling’s most iconic names united with one of its most decorated houses.
“Thunderbowl Lanes has been the gold standard for championship bowling in this country for decades. AMF has been the foundation of the sport itself for generations. Bringing them together under one name isn’t just a rebrand – it’s a statement about where bowling has been and where we’re taking it. We couldn’t think of a better stage than the PBA World Championship finals on CBS to share that with the world,” said Thomas Shannon, Founder, CEO and President, Lucky Strike Entertainment.
The PBA World Championship is one of the five “major” titles on the PBA Tour and is the ultimate test of a bowler’s versatility – a multi-pattern qualifying format that filters the world’s best down to a stepladder final. This year’s field features elite competitors from approximately 22 nations.
EJ Tackett enters in pursuit of an unprecedented fourth consecutive World Championship title, having claimed the 2024 title at this very venue. Jason Belmonte, the most decorated bowler in history, claimed his record-breaking 11th major here. Rookie Brandon Bonta has put together one of the most remarkable debut seasons in PBA history, signaling a generational shift captivating the sport’s fast-growing fanbase.
“The PBA World Championship is the ultimate test, with 120 global bowlers competing over 66 games to crown the year’s most complete champion. On June 13, live on CBS and Paramount+, the season’s final major arrives at AMF Thunderbowl Lanes as EJ Tackett pursues a historic fourth consecutive title against a premier field of veterans and rising stars,” said Peter Murray, CEO, Professional Bowlers Association.
The 2026 AMF PBA World Championship kicks off with the play-in stepladder semi-finals at 11 a.m. ET on CBS Sports Network on Saturday, June 13th, before the championship finals go live at 1:00 PM ET on CBS and Paramount+.
About Lucky Strike Entertainment:
Lucky Strike Entertainment is one of the world’s premier location-based entertainment platforms. With over 360 locations across North America, Lucky Strike Entertainment provides experiential offerings in bowling, amusements, water parks, and family entertainment centers. The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a growing media property that boasts millions of fans around the globe. For more information on Lucky Strike Entertainment, please visit IR.LuckyStrikeEnt.com.
About the Professional Bowlers Association:
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) is the major league of bowling and one of the world’s most widely participated individual sports. Founded in 1958, the PBA sanctions tournaments across North America and internationally, with a global audience spanning dozens of countries. The 2026 PBA Tour season culminates at the World Championship Finals on June 13 at AMF Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, Michigan, live on CBS and Paramount+. For more information, visit PBA.com.
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