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Popular Columbia Heights Bowling Alley Closing

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) – A popular Columbia Heights bowling alley that got its start 47 years ago will have to close its doors at the end of the month.

Mady's Bowl and Lounge at 3919 Central Ave. has been struggling for some time. Owner Gene Mady said the facility has to close April 30 because business just isn't what it used to be. He said he had to continuously put his own money into the alley to keep it running, but time has run out.

Mady also said it's difficult for his facility to compete with other bowling centers because they offer more than just bowling.

Mady's Bowl and Lounge has been a fixture in Columbia Heights since 1964. Mady himself became a member of the USBC Hall of Fame in 2006 and set up the first "Las Vegas League," which today still sends leagues to Las Vegas for banquets. Gene Mady's son, Bart Mady, has managed the bowling alley for the past 40 years.

The alley was featured in the TV shows "Bowlarama" and Comedy Central's "Let's Bowl." It was also used for a recreation of the movie "The Big Lebowski." It was also featured in City Pages as one of their best bowling alleys.

The family will host a closing party from noon to midnight on Saturday, April 30.

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