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President Harry S. Truman officially opens the first White House bowling alley on April 19, 1947. The two-lane bowling alley, situated in the West Wing, had been constructed earlier that year. Bowling at the White House is a truly extraordinary experience that allows White House staffers and their guests to enjoy a game in a historic and exclusive setting. While reservations are limited and highly sought after, jump on any opportunity you get.
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He was using Truman’s old bowling alley so much that he decided to have a one-lane bowling alley built within the White House itself in 1973, under the portico. Today, when people reference the White House bowling alley, they are usually referring to the Harry S. Truman Bowling Alley in the Old Executive Office Building, not the one in the actual White House. Throughout US history, first families have made the space their own. One of the most exclusive two-lane bowling alleys in America, the Harry S. Truman Bowling Alley entertains thousands of White House staffers and guests each year.
A BALL!
By comparison, only 60 visitors to the White House since 2009 came to use the presidential basketball court, records show. There were no names listed as visitors headed for the official swimming pool. They are primarily used by White House staff and their guests, as well as visiting dignitaries. It’s a rare opportunity for most people to experience these historic lanes. Our friendly and professional staff are always on hand to help you with anything.
President Harry S. Truman's Legacy: The White House Bowling Alley
The first bowling alley in the White House was installed during President Truman’s administration in 1947. Though America still very much loves bowling, the sport’s popularity did tank a couple of decades ago. Just know that it’s incredibly hard to obtain one – you’ve got to have the right connections by knowing someone on the inside. President Richard Nixon rolls the ball toward the pins in the Old Executive Office Building bowling alley. The Nixons had a one-lane bowling alley built at the White House in 1973. You can bring your own food and drinks (including wine or other alcoholic beverages) and enjoy them in their kitchenette.
As a presidential candidate in 2008, Barack Obama vowed to tear out the White House bowling alley and install a basketball court if he won the election. However, once he became the 44th President of the United States, he reconsidered his decision. The two-lane bowling alley, situated in the basement of the White House, was a personal project of Truman's. Known for his love of the game, Truman wanted to have a place where he could relax and unwind in between his presidential duties. Bowling has a long-standing tradition in the White House, with several presidents enjoying the sport during their time in office.
On the campaign trail in April 2008, Obama was ribbed for rolling a measly 37 at a Pennsylvania bowling alley. White House staff and their guests, as well as visiting dignitaries and approved members of the general public. All things considered, you may get onto the White House lanes and be mesmerized by the sights and sounds. Though, they wouldn’t turn down an invite, they do say that a certain chain of bowling centers offers a better experience. Police arrested a suspect nearby and recovered a firearm, Kyle said.
President Richard Nixon Bowling at the Executive Office Building in 1970
Why George H.W. Bush's presidential papers were sorted in a bowling alley - Tampa Bay Times
Why George H.W. Bush's presidential papers were sorted in a bowling alley.
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Instead, these seemed to be lifted up by the string attached to them. Once you reach the bowling alley, you’ll be greeted by a clean and well-maintained facility. I have heard that they have redone it sometime in the past several years. While it’s not luxurious in the general sense, it kind of is for a bowling alley. It is not a glamorous setting, but it does make you feel like you’re in some hidden spot that no one else can go. When the day of your bowling adventure arrives, you will need to go through the security checkpoints at the White House.
Another place presidents and their families can relax is at the one-lane bowling alley. The first bowling alley was opened in April 1947 as a gift to Harry Truman. However, in 1955, it moved to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. In 2008, presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke about taking out the bowling alley and installing a basketball court when elected. President Harry S. Truman officially opens the first White House bowling alley on April 25, 1947. The two-lane bowling alley, situated in the basement of the White House, became an iconic addition to the historic residence.
The History of Wine and the White House
You can choose from the wall of shoes in a wide variety of sizes, and they supply the balls as well. Of course, if you are a more serious bowler, you can bring your own equipment. I am barely a bowler, so I used the equipment there and had no problem! When you’re done, they have the shoe spray to clean the used bowling shoes. Now that you know about the history of White House bowling, you might be wondering how you can go bowling at the White House. It’s not like other DC attractions that you need to book ahead of time but that anyone can reserve.
The Harry S. Truman Bowling Alley quickly became one of the most exclusive two-lane bowling alleys in America. It provided entertainment for thousands of White House staffers and guests throughout its existence. Presidents, their families, and notable figures have all enjoyed a game or two in this unique recreational space. In contrast, President Nixon was an avid bowler and loved spending time on the lanes when he came into office.
President Trump reportedly called the executive residence a "real dump," but his predecessors have cherished and enhanced its grandeur, including the installation of the iconic bowling alley. The idea of installing a bowling alley in the White House originated from Truman's love for the sport. During his presidency, Truman enjoyed bowling and even had a custom-made bowling ball with the inscription "Harry S. Truman, President of the United States."
This was a one lane alley meant to be a personal alley only for Nixon; he was a huge fan. If you are interested in a food package, please see the Event Packages buffet menu. We require a minimum of 20 guests for our buffet package, and this will require a proposal/contract that we can put together for you. We will require a 50% deposit to finalize reservations with food packages. Any changes to the final guest count must be notified at least 10 days prior to the event.
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