The Wabash Cannon Bowl, located in the lower level of the K-State Student Union, will be celebrating its recent equipment upgrade with a ribbon cutting this Friday. Representatives from the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and the Union will be on hand to officially introduce the new system to campus and the community.

The upgrades implemented new cutting-edge QubicaAMF EDGE string pinsetters, the latest innovation in the industry. The project not only replaced the aging pinsetter machines but also included the installation of new gutters and capping, a state-of-the-art scoring system and bowling ball returns. Cost of the project totaled $500,000 and utlilized remaining funds from the 2015-17 Your Union Renovation and the Union’s annual repair and replacement allocation. 

The Union will also introduce the new center manager, Austin Donovan. Donovan was selected to the position in October and is repsonsible for overseeing all aspects of the Union's bowling operations including staff responsibilities, fiscal management, food and beverage services and property maintenance. He has worked in bowling centers since his childhood as his family owned a center in Russell, Kan. Donovan bowled collegiately at Newman University and he has managed centers in Hutchinson and Salina, Kan.

The event will be from 4 - 6 p.m., Friday Jan. 31 with remarks at 4:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy free bowling and free samples from Hunt Brothers Pizza.

The improvements and new management will provide an excellent patron experience and features more than 150 different bowling games from which customers can choose. The center looks forward to welcoming customers back and showcasing the improvements made.

The Union’s mission is to serve all, especially students, with facilities that provide services, programs, leadership experiences and educational opportunities which foster a sense of wellbeing and belonging in an inclusive community.