One of the best ways to fuel a healthy competitive fire between friends is a nice old-fashioned game of bowling. What could be more fun than throwing back a round of beers as you bond with your buddies while maybe even making some new friends? And at Pinz Bowling Center, you really never know who just might be bowling in that lane next to you.



Back when it was known as Kirkwood Bowl in the '50s, the bowling alley attracted Hollywood legends like James Dean and William Holden. The legacy continues as celebrities from Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake to Shaquille O‚Neal still flock to the entertainment center.



Having completed an extensive remodel in 2003, Pinz boasts 32 bowling lanes, each complete with 32-inch scoring monitors which display cheesy, yet funny, 3D graphics and clips whenever you get a spare or strike. Decorating the wall space above the lanes is an eye-catching 200-foot mural of L.A. landmarks.





Although the wait for a lane can be quite long, especially on a weekend evening, there are a lot of other things in Pinz to keep you busy. Their arcade has over 81 games to choose from, including state-of-the-art car racing, shooting galleries, pinball machines, virtual tennis and everyone‚s favorite (or not) ˆ Dance Dance Revolution. The game room also has air hockey and pool tables.



If video games aren‚t really your thing, than just walk past the sales counter through a glass door to a full-service bar and Jerry's Famous Deli. Here you‚ll be able to relax while watching a sporting event on one of their big screens or fill your belly before you kick your friends‚ butts on the lane.



If your competitive spirit is a little too much for your pals to handle, look into the array of daytime leagues Pinz hosts. There‚s a league for every age and playing level.



What really attracts young crowds to the bowling alley is Club Pinz, the center‚s version of Rock 'n‚ Bowl. Four times a week, you can experience the ultimate in sensory overload. The latest radio hits vibrate your ears as your eyes try to focus on the glow-in-the-dark pins amidst strobe lights, disco balls and lasers.

Don‚t ask me how you‚re supposed to concentrate on actually getting the ball down the lane. You‚ll probably be more interested in checking out who‚s in that lane next to you anyway!

Hours: Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-2 a.m., Sun 9 a.m.-1 a.m. For more prices and more information, call (818) 769-7600 or visit www.pinzbowlingcenter.com.