Bowling Over the Obama White House

Even in during the primary campaign there was talk, spurred on by the candidate himself, that a President Obama would consider replacing the White House bowling alley with a basketball court. I suspect there is not enough space to put in a hoops court--particularly height-wise. The current one-lane bowling alley is located under the driveway of the North Portico. It was installed by Richard Nixon--he and Pat were avid bowlers. The first bowling alley was built as a present to Harry Truman (who was not a bowling fan) in the space now occupied by the Situation Room.

Which brings us to today. A coalition of bowling organizations are offering to completely renovate the White House bowling alley and bring it into the 21st Century. According to their press release: "The enhanced ultra-modern lane would include a completely new technology surface, cutting-edge bowling balls, a top-of-the-line high definition scoring system and light display, a digital stereo sound system, club seating, Bowlopolis kids digital graphics, and modern electronic bumpers."

The current alley is in dire need of a face lift. Such a renovation would be a win-win for the declining bowling industry as well as the White House and the President-elect himself who clearly needs a little practice at the game (he scored a 37 in a March campaign appearance at a Pennsylvania bowling alley). I'm sure there are other spaces inside the White House or elsewhere on the grounds where an indoor basketball court could be constructed.