With no plans to close, State College bowling alley starts search for new owners
A property featuring a State College family entertainment center is up for grabs as its ownership group explores a potential sale.
Northland Bowl and its adjoining restaurant and motel, located at 1521 Martin St., are on the market, according to a listing published this week by Bennett Williams Commercial Real Estate. The listing offers “a rare opportunity to acquire a fully operational, multi-income investment property in the heart of State College,” listing agent Kandy Weader wrote online.
Fred Sahakian, part of the property’s ownership group, said there are no plans to close Northland Bowl or its adjoining restaurant and motel. Instead, the group is exploring a potential sale as one owner prepares to retire.
“After having it for 30-something years, the last thing I would want to see is closing a place where hundreds if not thousands of State College residents met their spouses, went on first dates or had fun with their families,” Sahakian said.
The 37,500-square-foot complex features a 32-lane bowling alley alongside the Arena Bar & Grill restaurant. The 3.25-acre property also includes a 16-room motel and a cellular tower that provides passive income through a long-term lease, according to the listing.
No asking price is included in the property’s real estate listing.
The property has implemented significant upgrades to its bowling equipment in recent years and remodeled its motel. Sahakian said 2025 was one of the entertainment center and motel’s best business years on record, and 2026 is off to a strong start.
Sahakian recalled efforts to rebuild the bowling alley in 1994, shortly after a roof collapse caused by heavy snow. He said the property has undergone many changes over the years — including the rebranding of its once-beloved country/western bar, The Last Cowboy — but stands the test of time as a landmark entertainment center.
“It’s a part of State College,” he said.
Northland Bowl stands at the only bowling alley in State College. Bellefone Lanes, the 24-lane bowling alley in Bellefonte, reopened in 2023 following extensive repairs and remains the only other bowling alley in Centre County.
Northland Bowl is open from 11 a.m. to midnight Tuesday through Sunday and from 5 p.m. to midnight on Mondays. The bowling alley offers a wide range of leagues and tournaments, plus an on-site arcade and dedicated spaces for birthday parties and get-togethers.
This story was originally published March 2, 2026 at 5:41 AM.
%202.JPG)