Work Begins On Gonzales Wal-Mart-Turned-Bowling Alley

GONZALES, La. (AP) — An old Wal-Mart building in Gonzales is being turned into a 26-lane bowling alley and other family entertainment.

The Advocate reports that Malco Theatres Inc. of Memphis, Tenn., expects to have the new center open by the end of the year.

Senior vice president Rick Bourgeois says the project has been in development for two years. He says it also will include a six-lane party center and a children's area with bumper cars, a laser maze and an arcade.

Bourgeois says Malco will include four projection screens in hopes of attracting groups to watch LSU or New Orleans Saints football games. He says it also plans to add a movie complex, possibly as early as next year.

Malco has four bowling alleys in Louisiana, including two in Baton Rouge.