Celebration will feature 70-cent games, 70-cent shoe rentals, prizes, giveaways, and a special homecoming for members of the Genimatas family

PORTSMOUTH– Bowl-O-Rama Family Fun Center will celebrate 70 years of candlepin bowling, family fun, and Portsmouth memories on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026.

The community is invited to mark the milestone with 70-cent games and 70-cent shoe rentals all day, along with prizes and giveaways. Members of the Genimatas family, whose dedication helped shape Bowl-O-Rama for more than six decades, will also return for the celebration.

Bowl-O-Rama opened in September 1956, when Bill Genimatas established the center with partners Ernest Marinos and Dr. Henry Robbins. Over the decades, it grew into a Portsmouth institution known not only for candlepin bowling, but also for leagues, youth programs, major competitions, scholarships, family celebrations, and the friendships formed on its lanes.

In 1979, Bowl-O-Rama was selected to host the International Candlepin Bowling Association Youth Candlepin Championship. The center continued welcoming young bowlers from across New England and the Canadian Maritimes for decades, helping strengthen the next generation of candlepin bowling.

Bart and Mary-Lynne Maderios took ownership in 2018, beginning a new chapter for the longtime local business. Since then, Bowl-O-Rama has continued to grow as a Seacoast entertainment destination, combining its candlepin tradition with modern scoring, comfortable lane seating, an expanded arcade, Shenanigans restaurant and bar, laneside food and drinks, and flexible party and group experiences. These updates have created even more ways for families, friends, and groups to enjoy Bowl-O-Rama while preserving the New England game at its heart.

“Seventy years is an incredible milestone, but what makes it truly meaningful is the generations of people who have made Bowl-O-Rama part of their lives,” said the Maderios family. “We are honored to celebrate the Genimatas family and everyone who helped build this tradition. We are equally excited to see new families, friends, and bowlers continuing to make memories here today.”

For many local residents, Bowl-O-Rama has been the setting for childhood outings, league nights, first dates, birthday parties, friendly rivalries, personal bests, and family traditions passed from one generation to the next.

The Sept. 7 celebration will honor that history while inviting the community to be part of Bowl-O-Rama’s next chapter.

Event Details

Monday, Sept. 7, 2026
Bowl-O-Rama Family Fun Center
599 Lafayette Road
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

• 70-cent games all day
• 70-cent shoe rentals all day
• Prizes and giveaways
• Special appearance by members of the Genimatas family

Families, longtime customers, league bowlers, former employees, and community members are encouraged to attend and help celebrate seven decades of Bowl-O-Rama memories.

About Bowl-O-Rama Family Fun Center

Bowl-O-Rama Family Fun Center has been bringing people together in Portsmouth since 1956. The locally owned entertainment center offers candlepin bowling, arcade games, Shenanigans restaurant and bar, laneside service, weekly specials, leagues, birthday parties, corporate outings, and group events. Bowl-O-Rama is located at 599 Lafayette Road in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.