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As a presidential candidate in 2008, Barack Obama vowed to tear out the White House bowling alley and install a basketball court if he won the election. However, once he became the 44th President of the United States, he reconsidered his decision. The two-lane bowling alley, situated in the basement of the White House, was a personal project of Truman's. Known for his love of the game, Truman wanted to have a place where he could relax and unwind in between his presidential duties. Bowling has a long-standing tradition in the White House, with several presidents enjoying the sport during their time in office.
Reserving the White House Bowling Alley
Your host will send you a link where you can fill out your personal details to submit for the background check. No one in my group of 20 had any issues with the background check; it’s not a security clearance, just a background check. However, Truman himself was not a big fan of bowling, and he rarely used the alley. Eventually, the alley was relocated to the Old Executive Office Building as a gift to the White House staffers in 1955.
What Sports Facilities Are in the White House?
By comparison, only 60 visitors to the White House since 2009 came to use the presidential basketball court, records show. There were no names listed as visitors headed for the official swimming pool. They are primarily used by White House staff and their guests, as well as visiting dignitaries. It’s a rare opportunity for most people to experience these historic lanes. Our friendly and professional staff are always on hand to help you with anything.
President Truman Poses in the White House Bowling Alley with Paraplegic Veterans
Located in the East Wing, this office is where all the invitations, place cards, and greetings for formal events are created. Sign up now to learn about This Day in History straight from your inbox. Get all of today's events in just one email featuring a range of topics. Truman did not use the alley much himself, but supported a group of White House employees in forming a White House Bowling League in 1950.
It’s not every day you get to bowl in a place where past presidents have unwinded and socialized with their staff. Thousands of people have visited the White House Bowling Alley, many of which are super high profile people who are outspoken. According to a former Biden administration official, the 2-lane bowling alley isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Now, as for aesthetics – though it’s a very cool bowling alley, it looks different than many may expect. It’s a relatively modest, intimate 1-lane alley with a sleek, yet homey aesthetic to it. As of 2019, with recent renovations, it featured gorgeous navy blue sofas, wooden cabinets, and red, white, and blue bowling balls.
Over the years, the White House has undergone numerous renovations and additions, but the bowling alley has remained a cherished feature. It stands as a testament to the personal touches that presidents have added to the iconic residence, making it their own. During the midst of bowling’s Golden Age, even the White House came down with bowling fever!
White House basement
He was using Truman’s old bowling alley so much that he decided to have a one-lane bowling alley built within the White House itself in 1973, under the portico. Today, when people reference the White House bowling alley, they are usually referring to the Harry S. Truman Bowling Alley in the Old Executive Office Building, not the one in the actual White House. Throughout US history, first families have made the space their own. One of the most exclusive two-lane bowling alleys in America, the Harry S. Truman Bowling Alley entertains thousands of White House staffers and guests each year.
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Instead, these seemed to be lifted up by the string attached to them. Once you reach the bowling alley, you’ll be greeted by a clean and well-maintained facility. I have heard that they have redone it sometime in the past several years. While it’s not luxurious in the general sense, it kind of is for a bowling alley. It is not a glamorous setting, but it does make you feel like you’re in some hidden spot that no one else can go. When the day of your bowling adventure arrives, you will need to go through the security checkpoints at the White House.
On the campaign trail in April 2008, Obama was ribbed for rolling a measly 37 at a Pennsylvania bowling alley. White House staff and their guests, as well as visiting dignitaries and approved members of the general public. All things considered, you may get onto the White House lanes and be mesmerized by the sights and sounds. Though, they wouldn’t turn down an invite, they do say that a certain chain of bowling centers offers a better experience. Police arrested a suspect nearby and recovered a firearm, Kyle said.
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about the White House and its bowling alleys. We hope you found all the information you were looking for and we wish you the best as you explore all things bowling! If you’re a beginner and want to learn more about bowling, start here. In 1969, during President Nixon’s time and the golden era of bowling, the second White House Bowling Alley was constructed.
Going bowling at the White House is a once-in-a-lifetime thing to do in DC that you don’t want to miss. Because we were the last reservation of the day on a Friday night, we had the benefit of not being rushed out. Even for those working in the administration, a reservation can be pretty challenging, as they are in high demand. Reservations are released to staffers so that they can make a reservation, but they’re not release at the same time every day. If you know someone who works at the White House, they’ll need to be on top of the schedule and refreshing it to see when new spots become available.
Another place presidents and their families can relax is at the one-lane bowling alley. The first bowling alley was opened in April 1947 as a gift to Harry Truman. However, in 1955, it moved to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. In 2008, presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke about taking out the bowling alley and installing a basketball court when elected. President Harry S. Truman officially opens the first White House bowling alley on April 25, 1947. The two-lane bowling alley, situated in the basement of the White House, became an iconic addition to the historic residence.
President Harry S. Truman oversaw the construction of the two-lane White House bowling alley, originally housed in the West Wing itself. Truman himself wasn’t much of a bowler, but the lanes were put to regular use with the formation of the White House Bowling League in 1950. The White House bowling alley has since been moved to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
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