Hello everybody, remember me? It’s me, Union South. More than likely, you took some of your first steps as a student inside my halls. Remember the excitement waiting in line for your student ID? SOAR brings you in by the hundreds, but after that have you stopped by to say hi?
I’m not the most attractive building on campus. Such is the fate of institutional design. Concrete and glass, I’m forced to view the world from a plain, almost faceless shell.
Inside, however I have a Badger’s soul. I’m still a student union, damnit! And that means you can come here to eat, drink or play, all under the same roof. Try that, Grainger!
Sure, I’m the ugly ducking union. Without a Terrace or a Rathskeller, it is easy to forget about me. Many of you have, but I think I can lure you back.
Perhaps my biggest surprise is bowling. Located in the basement, my bowling alley is the closest to campus.
There is more than one way to play. You can be a part of an intramural league, which competes throughout the semester nearly every night of the week. Thursday night’s leagues tend to be the rowdiest, and the hardest to get into.
I do this thing called “Radioactive Bowling” on some league nights. The overhead lights come off, the black lights on, and pump in some good music. It’s no club, but the glow-in-the-dark colors combined with the noise of pins falling to a beat is a neat touch.
Open bowling is available to everybody when the leagues aren’t ruling the roost. I open at 11:00 a.m., charge a measly $2.75 per game, and another $1.50 for shoe rental. On Sunday nights, I can score you an even better deal – $9.75 per hour per lane. The number of people you bring is up to you.
Bowling is a great social game. You don’t have to be good to make it worthwhile. The good bowlers are naturally fun to watch, but those without as much talent tend to be pretty interesting as well. Who cares if you haven’t gone bowling since middle school ? it is worth the risk!
People all around are having fun, drinking beers (provided they are of age, wink, wink), and enjoying themselves. And guess what? I have a pretty good beer selection, too!
On tap you can get Miller Lite, MGD, Leinie’s Honey and Red, and Great Dane. At 16 ounces, these go for $2.75 to $3.50.
Unfortunately, pitchers are only available to the league members. This is a new policy, and I didn’t want to change, but such is life. Members can score these from $6.50 to $8.50.
There is a great choice of bottled beers, including Heineken, Guinness, Optimator, and Spotted Cow. These priced similarly with the taps, at $2.75 to $3.75.
Although I’m extremely partial to Wisconsin products, I do sell this neat Budweiser bottle in the shape of a bowling pin. You see, only bowling alleys can sell these. They make a cool memento, and only run $2.75.
Beer goes with bowling like salt does with pretzels. It simply is made for each other. I know, however, that some of you are picky but I aim to please! As such, try a Smirnoff Ice or a wine cooler if you desire.
Sure, bowling might not be viewed as the “coolest” thing to do. But aren’t we a little old for that perspective? You came here as an uncool freshman and now look how you’ve grown!
I won’t win a beauty contest, but I think I’m proof to the adage that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Come on down, kick back a few and roll the rock with some friends. I’ll be waiting with open arms and hope to see you soon.
Bartime will bring you next week the true tale of a bar that is also a flea market. It might be an odd combo, but it works. Cheers!
Meet Your Bartender
Bartime’s weekly Q & A at the featured bar
Name: Scott Erickson
How long working at Union South: Since January 2000.
Year in school / major: Will be finishing up the 5-year accounting program in May
Favorite beer: Spotted Cow, available for $3.25
Favorite drink not available at Union South: “Anything mixed!”
High game: “I’ve hit a perfect 300 several times.”
Big Lebowski or Kingpin: “Big Lebowski — the best bowling movie ever made.”
Most interesting bowling league team name: “Three D’s and a V”
Craziest thing witness at the Union South bowling alley: “When the league season ends, the champions have a tendency to lose their clothing when they pose for pictures.”