STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Showplace Bowling Center, the last remaining piece of the once bustling Showplace Entertainment Center in Travis, is closing. According to an employee who answered the phone at the establishment, the last day of business will be Monday, Aug. 31.
Originally opened in 1987, Showplace was once one of the largest bowling alleys in the metropolitan area. At its launch, it featured 64 lanes, two lounges and both a bowling and golf pro shop. The surrounding entertainment center offered a full-service restaurant, pizzeria, jewelry store, ice cream shop, Tickettron outlet and multiplex theater with 10 screens.
Showplace’s arrival in the borough was celebrated with a black-tie, celebrity-filled gala attended by O.J. Simpson. The bowling alley closed its doors in September 1998 but reopened as a 32-lane site in 2004…