August 17, 2004 > IBA Spotlight

When visitors enter the large building on Grimmer Boulevard near Fremont Boulevard, peals of laughter and shouts of triumph intermingle with the sound of balls rumbling along long lanes towards groups of ten "pins." Since 1963, when David and Marian Hillman opened the 20-lane Cloverleaf Family Bowl, this Fremont landmark has been a source of action and family fun. Subsequent expansions have increased the number of "lanes" to its present "friendly 44" and throughout the ensuing years, this family owned business has remained a testament to community commitment and involvement. Currently a joint effort of the Hillman and Chambers families continues the tradition of strong community support and unwavering service to its family of employees and customers.

Special Events and Food and Beverage Manager Lee Greenfield says that although Cloverleaf Family Bowl is a bowling center catering to the sport, there are a number of other amenities at the center to attract non-bowlers as well. A sports lounge with TV's and pool tables, Perky's Pizza and food court plus a game room filled with electronic challenges for young and old. Meeting rooms are available for parties and civic groups as well.

Of course, the major attraction at Cloverleaf Family Bowl is bowling. For those who have never bowled or been absent from the lanes for a long time, many welcome changes have been introduced to this sport. Lane and ball construction have eased entry for newcomers and automatic scoring machines require no math skills or technical expertise to keep score. The friendly staff at Cloverleaf Family Bowl is available to make your first visit enjoyable and ensure that many repeat visits will follow.

Although some bowl solo, leagues are a popular means for many to enjoy the sport. Leagues are active throughout the year and include all age and skill groups giving participants an opportunity to have fun in an inexpensive social atmosphere where anyone can participate with friends or friends-to-be. Couples and families find that bowling can provide a fun evening of activity whether in league play or as an occasional activity.

Young children can share the thrill of watching their bowling ball move purposely towards the pins with certainty when bumpers are inflated to automatically reject "gutter balls." Every lane in the facility is equipped with inflatable bumpers that can inflate or deflate automatically depending upon whose turn it is to bowl. Families with small children can ask for bumpers to inflate automatically when it's their turn at the lane. "Glow Bowling" is a popular late night attraction at Cloverleaf Family Bowl when glowing balls hurtle down darkened lanes while fog swirls and a state of the art sound and light system complete the scene.

Each year, "the largest single day tournament in the world for scholarships" - the Hillman Memorial Tournament - is held at Cloverleaf Family Bowl to raise money for scholarships. This year, the tournament will be held on Sunday, September 5th. Each year, between $30,000 and $40,000 is given to students at this tournament.

Lee mentions that Cloverleaf Family Bowl can handle groups from small to very large. "This is an activity that can cater to individuals, groups and corporate events. It is something everyone can do. We have league play for all ages and talents including families who can bowl and compete together. Cloverleaf Family Bowl even has a league of about sixty bowlers who are in their eighties!"

For more information about Cloverleaf Family Bowl, stop by and talk with Lee (special events), Mike or Jason (Youth Activities) or Rene (Senior Activities).

The Irvington Business Association is proud to highlight Cloverleaf Family Bowl as its Business of the Month.

Cloverleaf Family Bowl
40645 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
(510) 656-4411
www.cloverleafbowl.com