The Fowling Warehouse has opened a new location in Ypsilanti, giving the Washtenaw County community a new place to play games and enjoy time with their whole family.

Fowling is a game that consists of two or more people throwing a football at 10 bowling pins and continues until all pins are knocked down. This game also does not require keeping score, and there are no frames to aim the ball at.

Originating from a mash-up of football and bowling between friends at a tailgate party in 2001, fowling has since gained popularity throughout the U.S.

Two of the owners of the Fowling Warehouse, Scott Brown and Scott Love, have had plans of building the Ypsilanti warehouse since 2017. 

“We wanted to bring the communities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti together,” Love said. “We wanted to introduce the game to this area.”

Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo was a part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the grand opening on Thursday, April 14.

“It’s a great way for people to come together,” Stumbo said. “We’re so happy for the redevelopment of the Farmer Jack's that was here and vacant for almost a decade, that we have something with such high energy and opportunity for people to work, play, and enjoy.”

The game is considered open play on a first come, first serve basis and is an activity for a group of people to have fun together.

“For larger groups, parties, whether it is a graduation or birthday party or a work outing, we can accommodate,” Love said.

The lanes are available to be reserved if needed for two hours with up to 10 people in a group. It is recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of a reservation. 

Over 100 selections of craft beer or choice of non-alcoholic beverages are offered at the warehouse for clients to enjoy. One of the unique features of the Fowling Warehouse would be the ‘bring your own food’ factor. Customers will be given the chance to bring their own food in, whether they choose to have it picked up or delivered straight to the warehouse.

“What do you want to eat? You order it, cater it, or whatever you want, it’s up to you,” Brown said.

There are six fowling warehouses in the U.S. Two are corporate warehouses in Detroit and Grand Rapids, and the remaining four warehouses are in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Atlanta, and now Ypsilanti.

The Fowling Warehouse will also be hosting a summer league program, starting on June 7 and running for four consecutive weeks. The league is open to those with and without experience, and the winner of the league will go to the American Fowling Association Championships in 2023.

The Fowling Warehouse is located at 3050 Washtenaw Avenue. Those interested in playing a few games or attending one of their other events can visit their website.

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