Playdrome bowling alley debuts big makeover The Big Event ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening signifies a new era of entertainment

CHERRY HILL - After more than 50 years of bringing fun to South Jersey, how does a bowling alley become relevant in today's multimedia entertainment world?

By adding more opportunities for fun.

The Big Event, formerly Playdrome of Cherry Hill, unveiled a $2 million renovation Monday and a special peek into the future of the family-friendly entertainment complex.

The two-year renovation signifies a new era for Cherry Hill's lone bowling alley.

Rebranded and renamed, The Big Event offers a one-stop entertainment experience for bowlers in leagues and leisure bowlers, including a VIP section for corporate and social parties; Game Mania, a boardwalk-like arcade featuring over 50 games and a rock climbing wall; and a variety of food at the Café.

Longtime owner Jon Perper, whose father launched Playdrome in the 1960s, spoke about taking what his father founded and transforming it into a place where families and friends, school groups and businesses can enjoy a variety of entertainment experiences.

"We had to change with the times," Perper told the Courier-Post. "A big portion has become entertainment and a big portion of that has become corporate events, birthday parties and wedding rehearsals. We want to be that community gathering spot for everything."

The Big Event entertainment center offers plenty of room for children, teens and adults to have fun and socialize in person, instead of online via mobile devices.

"We have 43,000-square-feet of activity room that takes people away from their busy lives to meet, gather and enjoy people's company — and still play with their phones," public relations consultant Brenda Jorett noted.

Sign unveiling at The Big Event pic.twitter.com/tEoWtw5Oqb — Matthew Flowers (@CP_MFlowers) November 16, 2015

Perper's father established the original Woodcrest Bowling Lanes in Cherry Hill when bowling was at its peak in popularity. In addition to bowling, a popular gym was established by Jim Corea and it became well known as a workout center for the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1970s and '80s. Bob Clarke took over the gym in the mid-'90s until it moved in 2008.

"Our guests can spend their prime time enjoying the best entertainment experience with family and friends any day or night of the week," Perper said.

"During our two-year renovation, we have incorporated many fun activities people of all ages have told us they enjoy in their free time — from the newest and best arcade games, to our billiards rooms, with wait-staff to make your time with us more enjoyable," he added.

As the economy changed, Perper began examining where to take his business.

"That's been the trick over the years," Perper said, noting previous transformations and former names such as Erlton Bowl, The Super Bowl and Playdrome.

"Each name change had a reason and concept behind it. We began with the traditional idea we've always had and now have built upon it with The Big Event," Perper said.

In addition to the 36 traditional bowling lanes, the VIP Memory Lanes is a 10-lane suite fitted to serve private, corporate and group events featuring bowling. While you're waiting for your turn, you can watch your teammates from the comfort of plush couches.

Not into bowling? Game Mania is a 5,000-square-foot arcade where children — and adults — can compete at the latest arcade video games, try their hand at crane play, go rock-climbing and more.

After bowling a few strikes, you can head over to the new billiards hall — a room complete with six Brunswick Crown Tables and two Diamond Pro-Am tables with blue label rails for singles, couples, groups and tournaments.

Lauren Gearhart of Barrington was there for the grand opening. Her four daughters take part in a program at Avon Elementary School where the school buses children to the facility to play games and bowl after school.

"The girls enjoyed it in the past, but now it's an even better family experience with the added arcade and billiards. It's great," she said.

Still to come this year is the grand opening of Erlton Hop House + Kitchen, a future craft bar and kitchen that will include seating for 100-plus.

Matt Flowers; (856) 486-2913; mflowers@gannettnj.com