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iPlay Australia completes acquisition of Rocky Bowl and Leisure

iPlay Australia completes acquisition of Rocky Bowl and Leisure
May 6, 2022

iPlay Australia has completed its purchase of Rockhampton social entertainment Rocky Bowl and Leisure.

The attraction, has been acquired from brothers John, Peter and Paul McKenna, who ran the Rockhampton landmark for more than 40 years - with the trio now aiming to retire.

iPlay Australia, itself a independent family-owned business, now plans to upgrade the centre with new arcade games, virtual reality experiences and new food and beverage offerings.

Rocky Bowl and Leisure has 22 lanes of bowling and already offers mini golf, bumper cars and laser tag.

John Sophios, founder and Managing Director of iPlay Australia, which currently has 20 locations across the country, commented “Rocky Bowl is a landmark destination in Rockhampton and has been for many years.

“We plan to build on that and improve the overall experience with the latest games and attractions.

“One thing we do not want to do is remove any feeling of community and the localness of the venue - we will continue to run all the bowling leagues and competitions to continue to instil that feeling of togetherness in the Rockhampton region.”

iPlay Australia’s first improvement has seen the removal of the counter for the venue’s redemption store, so customers can walk into the area and ‘touch and feel’ the items that they want to redeem with their game tickets.

John, Peter and Paul McKenna’s first had the squash courts on site and operated North Rocky Squashbowl Centre.

Images: Tenpin bowling (top) and laser tag (below) at Rocky Bowl and Leisure. Credit: Rocky Bowl and Leisure/Facebook.

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