About Thunderbird Bowl

       Thunderbird Bowl was built and opened in 1964.

     Thunderbird Bowl has been owned and operated by Nadine Oppliger since 1974. Nadine is a member of the Wichita USBC and Kansas State Womens USBC Hall of Fame. Nadine was named the WIBC Bowling Proprietor of the Year in 2004. She is also in the USBC record books for shooting a 826 series at the age of 67. Sadly Nadine passed away in 2009 at the age of 80, and will be truly missed by all.

Thunderbird is currently being operated by Nadine's daughter Jodi Bartman. Just like her mother, Jodi has a extensive bowling background. Jodi is also a member of both the Wichita and the Kansas State bowling hall of fame.  Jodi has won many bowling titles, bowled numerous honor scores and was named the Wichita bowler of the year 3 times. Jodi is currently serving as the President of the Sedgwick County Bowling Proprietors Assoc.

     Thunderbird Bowl has hosted numerous City and  State Bowling tournament as well as the 2008 Kansas State High School Championship tournament.

      In 2004 Thunderbird Bowl was the host center for the team event of the 85th WIBC National Championship Tournament. Over 40,000 bowlers competed here representing all 50 states and many different countries.

     Thunderbird Bowl currently hosts a Professional Bowlers Association Mid-West Regional Tournament every year in June, and is now in its seventh season.

Thunderbird Trivia!           Most people do not know that in 1965 Dick Weber picked up the 5-7 split on lane 20 to win the 1965 PBA Thunderbird Open.