Hibbing Bowling Center

The Hibbing Bowling Center (HBC) has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1953 by Francis (Fritz) Vonderhaar. Originally equipped with 12 lanes and the Northern Hotel above, HBC quickly became a staple in the community of Hibbing, Minnesota. In 1957, HBC made significant strides by installing automatic pin setters, which are still used today. This was followed by another milestone in 1974 when HBC became one of the first bowling alleys in the United States to implement two-lane automatic scorers, eliminating the need for manual scorekeeping.

In the late 1970s, Fritz obtained a liquor license from the city of Hibbing and added the Thirteenth Frame bar. Throughout the years, HBC continued to evolve with updates such as AS 80 Auto Scorers in 1988 and a major renovation led by Fritz's eight children in 2002. This renovation included modernizing the interior with new wood siding, updated furniture, and improved aesthetics.

Further enhancements were made with the addition of touchscreen Frame Works Auto Scoring screens in 2003 and new HD monitor screens over the alleys. The final stage of renovations took place in 2010 when The Thirteenth Frame underwent a complete facelift to match the overall aesthetic of HBC.

In addition to these improvements, HBC also saw upgrades to its mainframe computer system in 2014 to ensure it had access to cutting-edge technology from Brunswick.

Throughout its long history, HBC has remained committed to providing an exceptional bowling experience for its patrons while adapting to modern advancements and evolving tastes. With each update and renovation, HBC has continued to uphold its legacy as a premier bowling destination in Hibbing, Minnesota.