Duckpins Return to Norfolk – Sort of

Circuit Social is the new kid on the block. Opened just before Memorial Day 2019, the establishment boasts current and vintage arcade games that run 25-50 cents per game, craft beer, and duckpin bowling.

There are 10 lanes installed by Infinity Bowl that are 32 feet long, use rubberband duckpins with string pinsetters, and regulation balls. There are no approaches which speeds up games and eliminates the need to stock and care for bowling shoes. Rubberband pins were chosen to reduce the noise level.

By early June, Circuit Social was still pretty crowded. The owner, Robert Lupica, has two other locations in Richmond, but they do not feature any type of duckpin bowling. He said he plans to open additional locations throughout the Southeast with planning already underway for Charlotte and Atlanta. Thew new venues will focus more on “social” games, such as duckpin bowling.

“I think things repeat themselves in culture and things come back. It changes maybe a tad.” he said. “I think it’s the same thing with the millennials and the parents. They want the ‘old school.’ They want that nostalgia feel.”

The Virginian Pilot – Want some nostalgia with that beer? Arcade bar industry hits Norfolk.