fter 39 years at Midway Lanes, owner Jim Mellon is ready to say bowling is "bigger and better than ever."

Now, with 52 lanes, an expanded game room and the latest in lighting and sound, Mellon's Midway Lanes on the "Strip" in Mandan is ready for anyone looking for a fun time.

"We're the largest from Michigan to the West Coast," Mellon said. "We can handle anything now."

He said the $6.5-million remodeling should please all types of bowlers. Everyone from old-school league bowlers to those who like the lights and music of Thunder Alley bowling will notice the changes, Mellon said.

"We were able to stay in the business because we were able to change with the business," said Mellon, who can recall hand-setting bowling pins for 9 cents per game when he was 11 years old.

There are four party rooms, a soon-to-open package store and two bars at Midway. One bar is smoke-free and he's named it the B-52 Lounge. "Brunswick is the B and we have 52 bowling lanes, and I do a lot of flying," Mellon said about the name.

Midway Lanes held its grand opening on Saturday.

With all of the improvements at Midway Lanes, one thing has stayed the same - Mellon's bowling tips. His first and foremost advice?

"The biggest thing is don't try to get fancy," he said. "Remember, it's all eye and hand coordination."