Rialto, CA - The Orange Bowl is a roadside treasure not just because it represents a past where bowling alleys were a prime form of family entertainment. This bowling alley is also noteworthy because it sits right along Route 66, the Mother Road. 04-05

Orange Bowl (Demolished)
Rialto, CA
Photo courtesy David Carrasco

Check out the orange above Orange Bowl in Rialto. Along Foothill Boulevard, this bowling marquee gave old Route 66 a colorful invitation to pull over for a few games. White pins, an oversized orange ball, and red “BOWL” lettering made quite a combination. Apparently even the fruit was ready for league night.

After dark, the neon added another splash of color to the boulevard. Even without plans to bowl, there was a reason to stop for a photograph. Signs like this helped make the drive interesting between destinations.

Inside, league bowlers and families came for a different kind of entertainment. Someone might be chasing a personal best while the next lane was simply hoping to avoid the gutter. The center became a familiar gathering place through years of regular visits.

Unfortunately, the old abandoned building has also been graffiti, waste, drug paraphernalia, and unknown visitors. According to the July 10, 2007 article in the San Bernardino County Sun, the City of Rialto now wants the building brought up to code or taken down, which the property owner supports. 07-07

Orange Bowl close up and building
Rialto, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Unfortunately, the building spent years vacant after the bowling business closed. Its condition deteriorated, and city code enforcement eventually required repairs or demolition. The lanes disappeared, followed by the sign that had advertised them.

UPDATE: Here are a couple of photos of the Orange Bowling Alley sign and building, located in San Bernardino. In it's heyday, this bowling alley was a favorite among many bowlers in the area. Unfortunately, this bowling alley looks like it's ready to be gone for good, judging by the fencing around the building. Another Route 66 icon is closed and may soon disappear. Many thanks to David Carrasco for info. 04-05

UPDATE: Just saw this on the Route 66 News blog. In the Route 66 town known for its Wigwam motels, the Orange Bowl may be an afterthought. The Orange Bowl along old Route 66 in Rialto, CA has been closed for about two decades, serving a reminder to the past when large tall bowling alley signs were almost common in every town. 07-07

Orange Bowl close up and building
Rialto, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

UPDATE: An unconfirmed report from the street as stated that the Orange Bowl sign has been removed. 04-08

UPDATE: Not only has the sign been removed, but so has the building. It was razed in early 2008 and is now just a dirt covered vacant lot. (The Church's chicken still remains on the corner) It appears plans were for a Fresh and Easy store to be built on the property. Many thanks to Tim for update. 12-08

Orange Bowl (Demolished)
Rialto, CA
Photo courtesy David Carrasco

UPDATE: Just saw this on the Route 66 News blog. In the Route 66 town known for its Wigwam motels, the Orange Bowl may be an afterthought. The Orange Bowl along old Route 66 in Rialto, CA has been closed for about two decades, serving a reminder to the past when large tall bowling alley signs were almost common in every town. 07-07

UPDATE: Orange Bowl at 1621 West Foothill Boulevard was demolished following code enforcement action initiated in July 2007. Its neon marquee was reported removed by early 2008, taking another landmark out of the Route 66 scene. 10-26

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