When the Acme supermarket, located at 4314 Locust Street, closes next month, a bowling alley may take its place. While the bowling alley's organizer is excited about the project, students said the March 12 closing of Acme will make shopping more difficult. "It's just going to make Thriftway more crowded," said Wharton senior Ethan Falkove, referring to the supermarket at 43rd and Walnut streets. A manager of Thriftway would not comment on the issue last night. Campus Apartments shuttle driver Fred Fredricks, the main force behind the building of the new bowling alley, said planning for the center is still in the early stages. "I've been trying to set up something for students to do aside from going to the bars," Fredricks said. "It's not really to make a profit. My concern is just trying to help [the students]." Fredricks said the main idea behind the bowling alley is to create an alcohol-free environment for student recreation. Some University officials said that while they supported the idea, they did not know how feasible lending financial support for the project would be. "I think [a bowling alley] is a terrific idea, and I would encourage him to do it," said acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum. She added, though, that "at this point I would rather devote VPUL resources to on-campus [groups,] student organizations, meeting rooms and performing arts spaces." Fredricks said he would still work towards gaining a bowling alley for the community, whether or not the University financially supported the endeavor. He added, however, that finding the funds to build the center is the only major obstacle preventing the bowling alley from becoming a reality. "I think that it could support itself if every person on campus went once," College sophomore Raphael Lee said. Most students said they think a bowling alley is a good idea. "I would totally go bowling over a [fraternity] party," said Lee. "Sit back, pound some beers, knock down pins."
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