Our History
Back to the Beginning:
It all started in 1954 when Putt-Putt® was founded in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Back then, it only cost 25¢ per round of golf!
All in the Family:
The Smith family has been in the business of family entertainment since 1964 starting with Ken Smith, who purchased the first Dallas location of Putt-Putt in 1969. Since then, the family has purchased 2 other locations in Ft. Worth, Texas for a total of 7 locations in the years following 1969.
We’re proud to say that Putt-Putt® has grown from a small family owned business of only golf courses to the center we know and love today! Since 1988, this has grown to include batting cages and eventually arcade games. But, the dream didn’t stop there. The land next to Putt-Putt® sat vacant for years until Brian Smith had an epiphany while driving one rainy day in 2003. That was the start of Alley Cats Entertainment, and the 6 ½ acres of fun.
Perfect Match
Brian met Connie Smith in 1988 while both were working at the Ft. Worth Putt-Putt® location. Growing up in the industry and as a Jr. League Putter, he always had an avid interest in the industry. While Connie, who joined the team in 1985, worked toward a degree from TCU. Both graduated with degrees and soon began to take on more responsibility in the business after they married.
Alley Cats Entertainment made its grand premier on January 18th, 2007 with only 58 employees. Our General Manager, Jay Trietley has been with the center since the start, and is proud to still manage today as we approach the 10-year mark. With over 40 years of experience in the bowling industry, Jay began working in traditional bowling centers and his love of bowling eventually turned into management. He made the leap to Alley Cats Entertainment after he met with the Smiths on their dream of a bowling center of the future right here in Arlington.
The center took off with a fervor as the community was introduced to a family centered entertainment concept the Smith’s are still proud to hone today. Alley Cats Entertainment has now doubled in size since that first day!
Pride in the Product
Today, Alley Cats Entertainment prides itself on being THE family destination in Arlington. Consistently voted as the top place to host a birthday party, as well as being top ranked on many review sites, it is held in high esteem within the Arlington community. Alley Cats Entertainment has garnered a special place within the community of special needs, and non-profit organizations by always giving back where it counts. We believe that it is customer service alone that sets the business apart from others in the area -which is why we rely heavily on word of mouth. You won’t see any big billboards for Alley Cats Entertainment around the city! We are proud to offer a clean and personalized experience at an indoor facility, and will continue to do so for many more years!
Alley Cats is a 40,000 square foot entertainment center founded in 2007 in Arlington, Texas. Located next door to the historic Putt-Putt® of Arlington off of I-20 between Cooper & Bowen Streets. Space for up to 920 as well as private party rooms and a large banquet room are available for any event.
Open every day of the year, Alley Cats houses 24 ten-pin Brunswick A2 Bowling Machines. All bowling lanes are equipped with lights for Cosmic Bowling every day of the week. Smart Sizing Bowling Balls are available to enable the perfect bowling game for any player. Ramps and bumpers are offered for our smaller bowlers as well. Plush leather couches, stylish low rise tables, and retro lighting fixtures take the place of traditional bowling seats and fluorescent lighting. A modern customizable scoring system displays on 50 inch screens overhead. While music videos, or your favorite sports team play at the end of each lane on 14ft x 22ft screens. Click here to view bowling prices and specials.
Alley Cats Snack and Dine-In Kitchen offers traditional bowling alley staples as well as fresh takes on the traditional items. Click here to view the full Dine-In Menu offered every day.
Beyond this menu we also offer a full catering menu that may be paired with any package or event. Couple Parmesan Chicken with Angel Hair pasta or Pork Tenderloin with a night out or a day time meeting through our sales department. Click here to contact a sales representative.
Recently revamped and reimagined, our laser tag arena hosts laser tag battles for up to 30 people every 15 minutes. Designed by Laser Force, the arena boasts hand painted glowing artwork throughout 2 stories of twists and turns. Modern laser tag vests allow players the freedom to control their individual experience. Each vest interacts with a player’s individual shot or motion. Players can Click here to view laser tag pricing and specials.
Housing the hottest new arcade games, we are always updating and improving the spacious game room. All games can be played with an Alley Cats game card with points purchased anywhere in the building. Game cards are good for activities like laser tag, rock climbing, Putt-Putt® golf, and batting cages as well. Game cards do not expire for up to 2 years. We house over 100+ arcade seats at any given time. Most games award tickets that may be redeemed at our Redemption Center. Prizes range from candy to plasma TVs or even gaming consoles like X-Box. Click here to view game card pricing and specials.
Scale the 3-story rock climbing wall for a view of the venue you won’t see anywhere else. Rock climbing is designed for up to 3 climbers at a time with racing to the top in mind. This activity is perfect for adults and children alike. Click here to view rock climbing pricing and information.
To provide families with a
safe, clean, wholesome entertainment venue
where they can have an enjoyable experience
for a reasonable cost in their own community.
