A historic space on the campus of South Carolina State University (SCSU) will soon officially reopen to the public. A ribbon-cutting Sunday marked the completion of renovations to Bulldog Lanes in the Kirkland W. Green Student Center.
The venue had been closed for several years, leaving the Orangeburg community without an active bowling alley. Students and the community will be able to enjoy the space once a final piece of equipment is delivered. An exact date has not been determined.
The ribbon-cutting followed the 58th anniversary commemoration of the Orangeburg Massacre. The campus bowling alley was originally built in the early 1970s as a direct response to the 1968 tragedy, which began when students protested the segregation of the city’s only bowling alley, the last segregated business in Orangeburg at the time. Three students were killed and 28 wounded.
The updated six-lane bowling center now features modern bowling technology, refinished lanes and new décor. In addition to serving as a community hub, the facility will also be the home base for SCSU's newly reinstated women's bowling team.