Tulsa in Tulsa County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Rose Bowl Lanes

7914 E. 11th St.

— Tulsa's Historic Route 66 —

Rose Bowl Lanes Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 22, 2019

1. Rose Bowl Lanes Marker

Inscription. Rose Bowl Lanes was constructed in 1962. Architect William Henry Ryan based the unique design on concrete bomb shelters he had seen in Germany during World War I. The free-standing reinforced concrete structure did not need interior supports and could easily house multiple bowling lanes. The unique structure with its two symmetrical concrete domes, bubble gum pink color, and soaring windows quickly became a hotspot when it opened in 1962 as the Rose Bowl Lanes. Boasting audience seating, a game room, food counter and other traditional elements of the 10-pin heyday, it not only drew many locals but also became known for its regional bowling tournaments, drawing people from all over the country. The distinct design and color made it stand out to passers-by on Route 66.

For 45 years, the building entertained bowling enthusiasts along Route 66, changing ownership several times throughout the years until it was purchased by bowling giant AMF. In 2005, the bowling center closed its doors.

Erected 2019 by Tulsa Route 66 Commission. (Marker Number 2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Sports. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1962.

Location.

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36° 8.892′ N, 95° 53.661′ W. Marker is in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in Tulsa County. It is on East 11th Street east of South 73rd Avenue E, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7419 East 11th Street, Tulsa OK 74112, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Muscogee Nation

and specifically in the Cherokee Nation.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Tulsa, Oklahoma (approx. one mile away); McIntyre Airport (approx. one mile away); The Era of World War II (approx. 1.6 miles away); The American Milkman (approx. 1.6 miles away); White City Historic District Neighborhood (approx. 1.6 miles away); The Golden Drumstick Restaurant (approx. 1.6 miles away); The Fabric of a Community (approx. 1.6 miles away); Pearls Along the Route 66 Highway (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tulsa.

The former Rose Bowl Lanes and marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 22, 2019

2. The former Rose Bowl Lanes and marker.

The Rose Bowl Lanes closed on March 12, 2005.

Rose Bowl Lanes Marker looking west on Old Route 66. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 22, 2019

3. Rose Bowl Lanes Marker looking west on Old Route 66.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,710 times since then and 151 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 6, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.