Bowling is coming back to Vicksburg for the first time since the city’s only bowling alley closed in August 2023.

New owner of the facility at Vicksburg Mall Brian Weaver said Fun Lanes Bowling Center should be up and running in approximately a month. And with it, Weaver said, he plans to bring a family friendly atmosphere everyone can enjoy.

“I’m all about having a place for families and for kids,” Weaver said. “Somewhere safe.”

Weaver, who lives in Gluckstadt, Mississippi and owns Indian Lanes bowling alley in Clinton, said opening a second location in Vicksburg just made sense.

“I heard the place had just been sitting here, and it’s a beautiful place,” Weaver said. “Some of my staff had been here bowling back when it was open, so I said, ‘I think it would be fun. Vicksburg needs something.’ I have a niece who lives here, and just hearing things about the kids wanting to have something to do that’s safe. My goal is I want to see kids come in here having a great time with families. Mammas and daddies, ya know? That’s my main goal. I’m all about family.”

And it was with family in mind, Weaver said, that he has decided Fun Lanes Bowling Center will not sell alcohol and will bring in security for weekends as part of continuing efforts to create a fun and safe environment.

Weaver also said he appreciated the support and assistance he has received from city leaders.

“The City of Vicksburg has just been an awesome team since day one,” Weaver said. “They have been so awesome since I stepped over here and (Ward 2 Alderman Alex Monsour) has been all over it. If I’ve needed anything, he’s made it happen. They’ve been great since step one.”

Weaver said the next step is an official opening and to begin hiring his local staff.

“We’ve been over here for a couple weeks now, so we’ve just got so much to do,” he said. “We’re going to hire. We’re going to put something up and we’ll have a Facebook page up soon.”

Monsour said Weaver and company have the full support of the City of Vicksburg.

“This is what this administration has been working toward,” Monsour said. “Trying to get these types of family oriented venues back in the City of Vicksburg.”

Weaver said official information concerning a grand opening date, job opportunities and other details will be coming the next several weeks.