Springsteen Opens Iconic Asbury Lanes

Asbury Park’s iconic 1960’s bowling alley-turned music venue Asbury Lanes officially reopened Monday night during a celebration christened by New Jersey’s own Bruce Springsteen and headlined by Portugal. The Man with performances by Tangiers Blues Band.

Springsteen performs during the Grand Re-Opening of Asbury Lanes at Asbury Lanes. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iStar

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy greeted the crowd, calling out Asbury Park’s renaissance, naming the destination as one of the “great New Jersey communities.” The site faced structural and mechanical issues that threatened closing or demolition.

The venue will host musical acts year-round, offering a mix of national and local talent picked by The Bowery Presents and David Bowd of Salt Hotels, part owner and operator of The Asbury. Upcoming shows include Lupe Fiasco, Cold War Kids, The Hold Steady, and Arizona. 

“At the hotel, there’s a performance or event every night. People have been thrilled with the quality of food and drink. That will all carry over,” said Bowd.

The venue will also house a full-scale, classic diner, and a “secret” passage between The Lanes and The Asbury. In addition, a back-to-the-future pin-setting system was custom-built for Asbury Lanes.