“Destination Marketing Ideas No One Asked For: The World’s First Outdoor Bowling Green in KY”

_{I’m an idea guy. Some ideas are good, others are not. But sharing ideas is a creative outlet for me. Spending the last 17 years in destination marketing, I’ve had success in creating and leading destination marketing efforts using non-traditional methods. These non-traditional methods helped to put the tourism offices of Louisville, KY and Lexington, KY in the spotlight. I want to continue offering up creative ideas for destination marketing organizations that may be looking for a spark of inspiration for their next marketing campaign. This is all a part of my new blog series, “Destination Marketing Ideas No One Asked For” – Enjoy!}

BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY

Bowling Green, Kentucky, is the home of Corvettes, where they have been exclusively assembled since 1981. Capitalizing on that, you can visit the National Corvette Museum and the GM Corvette Assembly Plant for a behind-the-scenes look at how Corvettes are made. You can even get behind the wheel or in the passenger seat at the NCM Motorsports Park. Bowling Green also offers plenty of other activities for the rest of the family.

In destination marketing, it is imperative that destinations know who they are and who they aren’t. Once you understand that, you can explore unique brand activations and ideas that garner media attention and put your destination in the news.

The Big Idea: “Bowling on the Green”

My “Destination Marketing Idea No One Asked For” for Bowling Green, Kentucky, is to build the world’s first and largest bowling green—a series of bowling lanes that sit on the greenest grass you can find, similar to a putting green. This is an outdoor activation and lawn game that lives in a popular public communal space for locals and visitors to engage.

With this being an outdoor activation, it lends itself perfectly to partnerships with local food trucks, breweries, and wineries, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. It could complement other attractions like mini-golf, walking trails, or botanical gardens, offering a comprehensive recreational experience. This space would be ideal for corporate events, birthday parties, and other gatherings, eventually becoming the host of tournaments or weekend festivals.

Sustainability and Community

Long-term, this project has the potential to foster partnerships with local businesses around sustainability, green building techniques, and environmental conservation. Imagine solar-powered scoreboards, recycled materials for the lanes, and eco-friendly maintenance practices for the grass. It’s a chance to showcase Bowling Green as a leader in sustainable tourism and community engagement.

A Hub of Activity

Envision this space bustling with activity: families enjoying picnics while kids play lawn games, friends challenging each other in friendly bowling matches, and corporate teams bonding over fun outdoor activities. Special themed nights, tournaments, and seasonal events could keep the excitement alive year-round.

It’s just an idea, but one that could bring a unique and sustainable twist to Bowling Green’s already rich offering, making it a must-visit destination.