Bowling at the Memorial Union Recreation Center may take on a whole new meaning.

An idea to install fluorescent bowling lanes is currently being discussed, but as of yet nothing is confirmed. Doug Swanson, manager of the recreation center, said the investigations concerning the new lanes have gone as far as inquiring about getting price quotes for the products that are necessary to make this new vision a reality.

The Rec Center now has pinball machines, pool tables, air hockey, fuse ball and of course, bowling.

The proposed idea consists of fluorescent bowling lanes that would glow-in-the-dark under ultraviolet light, Swanson said. Other possibilities include a light show similar to laser light shows, and an expanded sound system with more speakers, as opposed to the compact disc jukebox that currently provides music.

The price of bowling is not expected to increase, but will be determined on how many options are chosen for the final product, Swanson said. One new payment idea could be establishing a cover charge. The cover charge would include shoe rental and a time rate, instead of a rate per game, he said.

Swanson said that during the day, the lanes would look like any other bowling alley. All lanes must be in use for the full effect, Swanson said, otherwise the effect isn’t as great. Once the regular lights are shut off and the black lights are turned on, Swanson said the glow-in-the-dark effect will work.

Groups, like fraternities or residence halls, may reserve the lanes and get the optical effects if their members use all eight lanes.

The Rec Center is located in the basement of the Union near the Memorial Union Copy Center. Most programming will be geared toward evenings, and maybe some weekend afternoons, Swanson said.

“It would be something different, and more fun. If I had to make a choice, I’d pick bowling with the fluorescent lanes,” said freshman Laura Brouwer.

The odds of this happening are about 50/50, Swanson said. He said what hasn’t been confirmed is the number of black light fixtures that would be needed, which would finalize the total cost of the renovation.