JOHNSTON, Iowa — A new entertainment venue consisting of indoor golf, bowling, and even a hotel was supposed to be opening this summer, but a difficulty in securing funds has delayed the project and the City of Johnston has granted another extension to developers.

A vacant lot on Merle Hay Road just north of Interstate 35/80 in Johnston is set to be the home of Bombers, an entertainment venue that will include indoor golfing, bowling, and more. The project broke ground in 2023 and was set to open in the summer of 2025.

Since the groundbreaking, only infrastructure work has been completed as developers grapple with trying to secure funding. According to city council documents, the city has granted seven extensions to allow developers time to secure funding. At a meeting on April 21, the council granted an eighth extension for the project, giving developers eight months to secure financing, an updated project timeline, and a completion date of December 2026.

Bombers isn’t the only project struggling to secure financing. Ignit, a proposed sports recreation facility that’s supposed to go up across from Bombers, has also received multiple extensions from the city.

The Ignit project also broke ground in 2023, and like the Bombers project, little head way has been made. At the April 21 council meeting, a public hearing was held to discuss granting another extension. This extension states developers must begin construction by September 2025, and it must be completed by September 2027. According to council documents, if the developer fails to meet the requirements listed in the proposed new development agreement, the city can either buy back the property or the developer can pay back the grants given to them by the city.

To learn more about the Bombers and Ignit projects visit the City of Johnston’s website.

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