Kissimmee, Florida’s Island H2O Water Park has announced the launch of its Island Nights Live! Edition series, which will kick off May 16 with a performance by rap artist Rick Ross. The park’s 21-and-over events have been “one of Central Florida’s most popular after-dark experiences, consistently drawing adults from across the region for high-energy nightlife in a uniquely immersive water park setting.” The rapper Fat Joe will be there in August, and more events will be announced soon. Early-bird tickets are on sale at www.islandh2owaterpark.com.
Author: Matt Harding
Intercard will be showing off their hybrid Impulse Plus reader to the cinema industry at the upcoming CinemaCon 2026 at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas from April 13-15. They reported that Cinergy Entertainment is one of several existing operators that uses their system for their arcades and more. “Cashless makes the experience that the guest has within our facility so much more streamlined,” said Darek Heath, the COO of Cinergy. “It lets them spend money when and where they want to.” Among other cinema operators who use Intercard: B&B Theatres, Marcus Theatres, Roadhouse Cinemas and Santikos Entertainment. Learn more at…
In celebration of Laser Tag Day on March 28, Laurie Jean Britton of TiviachickLovesLaserTag.com marked a personal milestone by playing her 700th laser tag arena during a visit to Recoil Trampoline Park in Valdosta, Georgia. She toured several laser tag sites throughout Georgia and northern Florida on Laser Tag Day. “This is a day to celebrate all laser tag systems and operations,” Britton said. “March 28 commemorates the anniversary of the grand opening of the first laser tag attraction, Photon in Dallas, Texas, in 1984, which was the beginning of the vibrant laser tag industry that has evolved over the…
After about 19 months of reconstruction in a new location, the long-time arcade Pinball Pete’s in Ann Arbor, Michigan, recently held a soft opening, the Michigan Daily reported. The arcade was previously located in the Galleria Mall for 32 years until a developer bought the building to construct an 18-story high-rise. The new space features a main floor and underground level. Owner Ted Arnold said about 90% of the games are in the store and working. Go to www.pinballpetes.org to learn more. (There’s also a Pinball Pete’s location in East Lansing.)
TouchTunes held an Operator Awards ceremony on March 18 at Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Bar in Las Vegas. They also presented a $50,000 check for Angelina’s Song, the nonprofit that provides grants to children’s hospitals to support music therapy programs. A Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ralph Amick of The New Vemco Music; their Partnership Excellence Award went to David George of Bell Music Co.; their Trailblazer Award went to Ryan Harris of Ellis Amusement; and their BullShooter Bullseye Award went to Jim Turntine of Play-More Coin Op. “The Operator Awards at Amusement Expo is our favorite time to celebrate…
After 27 years in business, Andretti Thrill Park in Melbourne, Florida, has closed. The site will be redeveloped into a 324-unit apartment complex, Florida Today reported. According to Parade, the closure was a result of the 16-acre park’s age. “It’s simply that the facility is 27 years old,” explained owner Eddie Hamann. “It requires a lot of maintenance, and it was time to look at what the future holds.” The venue had offered go-karts and other attractions. Hamann is also an owner of the popular Andretti Indoor Karting & Games.
Taito Milestones 4 recently released on the mobile video game console Nintendo Switch, Vice reported. It’s the fourth such bundle of classic arcade games to be available on the Switch. Taito, along with Clear River Games, have collaborated on the releases since 2022. The most recent games to hit the platform are Arkanoid, Bonzee Adventure, Cameltry, Don Doko Don, Field Day, Kuri Kinton, Ninja Kids, Syvalion, Typhoon Gal and Water Ski. Among earlier games as part of the Taito Milestones series were Alpine Ski, The Legend of Kage, Qix and Bubble Bobble.
The School for Bowling Center Management will convene for their once-a-year event from April 19-24 at BPAA’s International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas. Organizers say the program is “designed specifically for bowling center owners and operators, providing real-world strategies that increase profitability and reduce stress.” Topics will include marketing, food and beverage, annual planning strategies and tactics, human resources, leadership and time management. Click here to enroll or visit www.bowlinguniversity.net for details. Registration is $1,499 for BPAA members and $2,999 for non-members.
The VR Collective recently reported that extended reality company Pico is coming out this year with “Project Swan,” a new headset that “promises to push the boundaries of hardware performance and software capabilities.” The headset will feature a dual 4K display setup where each eye is presented with a 4K resolution panel, “significantly enhancing visual clarity compared to many existing XR headsets.” According to Wired, Pico is owned by ByteDance, the Chinese company best known for creating TikTok. The new Project Swan headset will use the company’s latest operating system, Pico OS 6.
Amusement Entertainment Management recently gave their congratulations to brothers Doug and Jeff Mechling, owners of Star Lanes Polaris, which won AAMA’s FEC of the Year award at Amusement Expo. “When you’re the best at what you do, the world takes notice,” said Jerry Merola, AEM’s managing partner. “The amusement industry could not ask for a better example of a successful brand strategy, thanks to the commitment of Doug and Jeff Mechling.” The 35,000-sq.-ft. bowling entertainment center opened in Columbus, Ohio, in 2013. Learn more about them at www.starlanespolaris.com and about AEM at www.aemllc.com.