First introduced at this year’s Amusement Expo, the all-new patent-pending Claw Station Double Crane with Hologram Display will begin shipping this week, the company’s vice president Jim Dupree reported. “Claw Station quickly became one of the most talked-about products on display at Expo,” Dupree said. “Operators were excited by the game’s innovative use of hologram technology, its striking presentation, and the opportunity to offer players a truly new experience in the crane category.” He further explained: “The centerpiece of the attraction is its revolutionary hologram display, which creates a dynamic visual experience that immediately captures attention and draws players from across the room. By transforming a traditional crane…
Author: Matt Harding
The industry’s long-running educational program Foundations Entertainment University will be July 14-15 in Nashville. The two-day event’s highlight is a back-of-house tour of Hooky Entertainment, a new cinema entertainment center at Nashville Yards. The company’s CEO, Charlie Tiantawach, will share his views on what it takes to develop and operate a premium brand within a major metropolitan market. Other sessions promise information and best practices on developing and operating entertainment venues. To register and learn more about why 3,000-plus have attended the event in the past 25 years, visit www.foundationsuniversity.com/registration.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to win a prestigious IAAPA Brass Ring Award, submit your products now! Applications are open through Oct. 16. (Click here to see the categories and apply.) “Whether you’re introducing a bold new initiative or building upon a standout program, this is your opportunity to share your story, inspire peers across the industry, and showcase the work shaping the future of attractions,” the association said. There are award categories in Games & Merchandise; Live Entertainment; Human Resources; Food & Beverage; Marketing; Sustainability; and more.
Oak Ridge Bowling Center, with its 32 natural wood lanes, has closed after more than 35 years of business in eastern Tennessee. The Oak Ridger reported that the property had been sold, and the new owner has other plans for it. “This is a bittersweet day for our whole family and community,” read a statement on the alley’s Facebook page. “Many birthdays, many reunions, many friends and many bonds that can’t be broken.” The family business spanned three generations. “Thank you to everyone that has been a part of this fantastic journey through the years,” they wrote.
Franchise marketing veteran Josh Cole was recently selected as the first chief marketing officer for Slick City Action Park. He previously held marketing leadership roles at Sky Zone, TITLE Boxing Club, Sandbox VR and Universal Studios and has served as a strategic advisor to Slick City since its early stages. The company is rapidly expanding with 40 parks open and 110 more in development. As CMO, Cole will lead brand strategy, digital marketing, franchise marketing support, public relations, partnerships and customer engagement initiatives.
The National Dart Association (NDA) celebrated the 40th anniversary of their Team Dart event from May 7-13 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The milestone event marked four decades of competitive excellence, camaraderie and growth within the plastic tip darting community, the association said. “This year’s tournament was a tremendous success, with more than 3,000 players competing and representing over 130 separate operators from across the world,” said NDA’s executive director, Rachel Kamuda. “Participants showcased their skills across four leading manufactured dartboard systems, including BullShooter, Gealco Darts, Phoenixdarts, and the welcomed return of Löwen dart boards to the…
The 42nd Pinball Expo is set for Oct. 14-17 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center right near Chicago – the epicenter of the pinball industry. Attendees can expect very popular factory tours, special guests Paul Faris (Centaur, Xenon, Back to the Future, etc.) and Tony Ramunni (Black Knight, Spy Hunter, Elektra, etc.), the Homebrew Community of homemade pinballs (featuring 40-plus titles), the 1930s Pinball Tournament and so many more special events. Stern Pinball will be celebrating their 40th anniversary at the show, so the expo’s chairman Rob Berk said to look forward to many surprises in their booth. Visit www.pinballexpo.com/admission…
The F1 Arcade chain is bringing their racing action to Chicago’s River North neighborhood this summer, Timeout reports. The venue will have 70 full-motion racing simulators, which are designed in conjunction with Formula 1. The arcade will be inside the former Rock Bottom Brewery space at 1 W. Grand Ave. and is also set to offer the full-service “Octane Bar” and a food menu featuring Wagyu beef sliders and a seafood tower. In the U.S., F1 Arcade is also in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Denver, Las Vegas and Atlanta. Learn more at www.f1arcade.com.
Miller High Life is “bringing the dive bar home” with the JukeKeg, a beer-pouring jukebox made in collaboration with Crosley. The one-of-a-kind piece is listed on eBay (the auction is set to end at 8 a.m. Eastern time today, June 8). The fun juke is valued at more than $30,000 and features Bluetooth, CD player and radio functionality – and, of course, a fully functioning beer keg. “Dive bars have always had an authentic way of making people feel connected,” said Chris Steele, the senior director of Value Brands. “The JukeKeg is our way of bringing that feeling to life…
Eugene Jarvis of Raw Thrills and Play Mechanix is being celebrated this year with AAMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The association’s charitable arm, AAMCF, is now taking donations for their annual ad journal, which will honor Jarvis. Their goal this year is to raise $330,000. Funds raised benefit the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, KEEN USA (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) and the Sunrise Association. The deadline for the congratulatory ads is July 10. Click here to learn more and support the ad journal. Any questions can be directed to [email protected] or call the AAMA office at 847-290-9088.