From The Daily Record:
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=541582 (http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=541582)
Quote
TopGolf considering Jacksonville center
Tuesday, January 14, 10:00 AM EST
By Karen Brune Mathis, Managing Editor
TopGolf, the Dallas-based operator of multilevel golfing entertainment centers, is reviewing Jacksonville for development.
The company announced in December that it would break ground on its first Florida location early this year near Tampa, indicating there would be more in the state.
Asked about Jacksonville, a spokeswoman confirmed it is possible.
"It's being considered," said TopGolf Senior Communications Manager Adrienne Browne.
Browne said TopGolf is evaluating several major cities in Florida for potential TopGolf locations and hopes to choose a second location in the state next year.
"While we don't yet have a TopGolf facility planned for Jacksonville in 2014, we are excited by this market's potential for the future," she said.
Browne said the company develops on sites of about 12 acres and that it takes about nine months to complete. She said ideal locations are high-traffic, well-populated areas near businesses and retail and housing developments.
As a privately held company, TopGolf does not disclose financial information but will say its community economic output is $264.5 million over 10 years, or about $26.5 million a year.
Browne said each center creates 450 jobs, with 100 of those full time or full-time equivalents.
TopGolf won't confirm any specific sites of interest, but considering the number of golf courses in Northeast Florida and the golf programs at area schools, a local project seems realistic.
In announcing the Tampa-area location, in Brandon, TopGolf said it would be the 14th location worldwide. Early this month, it announced San Antonio as the 15th location.
Construction will start in the first quarter on the 65,000-square-foot facility in Tampa for a fall opening. TopGolf Tampa will be near Interstate 75 and the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway.
The three-level location, constructed by ARCO/Murray, will include up to 2,900 square feet of private event space and 102 climate-controlled hitting bays that can host up to six players at one time, says TopGolf.
TopGolf, which says it is the only entertainment center of its kind, offers competitive golfing games for all ages and skill levels and advanced technology to track each player's shots.
TopGolf describes how it works:
Players hit golf balls containing computer microchips that track each shot's accuracy and distance while also awarding points for hitting targets on the outfield.
Each facility features climate-controlled hitting bays and a food and beverage menu crafted by an executive chef.
"Mix in dynamic event spaces for groups of all sizes, and TopGolf stands as the premier entertainment complex where the competition of sport meets the neighborhood's favorite hangout," it says.
"Those who just want to relax can enjoy the upscale, laid-back ambience that boasts more than 230 high-definition flat-screen TVs and an extensive food and beverage menu," it says.
TopGolf Chief Development Officer Randy Starr said in the announcement that Tampa "is undeniably one of the best outdoor cities in America, making it an ideal location for a year-round recreational activity like TopGolf."
He estimates TopGolf Tampa will serve about 400,000 visitors in its first year of operation. Nearly half of all TopGolf guests describe themselves as non-golfers.
TopGolf is being developed near Bass Pro Shops, prompting a statement from Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan that the two will comprise "an overall regional entertainment destination venue."
He said in the announcement the county will assist in roadway improvements for TopGolf.
TopGolf was founded in 2000. Each location creates "hundreds of jobs," said the announcement.
TopGolf lists 15 locations: seven in Texas, three in the United Kingdom and one each in Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Illinois and Virginia.
Ten are open and the five "coming soon" comprise Florida; the Georgia center in Alpharetta; the Arizona location in Scottsdale; and two in Texas.
Browne said economic incentives are not a requirement for TopGolf to enter a market.
"We simply look for a competitive deal and the best opportunity for the company to succeed in a new location," she said.
kmathis@baileypub.com
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=541582 (http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=541582)
If they come here they'll probably want to put it as close to SJTC as possible but wouldn't it be cool on the DT riverfront? Is there enough room at the Shipyards or JEA sites?
Probably not my cup of tea but interesting none the less. Lord knows what kind of incentive package would have to be cooked up for them to consider going downtown vs northern St.Johns County/SJTC.
Top Golf complex planned near St. Johns Town Center.
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2015-06-10/story/top-golf-complex-planned-near-st-johns-town-center#cxrecs_s
If it's like the others it could be a nightlife draw for the area (though isolated in any case)
This would've been epic if it was on the shipyards property. Just watched some videos of their other locations and it looks like a great place to spend a few hours with friends. Oh well, better to have it by the town center than to not have one at all.
Are you kidding me? Its not going to be planned downtown? What????????
What will all the millennials do if they have to drive to SJTC to hit white balls with a stick?
Yet another amusement park ride that bypassed "old" downtown for "new" downtown.
Looking at their other locations, I didn't see any that were downtown. Always suburbia with easy access from big roads.
Yep downtowns are not in their profile. Went to one in Dallas, they are a great concept.
This is a great pull for Jax. The concept is great, and I can this attracting people into the city from as far away as Gainesville and Palm Coast. I have been to the location in Tampa, and their customers base was coming from as much as 90 minutes away from the location.
This, Latitude 30, and Autobahn make for obligatory date night stops for sure. Nice run of new entertainment concepts/venues over the last couple of years. Too bad they're not all grouped together.
Quote from: blizz01 on June 11, 2015, 09:39:38 AM
This, Latitude 30, and Autobahn make for obligatory date night stops for sure. Nice run of new entertainment concepts/venues over the last couple of years. Too bad they're not all grouped together.
Does anyone know if Dave & Busters stays busy these days?
As I implied with my isolated comment, these are built for suburbia. They are a destination that wants to draw huge numbers from a region, not a walkup crowd that might stop in for a drink or two. As for urban area, they have quite a large footprint. Not a full-length driving range per se, but pretty close. Plus bars, club-level, restaurants, etc.
When I visited the first time (in TX) my first thought was that this would kill in FL. I saw they had no locations so it seemed like just a matter of time.
Quote from: river4340 on June 11, 2015, 11:47:03 AM
Quote from: blizz01 on June 11, 2015, 09:39:38 AM
This, Latitude 30, and Autobahn make for obligatory date night stops for sure. Nice run of new entertainment concepts/venues over the last couple of years. Too bad they're not all grouped together.
Does anyone know if Dave & Busters stays busy these days?
My roommates and I went there on a rainy Saturday late last year. I wouldn't exactly say it was packed, but busy enough where if that was a normal crowd then they should still be doing well enough to keep the doors open.
I thought I remembered something about this from earlier this year! Turns out the rumor was for Skybox, not TopGolf.
Funny, I've also discovered that there were plans for a Skybox in OKC but they changed their minds when TopGolf decided to move in there.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=23611.0
Quote from: river4340 on June 11, 2015, 11:47:03 AM
Quote from: blizz01 on June 11, 2015, 09:39:38 AM
This, Latitude 30, and Autobahn make for obligatory date night stops for sure. Nice run of new entertainment concepts/venues over the last couple of years. Too bad they're not all grouped together.
Does anyone know if Dave & Busters stays busy these days?
I went a few months ago for a work function and it had a decent crowd. But the inside could probably use a little renovation.