Space Consideration & Site Selection
It all starts with the space.
Picking the right location for your laser tag arena will be important to the success of your attraction. Whether you starting with an entire new venue or planning an area to add a laser tag attraction to your existing family fun center, you are going to want to make sure you have enough space for a fun and exciting attraction.
Let’s take a closer look at some key things to keep in mind when planning for a laser tag attraction.
Eactly how much space is needed?
Typically, a minimum of 2,000 sqft and 16-players is needed, although we would recommend 2,500 – 4,000 sqft for 20-30 players whenever possible. Laser tag areas as small as 1,000 sqft can be accommodated with our CyberBlast Mobile system, but returns will not be on par with a full-size attraction.
If you are shopping for a location, we recommend at least 7,000 sqft total so you also have room to allow for party rooms, restrooms, a front counter and lobby area, a small food and beverage area, arcade games, and possibly other small attractions.
Single Level vs. Multi-Level
Multi-level laser tag attractions tend to perform better than single level attractions, especially in highly competitive areas. If feasible, adding a full walk-under raised area can help you to provide a premium experience for your guests and stand out from the competition. A walk-under area required a ceiling height of at least 16′.
If a full walk-under area is not feasible for your center due to ceiling heights or regulatory burdens, partially raised areas are a great option for creating a 3D effect in your arena. This would consist of various smaller ramps and landings around your arena. A ceiling height of 12′ can easily accommodate these areas of sport activity and you do not have as much regulatory headache.
Optimizing Your Space for Throughput
When possible, separate briefing and vesting rooms are ideal for maximizing the throughput of your attraction.
For example, let’s consider a 20-player 3,000 sqft laser tag attraction. About 160 sqft of space (~8 sqft per player) of the laser tag layout would be delegated for the briefing room. This is where the LaserBlast briefing video is shown to players 5 minutes prior to the end of the previous game. Briefing the players early allows you to minimize turnover time between games and maximize the games played during your busiest times.
Another 250 sqft (~12 sqft per player) would be used for the vesting room. This room will house your gaming computer and vests.
The remaining space would be utilized for the actual play area.
Arena Design
When it comes to the actual design and construction of your arena, you have a couple of options available.
Turnkey Solution
We have relationships with various partner companies we can work with to provide you with a full turnkey laser tag attraction. Your entire arena design, construction, and theming will all be taken care of.
Arena designed and built by Art Attack FX.
Arena designed and built by Creative Works.
Local Construction or DIY
If you have a team in-house or would like to work with a local contractor, we can provide you with a full arena design customized to your space at no additional charge with the purhcase of one of our laser tag systems. We also have design ideas and stencils available that can be utilized for your artwork.
A self-designed and self-built arena by one of our long time clients.
A self-built arena based on an arena design that we provided for our client.
Which option is best for you?
The biggest benefit of working with one of our turnkey partners is that you will have a high-quality arena with impressive theming at the end of the project. Our partner companies are experts in FEC design and will be able to provide you with a highly polished attraction.
That being said, a locally built or DIY arena can still be a great option, especially if you are looking to save money. We have worked with many FECs that have highly successful self-built laser tag arenas. Some creativity can go a long way!
Still unsure about what location and options will be best for you? We have over 25 years of industry expertise that we would love to share! Fill out the form below and a member of our team will reach out soon.
