Best In Games
BIG, for “Best In Games,” is a 74,000 sq ft entertainment mega-center that is nothing less than the physical manifestation of the mind and soul of a gregarious, fun-loving, entrepreneur.
When LaserBlast was first getting started in 1997, it was Gaz Ismail of ZapZone infamy who was our first customer. At the time, he was also just getting started with his laser tag empire, and the two companies enjoyed steady growth with their symbiotic relationship. Now, 25 years later, he has 12 locations across Southeast Michigan, and this time he’s truly outdone himself.
The Hybrid Entertainment Center
BIG will be a case study in the application of modern hybrid-center design, and Gaz has pulled out all the stops here. A hybrid-center is an entertainment center that holds more than a single anchor attraction and comes with a food and beverage offering. With a more comprehensive entertainment and hospitality offering, a greater variety of guests will spend more time engaged in more activities under one roof. In the case of BIG, each floor holds at least two anchor attractions.
Not only does BIG house an elevated LaserBlast laser tag arena on the first floor, a large arcade dominates the main floor with an impressive array of redeemables. More physically oriented guests can enjoy the ninja course and trampoline park. At the heart of all these attractions is a full-service sports bar, Rocko’s, with an impressive food menu covering the gamut of Americana. It also boasts a 240″ tv screen so diners don’t miss any big games.
Being a multi-story entertainment center, there are two additional bars–one on each floor, each themed to their accompanying attractions. On the second floor, a mezzanine which overlooks the first floor, guests can go axe throwing, or make their way through the “Selfie-Golf” course–a mini golf course where each hole has a unique theme, and is designed to create compelling Instagrammable moments. The Sugar Bar’s chic vibes evoke a feeling which transports the guests away from the Midwest and into a coastal or desert metropolis. The third floor houses a go-kart track, classic arcade, and football bowling, as well as the Pit Bar. Partitioned from the first two floors, this level has an air of exclusivity that is ideal for private events.
Does It Work?
What does all this mean? Does throwing everything in with the kitchen sink work? BIG only recently opened this past summer, but that’s enough time for over 200 reviews to appear on Google, aggregating 4.4/5 stars. Let’s see what the guests had to say…
Critical to the success of any entertainment center is an enthusiastic and passionate team who will attend to the guests with passion and empathy. The guests certainly noticed this, and also commented on the variety of attractions that kept them and their parties entertained.
Family trip or company outing, BIG was able to deliver a memorable experience to all. Multiple anchor attractions can cater to both the physically inclined and the laid back; socialites and gamers alike. Above all, it was the motivated and passionate team with an energetic culture that helped to bring the whole experience together for the guests. Enough waffling, it’s a place you need to see and experience for yourself. If you find yourself in Southeast Michigan, do stop in for fun and games.
