Simulated sports pitched to families
AllSports Simulated started out as an effort to find a way to entertain kids while keeping them active.
Mark Thompson, co-owner with wife Katherine, said there’s only so many times someone can go to a trampoline park or bowling before kids get bored. After some research, they came up with their option: AllSports Simulated.
Located at 21 Seaway Dr., the new Welland business features three simulators — two of which have play for virtually any sport — plus a dart lounge, pool table and chip-and-putt area.
Although Mayor Frank Campion described it as the “ultimate man cave” when he toured the facility before a ceremonial ribbon cutting Saturday, Thompson said it’s meant for everyone.
“I know there’s a real gap in the neighbourhood as far as finding something for moms and dads to do with the kids, so that’s where it started,” Thompson said.
“I didn’t want it to be golf simulator place. I want it to be a family-oriented, sports simulator place.”
It’s perfect for all skill levels. Thompson said the simulators can adjust difficulty levels, so whether someone’s just trying it out for fun or looking for a bit more of a challenge, there’s something for everyone.
The simulators use real balls, pucks and sports equipment with a digital display screen.
Basketball, baseball, hockey — you name it, it’s probably on the simulator.
One of the ones that isn’t, however, Thomspon said, is volleyball.
Saturday was the official grand opening, but there was a soft opening during March break.
In the weeks since then, he said, patronage has been good.
Most people have been hitting up the golf simulation, Thompson said.
He expects, however, once people can regularly be out on actual greens again, the golfers will thin out.
Thompson said his is the only facility in Canada that features almost all sports.
Thompson said he has applied for an alcohol licence.
A food menu will be provided. Don’t expect bar food though; keeping with the active theme, healthy options such as sand-
wiches and salads are going to be the focus.
“We’re not doing the deep-fried stuff. We want to stay healthy,” he said.
People interested in trying the place out are welcome to simply walk in or they can make reservations.
More information, including prices, is available online at allsportssimulated.ca.