Thousands make themselves at home in the Rec Room

TORONTO — Nestled under the CN Tower in Toronto, across the street from the Rogers Centre and Ripley’s Aquarium, sits Cineplex’s latest bid to diversify its entertainment empire.

The Rec Room is 40,000 square feet of big-screen TVs and video games, plus ample food and drink.

It also features The Void, a virtual-reality experience that puts you in the Ghostbusters world, as well as live entertainment and an impressive patio.

The Toronto Rec Room — a similar venue opened in Edmonton in September — has proved to be a hit since its June 27 opening. David Terry, vice-president and general manager of the Rec Room venture, said more than 6,000 people visited on Canada Day.

Cineplex plans to open 10 to 15 versions of the Rec Room. Plans have already been announced for Mississauga, Ont., London, Ont., Calgary and Vancouver, as well as for an additional location in Edmonton. “They’re all either in design or construction phase,” Terry said. “Almost all of those should open by the end of 2018.”

Each location will be a little different. Edmonton, for example, also features bowling and axe throwing. The new Toronto location is in Roundhouse Park, next to the Toronto Railway Museum. So the outdoor patio looks out to the CN Tower and train cars.

While the high-ceilinged space is largely open, the bar, restaurant and gaming sections are sufficiently apart to avoid the feeling of a jumbo arcade. A high-tech racing simulator is one of the attractions at the Rec Room in Toronto.

The enormous screen will no doubt be popular come the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup playoffs.

There is no admission charge. Capacity in Toronto is 1,400, which includes 850 for eating, and there are 500 staff.

The video games work on credits which you load up on via a wristband — $10 will buy you 40 credits while $30 gets you 200. Some games allow you to earn credits that can be redeemed at the in-house store, from candy to drones.

The Void, suggested for ages 10 and above, turns you and as many as three others into Ghostbusters. Equipped with a VR-style helmet, proton pack and weapon, you find yourself blasting ghosts and other supernaturals in a quite remarkable virtual experience. It will cost you $24.

There is an upscale feel, from the menu to pool tables and large entertainment/ bar area.

The menu ranges from poutine and pizza to steak. A custom doughnut bar, complete with liquor-flavoured filling if desired, offers decadent dessert options. There are 24 draught beers, as well as bottled and draught wine.