Party HQ, a new FEC in Bowie, Maryland, is set to install a D.C. battle-themed Hologate Arena virtual reality system, supplied by attractions provider Creative Works.
Party HQ is located about 12 miles northeast of Washington D.C. “We are branding ourselves the hometown family entertainment centre. We are born and raised right here in Maryland,” says Party HQ owner Rodney Chambers.
Chambers became familiar with Creative Works and their products during the Amusement 360 event back in July 2019. Through education and networking, the event provided Chambers with the knowledge he needed to facilitate the creation of Party HQ.
For the laser tag, Chambers and Party HQ wanted a unique theme that you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. They decided on a custom “Urban Battle for D.C.” theme. “I wanted to really capture the essence of Washington D.C.” explains Chambers.
“Rodney wanted something unique, yet local. Being able to combine so many of the DC monuments, icons, and features really magnified the immersive experience,” said Symonds.
The arena includes custom props for the theme, including White House and Washington Monument props, and a Pentagon platform in the middle of the arena. Another unique aspect of the arena is the bases, which are interactive metro trains, one blue and one red.
Party HQ also wanted plenty of interactive elements in their arena to challenge players and add to the immersive environment. Without a doubt, the highlight of the arena is a large Air Force One prop that hangs from the ceiling and has interactive targets. Players are able to shoot their phasers at the lights on the prop, allowing them to earn more points and providing a challenge outside of the normal player vs. player laser tag battles.
In addition to laser tag and Hologate, Party HQ also has bowling, about 50 arcade games, and a restaurant and bar called “The Parent Trap”. Party HQ is projected to open in September, 2020.