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Hexogon Lights Up Singapore Grand Prix with Projection Mapping and Christie Boxers

Joe Kleiman
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Hexogon Lights Up Singapore Grand Prix with Projection Mapping and Christie Boxers

Singapore (September 25, 2015) – Christie Boxer projectors lit up the Singapore skyline with myriad spectacular visuals that enthralled tens of thousands of spectators who attended the Formula 1 Grand Prix on September 20, 2015. The projection mappings were planned and executed by Christie’s rental staging partner Hexogon Solution Pte Ltd, which were responsible for lighting up iconic structures and historical buildings around the five-kilometer nighttime city street circuit.

The 46 Christie Boxer 4K30 projectors displayed bright and colorful images on the iconic Merlion statue at Merlion Park, and on the floor of the Marina Bay Floating Platform,  enhancing the scale and significance of one of the most thrilling events on the motor racing calendar. The projections were clearly seen from live aerial shots and watched by millions of viewers around the world. This is the first time Christie Boxer 4K30 projectors were used for an international event held in Singapore.

“The annual Formula One night race is one of the most anticipated international sports events to be staged in Singapore and we are committed to deliver memorable digital projections that showcase Singapore as a beautiful and vibrant city to audiences across the globe,” commented Adrian Goh, managing director, Hexogon Solution. “This is why we have chosen the Christie Boxer 4K30 projector for an event of this scale. It offers stable performance, is easier to monitor, delivers excellent brightness, and has a small footprint. We are now able to do more with fewer projectors and achieve better resolution.”

The task of installing and setting up the Christie Boxers, along with all other architectural lighting fixtures, took the Hexogon Solution team slightly more than a month to complete. The projectors and architectural lightings were deployed at 16 locations around the racetrack, including the National Gallery of Singapore, Victoria Theatre, Civilian War Memorial, Gardens By The Bay, Esplanade Theatre and Singapore Flyer.

The Hexogon team also put together stunning content that was shown on the Merlion statue and Marina Bay Floating Platform, which included visuals of the Singapore flag when the National Anthem was played.

Elaborating on the significance of this project, Goh said, “All our installations had been designed for maximum TV exposure to highlight stunning views of the city state from helicopters featuring the central business district skyline, so every second of TV exposure counts. We had to ensure that the lighting and projection systems were stable and performing at their best when the TV camera panned across the entire area to capture panoramic views. I’m glad that everything went well and the race organizers are happy with the results at the various venues.”

The event was one of the most successful Formula 1 races Singapore has hosted, recording the third-highest attendance in the event’s history with international media calling the backdrop of the city street circuit a “stunning visual success on television.”

“It is a real pleasure to see the Christie Boxer 4K30s in action again in Singapore after the unforgettable projection mappings delivered by our valued partner Hexogon Solution during the country’s 50th National Day celebrations last month,” said Lin Yu, vice president, Christie Asia Pacific. “The Formula 1 Grand Prix is a wonderful occasion to showcase to an international audience bright and dynamic projection mapping using the Christie Boxer. I congratulate Adrian and his team for delivering yet another superb show, and thank them for having the faith and confidence to deploy the Boxer 4K30 extensively for this highly popular international event.”

Fright Fest Returns to Six Flags Great America in Biggest and Most Horrific Event Yet

Joe Kleiman
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Fright Fest Returns to Six Flags Great America in Biggest and Most Horrific Event Yet

Gurnee, IL, USA (September 24, 2015) — Six Flags Great America kicks off Fright Fest on scare-oids featuring extended hours on weekends with SIX haunted attractions and SIX “frightastic” shows over SIX weekends. The complete transformation of this 100-acre theme park creates a dark and menacing atmosphere where “the most terrifying creatures roam showing no mercy.”

“This is a new kind of Fright Fest – a no mercy type of event,” said director of operations, Dameon Nelson. “For years we have gone bigger and scarier, but now we have a new no-holds-barred philosophy and once the sun sets we are not backing down. This will be an immersive haunted experience that you cannot get anywhere else.”

13 Fright Fest Facts:

  • –250 zombies and monsters lurk the midways and haunted attractions
  • –30 master make-up artists use 2,500 ounces of make-up and fake blood to transform actors each night
  • –25 pounds of food-grade, red vegetable dye create the blood-tinged reflection pond
  • –100 flaming torches create an eerie glow over the entire park
  • –300 bales of hay add to the fall atmosphere
  • –25,200 stalks of corn complete the festive park décor
  • –5 tons of pumpkins and 160 yards of mulch form the “thrills by day” atmosphere
  • –1,000 gallons of fog juice generate the mysterious rising fog effect throughout the park
  • –1,600 yards of cheese cloth are used to give the illusion of spider webs around the park
  • –Love at First Fright, Fright Fest’s trademark musical, kicks off its 25th season
  • –Over 1,250 minutes per Fright Fest day is spent applying make-up by 15 make-up artists
  • –Tiny, the 200 pound spider, has been perched on the American Eagle for 22 years
  • –A 53 foot, 600 pound gorilla claims the Sky Trek Tower each Fright Fest season signaling the start of the uprising

Thrills By Day

Character Candy Trail – Little ghouls can trick-or-treat In the Mardi Gras area every Saturday and Sunday.

Kid Friendly Themed Areas – Scare-free zones like Camp Cartoon, Kidzopolis and Hometown Park are perfect for families with young children. These areas are open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Love At First Fright – Fright Fest’s trademark award-winning family musical is back for its 25th smash season! Join Jack and Katie on their dare to spend a night in the cemetery.

 

Fright By Night

NOX – NEW – Nox is the newest member to the Fright Fest Character lineup. As the overlord of Fright Fest, Nox will oversee all 300 characters in the park and reside in the Gates of Hell. Nox’s character was developed by Six Flags Great America in tandem with Anthony Kosart from syfy’s Face Off.

Gates of Hell – NEW – Nox is looking for more souls to take and if you are brave you can enter his realm in the Gates of Hell. The Gates of Hell features 6 different haunted experiences in one all surrounded by the House of Torment which Nox calls home. Demons in each of these areas are competing to capture the most souls to deliver to Nox and they will do anything to win the battle. You will be lucky to escape with your soul so enter only if you dare. Additional fee required.

Apocalypse: Zombie Experience – NEW – Zombies have taken over and we need your help! These zombies are starving and they only have an appetite for your flesh. Try to make it through alive, but be careful because they haven’t eaten in a while. Better your chances of survival by going to the next level and renting a machine gun to shoot them before they bite. Additional fee required.

LightMosFEAR – NEW – Enjoy the largest Halloween lightshow on the world’s largest carousel! This spectacular lighting experience has over 70,000 points of light and 500 channels of animation.

Fear Haunted House – In the depths of the Bermuda Triangle you will encounter your most primal fear…darkness. Without a sliver of light and only instinct to guide, will you survive? Additional fee required.

The Abyss – Countless occurrences have been recorded of the Bermuda Triangle with each tale as mysterious as the next and all left unanswered. Anything could happen when left alone in the Abyss. Additional fee required.

Massacre Medical Center – This decrepit hospital was rumored to be vacated of patients and doctors years ago following a great massacre. Passersby near the hospital recall eerie noises and unexplainable images in the building – begging the question… who or what lurks within? Additional fee required.

Manslaughter Manor – This manor, tucked away in the Southwest Hills, has the reputation for being cursed by the residents of Skull Valley. Do you dare enter? Additional fee required.

Fright Fest haunted house wristbands provide an unlimited day of access to all six Fright Fest attractions. For more information, visit http://frightfest.sixflags.com/greatamerica. Haunted mazes and houses are not included in general admission.

Fright Fest begins September 26 and runs weekends through November 1. Hours are Fridays 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-midnight, Sundays 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and  Columbus Day 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Fright Fest remains family-friendly until 6 p.m. with the children’s areas as scare-free zones and a trick-or-treat trail in Apocalypse.

Premier Rides President Jim Seay Receives Cavanaugh Award from ASTM

Joe Kleiman
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Premier Rides President Jim Seay Receives Cavanaugh Award from ASTM

ABOVE (left to right): Greg Hale, Vice President and Chief Safety Officer, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Jim Seay, President, Premier Rides, Inc., Jim Pattison, Jr., President, Ripley Entertainment

West Conshohocken, PA, USA — Jim Seay, president of Premier Rides, is a recipient of the prestigious ASTM International 2015 William T. Cavanaugh Memorial Award. Seay was honored for his extraordinary contributions to the field of international voluntary standards for the amusement industry.

The Cavanaugh Memorial Award commemorates W. T. Cavanaugh, chief executive officer of ASTM from 1970 to 1985, who firmly established ASTM International as the world leader in the development and dissemination of voluntary consensus standards.

A member and past chairman of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices, Seay has promoted the use, application, harmonization and adoption of ASTM amusement standards around the world. The committee maintains a strong international membership because of his efforts, which have contributed to the voluntary global use of ASTM standards for safer amusement attractions in countries all over the world. His contributions have also helped promote F24’s responsive development of standards for newer attractions such as ziplines and trampoline parks in recent years. Seay has been an ASTM member since 1989.

A graduate of Cornell University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Seay did graduate studies at California State University Long Beach. He was an aerospace engineer at Hughes Aircraft and then an engineering and maintenance executive at Six Flags Theme Parks Inc., before joining Premier Rides Inc. in 1995 as executive vice president of engineering. He was named president the following year. A designer and manufacturer of roller coasters and other amusement rides and attractions, Premier Rides has worked with some of the largest theme park companies, including Six Flags, Universal Studios and Disney. Seay leads a global team of ride design, operation and maintenance professionals who have helped create and introduce magnetically launched roller coasters and the world’s tallest looping coaster, among many other accomplishments.

Seay has testified before the U.S. Congress during a review of the effectiveness of the U.S. standards system, and is a frequent speaker at amusement industry events all over the world. A member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), he serves on the IAAPA Foundation Board of Directors and as well as its Government Relations and Safety Committees. He received the prestigious IAAPA Lifetime Service Award in 2013 for his long-term industry achievements and dedication.

Outside ASTM, Seay is a member of the AIMS International Board which provides the largest industry safety seminar in the world, the Themed Entertainment Association, the National Safety Council, the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions and the New Jersey Amusement Association.  He also serves on a number of philanthropic Boards such as the Living Classrooms Foundation in Baltimore, Maryland.

Ninjas Arriving at LEGOLAND California in 2016 with Unique Triotech Ride Experience

Joe Kleiman
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Ninjas Arriving at LEGOLAND California in 2016 with Unique Triotech Ride Experience

Carlsbad, CA, USA — Taiko drummers, ninja warriors and a Spinjitzu Master filled the theater with energy as LEGOLAND California Resort  announced the addition of a new NINJAGO land coming in 2016 introducing, NINJAGO – The Ride.  After sharing the successes of 2015, General Manager Peter Ronchetti offered details of the exciting new land and unmasked the new ride which features technology guests have never experienced at any other theme park in the world.

Guests will enter the new NINJAGO land through a giant archway behind Imagination Zone leading them into a courtyard where they begin their ninja training. The new land features LEGO building stations, a game to test reflexes, spinners to test balance, Asian cuisine and a new shopping venue. Interactive experiences will test guests’ physical skills, balance and agility before they can prep for their ultimate training session: NINJAGO – The Ride.

NINJAGO – The Ride is manufactured by Triotech, a world leader in media based interactive attractions, and features cutting-edge technology that enables guests to control the outcome of their adventure through the power of their hand gestures. Through 3D imagery, high-tech sensors and the use of hand movements in a striking motion, up to four riders per car, representing the four main NINJAGO characters, can blast animated fireballs, lightning, shockwaves and ice as they travel through dojos to master their skills before heading into battle.  Riders collect points for their training and battle efforts throughout the ride and scores are displayed when their quest is completed. 4D effects such as heat, smoke and wind are also incorporated throughout the adventure, giving guests the ultimate interactive experience.

“I am proud and thrilled to say that this is our eleventh straight year of continuous attendance growth and we attribute much of this to our winning formula of providing our guests a family environment filled with fun, interactive experiences that create lasting memories. NINJAGO –The Ride will be the ultimate experience providing interactive fun for all,” said Ronchetti.

Based on the popular property LEGO NINJAGO, which is brought to life by The LEGO Group through a line of construction toys and a TV series on Cartoon Network, guests will enjoy interactive elements and this new ride featuring key characters. For the first time, immersed into the NINJAGO universe, guests can train like a Spinjitzu Master, learn to harness the power of the four elements and use teamwork to battle the Great Devourer.

LEGO NINJAGO tells the story of four young ninja heroes – Kai, Jay, Cole and Zane – who train under the watchful eye of Master Wu to master an ancient martial art – Spinjitzu. LEGO NINJAGO is one of the most successful LEGO properties.  This year, brand new episodes of the popular series, NINJAGO:  Masters of Spinjitzu, aired on Cartoon Network and 22 new building sets loaded with features and functions were released.

The ninja excitement will be felt around the globe as NINJAGO – The Ride is being unveiled at both LEGOLAND California Resort and LEGOLAND Billund Resort in 2016.

WhiteWater Helps Waterbom Bali Achieve Green Operations Goals

Joe Kleiman
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0
WhiteWater Helps Waterbom Bali Achieve Green Operations Goals

ABOVE (from left to right): Sean Hinton, Paul Chutter, Geoff Chutter, Santo Gulino

Richmond, BC, Canada (September 15, 2015) — Waterbom Bali‘s vision since opening nearly 23 years ago has been to be the safest, greenest, and cleanest waterpark in the world. Santo Gulino, Waterbom Bali’s GM & Owner, has been very thoughtful in ensuring that every decision made in regard to the park stays in line with his vision, including choosing the best suppliers for the job. 23 years ago, there was not a single WhiteWater product in sight, but it soon became clear that WhiteWater’s waterpark products were the best choice to support the long term vision of Waterbom Bali.

“My first step in working with WhiteWater was purchasing our AquaPlay from Andrew Wray. His approach was very different from the previous companies I had worked with,” commented Santo Gulino, “It was refreshing to work with a company where the client is valued more than the money.”

Constrictor+Python - Waterbom Bali

A natural partnership formed between WhiteWater and Waterbom Bali as two companies that consider safety their #1 priority along with excellent service and satisfied customers. “My goal is to make people happy and working with WhiteWater supports that goal. It’s not about the theming that makes the park, it’s the product the customer is using,” explains Santo.

After the initial installation by WhiteWater at the Balinese waterpark in the early 2000s, Santo worked to replace all existing attractions with WhiteWater products. On a never-ending quest to offer the best to its guests, Waterbom Bali underwent multiple phases of renovations and unveiled a number of WhiteWater innovations including the Boomerango and the world’s only looping waterslide, the AquaLoop.

Thrill complex - Waterbom Bali (10)

In 2014, after an expansion that revealed the world’s first Constrictor + Python Fusion Waterslide, 80% of Waterbom Bali’s products were supplied by WhiteWater. Following the demolition of the last non-WhiteWater slide complex, Santo introduced his guests to six brand new high-thrill waterslides and a FlowRider this past July.

For Santo, it was an easy decision, “the WhiteWater team has stood behind us over the past 15 years and continuously provided us with a safe product for our guests to enjoy”, says Santo, “We are proud to be 100% a WhiteWater park.”

All of the hard work has paid off. The tropical waterpark enjoys the title of #1 waterpark in Asia and third in the world as rated by guests through TripAdvisor, the popular travel review website. They have incorporated eco-friendly operations including energy efficient LED lights, intensive water recycling and a sustainable environment where 68% of the park’s footprint is gardens. These efforts have also granted them the Silver EarthCheck certification, a global benchmark for sustainable tourism.

2016 IPS Conference in Warsaw Now Accepting Submissions

Joe Kleiman
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2016 IPS Conference in Warsaw Now Accepting Submissions

ABOVE: Copernicus Science Centre. Photo by  Agata Steifer.

Marietta, OH, USA — The 2016 IPS Conference will take place in Warsaw, Poland, June 19-24, 2016 and will be hosted by the Copernicus Science Centre. Proposals may be submitted until October 20, 2015 online via the registration form on the conference website http://www.ips2016.org/.

Information on the Conference Theme and proposed Session Subjects can be found in the program section.

During the IPS 2016 Conference, organizers intend to devote a large amount of attention to working under the dome. “We will show interesting commercial presentations involving new technologies, as well as typical planetarium productions (both fulldome animations and live shows) during sessions. All of these demonstrations will be inspiring and provoke the exchanging of experiences and ideas for the future. We look forward to your innovative, fresh and smart session proposals in line with the theme and proposed session subjects.”

Please consider the following:

  • –Proposals will be evaluated and discussed in November 2015.  The selected speakers will be notified about the acceptance of their paper/panel/workshop and its presentation time by the end of 2015. Do not hesitate to share comments or suggestions – input is valuable and will help to ensure the continued success of the IPS 2016 Conference.
  • –Presentations will be limited to 10 minutes with an additional 5 minutes for discussion.
  • –In some cases, the conference reserves the right to reassign presentations to a different session or propose a different format.
  • –Panels and workshops typically will be limited to 60 minutes. The session moderator will enforce these limits.
  • –Paper/panel/workshop sessions may not be used to make sales presentations. Vendors who wish to make sales presentations should register as a sponsor.
  • –Abstracts must be followed by a full papers, to be published in conference proceedings. Please submit complete papers by June 19, 2016. Authors who do not submit complete paper will not be allowed to make their presentations.

We are very much looking forward to your valuable input and thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Should you have any questions regarding sessions, email to: [email protected]

PortAventura Commits to International Standards in Environmental and Social Principles When Selecting Vendors

Joe Kleiman
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PortAventura Commits to International Standards in Environmental and Social Principles When Selecting Vendors

London, UK – To coincide with its twentieth anniversary, PortAventura has embarked on an ambitious CSR activity with the aim of contributing to a sustainable and high-quality tourism model. Through the activation of a new supplier portal, the company aims to set certain standards for inclusion on the company’s supplier panel, including a commitment to shared environmental and social principles.

Since its creation in 1995, PortAventura has developed a sustainable, as well as profitable business model. In 2007 the company adopted an integrated view of social action by adherence to the 10 principles of conduct of the United Nations Global Compact on human rights, labour standards, environment and the fight against corruption.

PortAventura, recognising the impact of tourism on the world, has decided to create a network of suppliers who share – and put into practice – the same principles as those within the United Nations Global Compact followed by the company.

Once the supplier has registered on the newly developed portal, a step-by-step approval process begins for the supplier wishing to work with PortAventura. The potential supplier will have to make specific commitments linked to, among other areas, environmental management and human resources policy.

Depending on the final evaluation they may or may not be permitted to enter a commercial relationship with the company. On top of that, every five years each supplier will be reviewed by PortAventura to certify that required standards are maintained.

The portal can be accessed by all national and international companies here.

With the creation of this ethical purchasing network, PortAventura intends to establish a model that will potentially be adopted by other tourism companies. This initiative highlights once again PortAventura’s commitment to sustainability, quality and excellence in the travel industry.

 

Europa-Park Introduces Virtual Reality Ride on Classic Alpenexpress Coaster

Joe Kleiman
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Europa-Park Introduces Virtual Reality Ride on Classic Alpenexpress Coaster

ABOVE: Michael Mack, Managing Director MackMedia, Thomas Wagner, Managing Director VR Coaster (first row, right to left), Roland and Jürgen Mack, (Managing Partners Europa-Park, right to left)

Rust, Germany (September 17, 2015) — Beginning today, visitors to Europa-Park can soar through digital worlds on a real roller coaster. On the “Alpenexpress VR-Ride“ roller coaster in the Austrian-themed section, passengers are able to enjoy an adventure never experienced before using virtual reality glasses. Futuristic worlds unfold before vistitors’ eyes, while they simultaneously experience the rushing air, centrifugal force and twists and turns of a real-life roller coaster ride. This innovation has been made possible through cooperation between the companies VR Coaster, Mack Rides, MackMedia and Samsung, all of which are breaking new ground on the global leisure park scene with this virtual reality (VR) offering.

Riding a roller coaster at Europa-Park is a special experience. Guests on board will be subjected to changes in speed, rushing air and gravitational forces. Elaborate themed worlds round off the rides. Now, this experience is extended at Germany’s largest leisure park to include VR technology, making it even more intense. This adventure, which can be experienced on the “Alpenexpress VR-Ride“ in the Austrian-themed section, is made possible by a virtual reality (VR) headset – also called VR glasses.

Join Ed Euromaus on a wild ride

Visitors are given VR glasses in the entrance area to the “Alpenexpress VR-Ride”. During the ride, users are able to see an animated 3D world in front of their eyes that perfectly matches the actual track. The VR-Ride adventure is based on the first 4D film by MackMedia, “The Mystery of Castle Balthasar”. Visitors are immersed in the world of Ed Euromaus and his friends and experience a wild ride in a mine cart, before riding on a dragon back to the world of Europa-Park. Up to 2,000 visitors can enjoy the VR-Ride every day.

ThirdPicture_01

The most elaborate themed worlds are possible

This completely new ride sensation is due to the precise synchronization of the VR headset with the actual roller coaster ride. The ride uses sensors to orient the film to the speed and position of the roller coaster, enabling the real movements to be experienced in the virtual world. The VR coaster technology was developed as part of a collaboration between VR Coaster, Mack Rides and MackMedia, which are responsible for Europa-Park content-related and operational design. ‘The VR glasses create an immersive experience that would be almost impossible to surpass. For the first time, we are able to place an attraction in any themed world and seamlessly increase the intensity of the experience for visitors,’ explains Steffen Kottkamp, Director of MackCreative at Europa-Park: ‘The future of the roller coaster lies in a combination of real physical forces and appropriate thematic content. Using VR, we can create a much more elaborate and interactive themed world.’

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Get started with an “EMOTION PLUS” ticket

All visitors to the park can take advantage of the VR-Ride offer if they have an “EMOTIONS PLUS” ticket, are Annual Ticket holders or are a guest at one of the five 4-star hotels at Europa-Park. Visitors who have not yet bought the classic “emotion” ticket can get one at all larger shops at Europa-Park and upgrade it to an “EMOTIONS PLUS” ticket at the information desks by the tower or lake. This means that visitors will be able to use the VR-Ride offer on the same day if seats are available.

Users of the “Alpenexpress VR-Ride“ must be at least 12 years old and taller than 100cm.

Generous discounts for VR passengers 

The VR experience will be free of charge to visitors for a month. From 17th October, there will be a charge for the VR-Ride. It will cost €4.00 per person per ride. Visitors will receive a voucher worth €2.00 for each ride they purchase. This can be redeemed for a VR-Ride T-shirt or the soundtrack CD “The Time Carousel”, reducing the respective price by €2.00. Vouchers must be redeemed by the end of the winter season 2015/16.

JRA Designing Water Theme Park as Part of Dh20-billion Sharjah Riverfront City

Joe Kleiman
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0
JRA Designing Water Theme Park as Part of Dh20-billion Sharjah Riverfront City

United Arab Emirates – Jack Rouse Associates is pleased to announce that is providing planning and preliminary concept design for Crystal Lagoon Water Theme Park, part of the Dh20-billion Sharjah Riverfront City. The park will have 40 water and dry rides, including a coaster that combines the action of a water ride with the interactivity of a video game, making it the first of its kind in the Middle East. Sharjah Riverfront City promises to be a blockbuster attraction – the largest commercial, residential and tourism development in Sharjah. Not only will the park and surrounding development provide entertainment for Emirati families and visitors, it will also infuse billions into the Sharjah economy.

The launch of Sharjah Riverfront City was announced by Hayssam El Masri, president of Sharjah Oasis Real Estate and Sheikh Abdullah Shkara, Chaiman of Al Hanoo Real Estate Co.

El Masri commented on the launch of the project: “We have launched Sharjah Waterfront City keeping in line with Sharjah’s development plans to attract 10 million visitors to its emirate by 2021. These robust plans will increase demand for residential and commercial units as well as hotels, especially in prime locations that offer all modern facilities. We can proudly say Sharjah Waterfront City will be able to match the demands and provide the desired quality of living.

“The real estate market in this region has been stable and we are thrilled to have launched Sharjah Waterfront City at the right time in the right location.”

Sheikh Abdullah Shkara, Chaiman of Al Hanoo Real Estate Co. added: “We have invested a lot in this project and we are delighted to see Sharjah Oasis Real Estate Development doing a tremendous job in the construction of Sharjah Waterfront City. We believe this project will be the heartbeat of the city’s tourism 2021 vision.”

Dusit – Sharjah Waterfront City and Shaza – Sharjah Waterfront City (a Kempinski affiliate) are the first two hotels to sign the agreement with Sharjah Waterfront City. The hotels are expected to start construction by the last quarter of 2016 and expected to open to public in 2019.

Dusit – Sharjah Waterfront City will be an entry level five Star Hotel with minimum of 200 Keys. There will also be a Serviced Residence component of a minimum of 200 Keys which includes facilities such as Male & Female Spas, Health & Fitness Centre, Pool, Meeting Facilities and Business Centre/Lounge.

Shaza – Sharjah Waterfront City Hotel will meet the standards of an international five-star luxury hotel. It will comprise of approximately 300 hotel keys and 350 serviced apartments. The Hotel element will also include the Shaza “Hammam & Spa” facility, a fitness facility, appropriate food and beverage outlets, banqueting and conference facilities, the Shaza Kids’ Club, a “Library Lounge” and other recreational facilities, retail space and adequate parking space.

Sharjah Waterfront City - Image 3

The real estate company also announced its partnership with Invest Bank on funding the project. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two parties has been signed to fund the first phase of the project.

“After carefully assessing the project, we realized the potential and the impact it will have on the community in Sharjah. Currently we are funding the first phase of the project which is expected to be completed by 2016, also we are considering the possibility of financing the remaining phases; and to finance the Sharjah waterfront City end users subject to Bank’s terms and conditions.” said Sami Rashid Farahat GM of Invest Bank.

Sharjah Waterfront City is a newly anticipated real estate project that suits its own nature and landscape creating a luxurious and environmental friendly city, in a family oriented experience where residents will run-through the true meaning of a utopian lifestyle combined with the equality of opportunity and possibility.

Sharjah Waterfront City, spread across 36 km of coastline with a total area of 60 million Sq. ft. providing a fully advanced residential, commercial, and tourism development project in the region.

Al Hanoo Group, is a pioneering group with impeccable real estate development credentials. Established 38 years ago, in 1972, with its headquarters in KSA, Al Hanoo Group has become one of the leading real estate master-developers in the GCC region. The Group has already established its credentials in the region, when it launched the successful Al Hanoo Industrial City and Emirates Industrial City in Sharjah; this success has ensured the launch of the iconic Sharjah Waterfront City Project, to continue the series of successes.

Monster Mini Golf Location in Connecticut Adds Laser Tag from Creative Works

Joe Kleiman
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0
Monster Mini Golf Location in Connecticut Adds Laser Tag from Creative Works

Orange, CT, USA — Monster Mini Golf is a popular attraction with 29 locations across the United States and Canada. When husband and wife owners Carol Gemayel and Mark Barra were looking to bring good, affordable family entertainment to their community, they felt that Monster Mini Golf was the perfect franchise to get them into the family entertainment industry. “We have seen over the years a lack of good quality, wholesome family entertainment for families to choose from so we decided to bring some excitement to these communities and to bring people together in a fun, safe environment,” said Mark Barra.

After running a successful facility in Danbury, CT, when they were ready to open a second Monster Mini Golf in Orange, CT, they wanted their second location to have something that would set it apart from other Monster Mini Golf locations. The franchise’s popular monster themed 18-hole indoor glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course, 30 state-of-the-art games for the arcade section and two fully decorated and “furnished” party rooms were already on the drawing board for the 12,000 sq ft facility but they wanted something unique to the new location.

Monster Mini Golf 2

After conducting what Barra calls an “exhaustive research into what people of all ages want to spend their entertainment dollars on,” the decision to add laser tag was clear. “Laser tag is fun, exciting, challenging, team building and more. We felt it was a natural extension to a center offering fun and excitement,” said Barra. The husband and wife team first heard of Creative Works from attending trade shows in Las Vegas and others across the country. They spoke to the team in depth and also attended the company’s LaserTAG360 educational event. “We spoke to them all, interviewed them all and made what we feel was a very well informed decision to use Creative Works as our arena builder and partner,” added Barra.

Plans to add the 2,500 sq ft laser tag section to the single story miniature golf course facility required the construction of a steel mezzanine to create a second level structure. The structure includes a lounge “where you can get a bird’s eye view of all the action,” said Barra. The couple chose the Cyber Quest theme for the laser tag arena to complement their facility. “We wanted to tie in somewhat to our Monster Mini Golf theme where we had several alien props and artwork,” said Barra. The galactic space theme consists of walls painted with a high-tech 3D glowing circuit panel design with interconnecting fluorescent trace lines. Cosmic interplanetary murals fill the walls and help immerse the players in this futuristic landscape as they move through the maze of circuits and transducers. Windows were added to the waiting room so players can get a sneak peek of the excitement within the arena before entering.

Monster Mini Golf 3

The Barras are happy to hold the title of being the first Monster Mini Golf to offer laser tag. “Laser tag has added another revenue stream to our business and variety for our customers,” added Mark Barra. Although the Orange location has only been open for about seven weeks, they have already seen the addition of a laser tag arena increase revenues by about 25% compared to other locations.

“Creative Works bent over backwards to meet our very tight timelines and offered a tremendous product that has met to rave reviews for our customers,” added Mark.

Monster Mini Golf is located in the Christmas Tree Plaza at 210 Indian River Road in Orange, CT. They are open seven days a week with extended hours Thursday to Sunday.

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