The golf entertainment enterprise said it will build on its surging popularity through a broad search for new locations in smaller and mid-sized U.S. cities, in addition to major markets. New regions under consideration include New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La., Fort Myers/Naples, Fla., and Providence, R.I.
Topgolf(®, the golf entertainment enterprise that has seen its popularity surge throughout the U.S., announced that it plans to pursue aggressive expansion through “a broad search for new locations in smaller and mid-size cities, in addition to major U.S. markets.” New regions under consideration, Topgolf announced include New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La.; Huntsville, Ala.; northwest Arkansas; Providence, R.I.; Fort Myers/Naples, Fla.; Greenville, S.C.; Albuquerque, N.M.; McAllen and El Paso, Texas, and more.
There are currently 24 Topgolf venues open worldwide and nine under construction throughout the U.S., and dozens of more locations are under contract or in firm negotiations for expected 2017 and 2018 openings, said Topgolf’s Vice President of Real Estate Development, Zach Shor. In January, Topgolf Entertainment Group (TEG), the parent holding company of Topgolf, formed an international division to begin its expansion abroad. Topgolf also will remain focused on the top 50 U.S. metropolitan statistical areas, with additional concentration on California expansion, the company said.
“As we look to grow the Topgolf global community, we are excited to introduce our concept both online and in-venue in cities of all sizes,” said Erik Anderson, Co-Chairman and CEO of Topgolf Entertainment Group. “Our new investment partner, Providence Equity, equips us with additional resources to accelerate, broaden and deepen our expanding presence in the U.S and beyond.”
Topgolf offers competitive golfing games for all ages and skill levels and advanced technology to track players’ shots. Most Topgolf venues are three levels and include 102 climate-controlled hitting bays that can host up to six players at one time. Players hit golf balls containing computer microchips that track each shot’s accuracy and distance, while awarding points for hitting targets on the outfield.
Locations also feature as many as 230 high-definition flat-screen TVs, music and an extensive food-and-beverage menu. The locations also offer Topgolf U lessons, leagues, tournaments, KidZone parties and social and corporate events.
Its current 24 locations are serving 8 million guests annually, the company said. “Our openings in Oklahoma City [Okla.] and Virginia Beach [Va.] have shown us that Topgolf can thrive in areas that are less densely populated than we had originally been targeting,” Shor said. Future venues, he added, could vary slightly in design, with architectural decisions based on the local climate, demographics, available acreage and more.
“Communities of all sizes are reaching out to Topgolf seeking additional entertainment options for residents, and now we can say these areas are under serious consideration,” Shor said. “We are looking forward to growing not only the Topgolf concept but the game of golf itself.”
Topgolf encouraged interested city officials and real estate professionals who have questions about the development process to contact the Topgolf Real Estate Development Department via e-mail at [email protected].
Topgolf also released an announcement that is 25th location, in a 65,000-sq. ft. venue in Midvale, Utah that will serve the Salt Lake City region, will open in mid-May. The company said that approximately 450 new jobs have been posted online at topgolf.com/careers, and that auditions for the positions will begin later this month. Available positions include servers, bartenders, kitchen, maintenance, guest services staff and more. Interested applicants should register to audition at an upcoming recruitment event, Topgolf said, which noted that its recruitment events are “unlike any typical job interview.”
The auditions are “interactive, high-energy and fun,” with activities that include:
- Team-building challenges
- An “Idea Factory” where applicants “get creative to plan a special event for Topgolf”
- “X-Factor-style” panel interviews where “applicants speak or perform for 90 seconds about a topic of their choice”
- One-on-one interviews
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