MASHANTUCKET, CT—At Foxwoods Resort Casino, guests are in for an experience as Topgolf is ready to tee off its new suite and lounge for the 21-and-over crowd.
“Topgolf is a global sports and entertainment community connecting fans in meaningful ways through the experiences we create and the innovation we champion, so investing in golf simulation was a no-brainer,” said Ron Powers, president, Topgolf Swing Suite and Lounge. “This technology’s value is that we can reach more guests and create moments that matter for more people by partnering with facilities in dense urban areas; we can be an ingredient brand within a hospitality environment, like Foxwoods, and allow our partners to benefit from the wild popularity of the Topgolf brand.”
Foxwoods’ Topgolf Swing Suite includes two simulator bays, which fit up to eight people each, that provide guests the opportunity to play the popular Topgolf Swing Suite target game along with popular games such as Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey Shots and Baseball Pitching. For those feeling nostalgic, there are throwback arcade games. For additional entertainment and fun, there’s a DJ booth, lounge seating and a full-service craft bar.
Within the first eight months of operation, the Swing Suite totaled over 33,000 covers.
“With Topgolf Swing Suite, we wanted to replicate the Topgolf experience, where more than 50% of guests are between the ages of 18-34,” said Powers. “But the Swing Suite is designed to be everyone’s game, including families, golfers and non-golfers. In addition to Topgolf target games, we have a wide variety of games including zombie dodgeball, soccer, football, baseball and carnival games.”
“This facility offers 21-and-over guests an unmatched, cutting-edge bar experience that goes well beyond others that primarily focus on golf,” said Jason Guyot, SVP, resort operations at Foxwoods Resort Casino. “Alongside the vast assortment of simulated games, guests will also enjoy an unparalleled array of entertainment, craft beverages and high-end food options—truly providing all you need for an unforgettable night.”
Foxwoods partnered with Topgolf on the suite to create a space that would attract and retain a new demographic. “They focused on creating a unique space that integrated traditional gaming into a more modern, millennial-friendly environment,” said Powers.
Experiences are trending with millennials, but it hasn’t translated to casinos. According to the Illinois Better Government Association, “millennials, practically weaned online, are embracing e-sports, fantasy sports and skill-gaming while shunning the slot machines and table gaming that long lured their parents to casinos.”
Powers suggests that this offering could be worthwhile. “Rather than adding traditional slot machines and table gaming, hotel-casino operators may want to consider implementing virtual and video gaming experiences like Topgolf Swing Suite to provide the interactive and social experience that the millennial demographic is currently seeking,” he said.
