IF YOU GO
WHAT: Main Event Entertaiment
WHERE: 9477 Oxford Way, West Chester Twp., inside the Streets of West Chester shopping center
HOURS: 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday.
CONTACT: 513-777-1700
When Main Event Entertainment unveils its first Ohio location Tuesday in West Chester, it will be the 26th nationwide of the bowling-anchored entertainment center.
The business is bringing in new features to the market, as well as some already featured at existing business, including The Web Extreme Entertainment in Liberty Twp.
“Obviously, when you have a competitor come into town you’re going to say it’s probably going to affect us but we’re not really terribly concerned with it,” said Jerry Weber, who opened The Web in 2010. “We think that there’s probably enough demand in the Cincinnati market for several venues.”
Both businesses features laser tag, video games and a restaurants. The Web also includes go-karting, miniature golf and mini-bowling. Last year it added live-action feature “Trapped in a Room with a Zombie,” which challenges contestants to solve a puzzle and escape a room before a “zombie” reaches them. The attraction’s laser tag arena will be upgraded next month with a high-tech, multimedia video mission briefing.
“We constantly are making changes and upgrades,” Weber said.
Wayne Stancil, vice president of operations for Main Event Entertainment, said the area’s demographics factored greatly into the Dallas-based business’ decision to build in Butler County.
“It’s a perfect mix for Main Event and who our core customer is, lots of young families and that single, millennial demographic,” he said. “That’s what makes West Chester so attractive. It’s … a great place to be.”
Trustee Lee Wong said Main Event Entertainment was perfect for the area and people of all ages, especially local youth.
“This is entertainment on steroids,” Wong said.
Several people checked out the new 49,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility during a preview Sunday and spoke glowingly of its 22 bowling lanes, gravity ropes course, multi-level laser tag arena, interactive games, dining options and full bar.
“It’s a great family venue, it’s a good time to get family and friends together and hang out for a couple of hours,” said Todd Smith, of West Chester Twp., as he played a game of pool with his son. “He’s very excited about it and he loves the place, (especially) the laser tag.”
Randy Clement, of Cincinnati, said Main Event rated “at the top with all of its competitors.”
“It’s the cleanest and brightest and probably has the best amenities,” he said after exiting the gravity ropes course with his wife, Ashley.
“You can really bring anyone of any age and there’s something to do for everyone,” she said.
Eric Meade, of West Chester Twp., who bowled with his wife Tara and 6-year-old daughter Ellie called the place “pretty awesome with fantastic food” and praised its family-friendly atmosphere.
“We also like that you can play for a whole hour as much as you want,” Tara Meade said. “It’s based on a time and not per game, so we’re into our second game already.”
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