Sip and swing

Fun new golf-themed entertainment complex swings into far north Fort Worth

Now that looks like a fun time.

Facebook/BigShots

A massive new golf-themed entertainment center is officially in the game in far north Fort Worth. BigShots Golf broke ground October 29 in Champion Circle on 11.4 acres near Marriott Champion Circle and Golf Club.

Just the second BigShots in the country, when it opens, the "eatertainment" venue will have 56 driving range bays on two stories. It also will have 3,500 square feet of meeting space, an outdoor putting green, an activity center for kids, a golf academy that can be used for year-round training, and a full restaurant and bar serving American fare, signature cocktails, and special menu items such as sushi.

If you're thinking it sounds a lot like TopGolf, you've got the concept right.

BigShots is being developed by O'Reilly Hospitality Management based in Springfield, Missouri, which also runs the Champions Circle Marriott Hotel Complex.

“We are so very excited to bring BigShots Golf to Fort Worth," says CEO Tim O’Reilly in a release. "BigShots Golf is unique due to its amazing technology that includes a Doppler radar tracking system, games, and sophisticated virtual course play, allowing our guests to play courses all over the world."

The cutting-edge golf and entertainment venue is intended for players of all ages and skill levels. Avid golfers can play full rounds on virtual golf courses, and non-golfing players, families, and children can take part in games such as Knockout and Pinball, as well other fun, interactive activities.

The only other BigShots is in Vero Beach, Florida.

According to the BigShots website, an avid golfer and tech-industry veteran named Jason Payne thought up and developed BigShots Golf in 2013. In 2018, BigShots entered a joint venture with Dallas-based ClubCorp, and franchise opportunities became available in 2019.

BigShots is part of a once-sleepy far north Fort Worth/Alliance corridor near Texas Motor Speedway that also includes Buc-ees travel center, Tanger Outlet Mall, and more bustling retail and office development.

"The addition of BigShots Golf to our Marriott complex and golf course, along with the new 'Paddock' event barn, is transforming the area into an exciting destination experience,” O'Reilly says.

BigShots is expected to open in August 2020.

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Roller Coaster News

Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington bids farewell to 2 roller coasters

Six Flags

Six Flags Over Texas El Diablo roller coaster, RIP.

Amusement park operator Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is investing more than $1 billion in its theme parks over the next two years, with an array of enhancements for Six Flags Over Texas — including a record-breaking dive roller coaster, slated to launch at the Arlington theme park in 2026.

They'll also give Hurricane Harbor Arlington the largest investment in its history, with the introduction of a massive interactive kids area, Splash Island.

Waterparks and water features have become an increasingly popular category, aided by technological advancements such as man-made surf machines. According to a report by Hotel & Leisure Advisors, 16 indoor waterparks opened or expanded in 2023, and 12 new outdoor waterparks opened. The largest new outdoor waterpark of the year was Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, featuring 11 slides, a lazy river, pools, and swim-up bars.

“Six Flags is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences and will be implementing a wide array of enhancements throughout the property. Our park's multi-year expansion plans will bring major investments including cutting-edge thrill rides, revitalized family experiences, elevated dining and expanded events,” says the park's president Richard Douaihy in a statement.

And now the sad news. To make room for the all-new dive coaster they're installing at Six Flags, they're retiring two roller coasters:

La Vibora, a steel bobsled-style roller coaster, which opened in 1986
El Diablo, known as a giga loop coaster, which has been in operation since 2019

The rides’ retirement enables the park to make way for a new generation of thrill machines in the Spain section of the park.

'We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our guests' passion. These changes are an important part of our growth and dedication to delivering exceptional new experiences. We look forward to sharing more details this summer,” Douaihy says.

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